JUSTIN Brownlee has won six PBA titles in a storied career as an import for Ginebra, endearing himself to Filipino fans.
Brownlee, 35, was not even born yet when the Philippines last ruled the cage tourney of the Asian Games in Jakarta in 1962.
Now a naturalized Filipino, Brownlee’s goal is simple– lead Gilas Pilipinas back to the Promised Land in the 19th edition of the Asiad set Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 in Hangzhou, China.
“I’m just hoping we could go out there and get ourselves prepared,” Brownlee said. “My biggest aim is the gold medal, one game at a time, but it’s like just any other time when you approach these tournaments or games, the main objective is to get the gold.
“Try to go out there and play as hard as you can but I’m sure we’re all aiming to get the gold,” he added.
The 6-foot-5 Brownlee, along with fellow naturalized cagers Ange Kouame and Mo Tautuaa, banners the 12-man Philippine five that also features World Cup holdovers Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and Roger Pogoy.
Completing the Gilas quintet of coach Tim Cone are returning standouts Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo, newcomer Jason Perkins, Calvin Oftana and Chris Newsome, while Stanley Pringle will serve as an alternate.
“I’m very excited. It’s always an honor (to represent the Philippines). I’m excited with the guys on the team,” Brownlee said. “Some of the guys I haven’t been able to play with on the Gilas squad or in the PBA. I’m excited all around.”
While still recovering after going under the knife to remove bone spurs on his foot, Brownlee is convinced he will be ready for the quadrennial showpiece.
“I feel good, (still) not 100 percent coming from surgery (because it) takes time. I’m just trying to get back as much as I can. I feel good (with) minimal pain,” Brownlee said. “I think the main thing is to keep getting better and better with conditioning.”
Donning the country’s tri-colors excites Brownlee after giving way to NBA standout Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz in the recent FIBA World Cup.
“I’m definitely excited to have a bounce back. I think the guys did an incredible job,” he said. “Of course, we didn’t qualify for the Olympics like we wanted to and possibly win a medal, but I’m happy we can bounce back from that and represent the Philippines with pride and great honor.”
Bracketed in Group C, Gilas begins its campaign against Bahrain on Sept. 26.
Jordan, which will parade reigning PBA Governors’ Cup best import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as naturalized player, and Thailand complete the group.
Cone will call the shots for the Filipino dribblers anew after steering the Centennial Team to a bronze medal in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.
Former coach Chot Reyes “stepped” aside after Gilas’ FIBA World Cup stint where it wound up with a 1-4 record.
