Let the debates begin anew.
Yes, we are totally asking this question again.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has found itself in a luxury of a situation where it has to pick a reinforcement for the FIBA World Cup in August.
It had been a long, winding, tough journey to get Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson to wear the Philippine jersey. And it was very fun to see the 2020-2021 NBA Sixth Man of the Year playing with Kai Sotto and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas during the Asian Qualifiers.
And then you have naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee, who just bailed out Gilas Pilipinas with his patented three-pointers to beat 2021 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Indonesia in the semifinals of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games en route to the 2023 gold medal in Cambodia.
Even PBA Governors' Cup Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has a hard time choosing between Clarkson and Brownlee.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes reiterated, no one has any lock on anything.
"We still have not made that decision," Reyes told One News' The Big Story on Thursday night.
"When I say that nobody has a lock on any slot, it is a real and honest statement. Not even Justin, not even Jordan."
There's plenty of factors for the SBP to consider, such as skills and schedules.
"Economics, to be very honest about it, to be very frank," Reyes added. "Economics is also going to be an issue."
Brownlee though is willing to wear the flag again, but maybe not under taxing conditions.
"I'd play anytime, as long as it don't kill me," he joked to One Sports' Paolo del Rosario after Gilas Pilipinas won the gold medal in the SEA Games.
"I love representing the Philippines, I'm gonna keep representing the flag."