JUSTIN Brownlee is seriously practicing “Lupang Hinirang,” the national anthem, and trying out barong Tagalogs to fit his 6-foot-6 frame as he appears before the House Committee on Justice today to begin his naturalization process so he can beef up Gilas Pilipinas when it plays in the sixth and last FIFA World Cup qualifying window in February next year.
“I told Justin to brush up on the Philippine national anthem several times and try out many barongs so he will be ready to appear before Congress tomorrow,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Sonny Barrios said yesterday in the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at the Philippine Sports Commission conference room.
The do-it-all “resident” import of Ginebra San Miguel, a two-time PBA Best Import Awardee, will appear before the committee chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Julie Marie de Leon Ferrer accompanied by Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio and SBP legal counsel Atty. Aga Francisco, according to Barrios.
Barrios said the SBP has been coordinating with the office of party-list Rep. Mikee Romero, Northport team owner and an avid basketball fan, who has filed a resolution supporting the naturalization of the former St. John’s University varsity standout.
With Gilas Pilipinas fresh from its two-game sweep of the fifth FIFA World Cup window over Jordan and Saudi Arabia, the inclusion of Brownlee is seen as a boost to enable the charges of coach Chot Reyes to finish their qualifying drive on high note.
“Given the support of both the House and the Senate for Brownlee’s naturalization, I see no reason why he won’t be naturalized by the time the sixth FIBA World Cup qualifying window is held next year,” Barrios said.
He said the amiable import would be a strong complement to the local charges given his sterling record and work ethic.
