It's a crucial setback for Gilas.
Gilas Pilipinas will wrap up its training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy and the team’s next stop will be in Europe where tune-up games against several international squads are already waiting. In an Instagram post during Gilas’ final practice in Calamba, Laguna, Philippine men’s basketball team head coach Chot Reyes gave an update on the health status of Gilas naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
According to the longtime Gilas mentor, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel resident import underwent a non-basketball medical procedure, which has put him on the sidelines in the current phase of Gilas’ preparations for the FIBA World Cup.
“Warming up for our last practice here at the Inspire camp,” Reyes said on his post.
“For those who are asking, Justin Brownlee had to undergo a non-basketball medical procedure. So, he will just meet us in Estonia,” the veteran tactician continued.
The news must be jarring, especially for Gilas and Ginebra fans. Brownlee is fresh off leading Gilas to its successful redemption tour in the 32nd edition of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. In his stint with the national team for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, JB averaged 29 points and 8 boards in two games.
With his stellar showing, Brownlee has been one of the leading candidates, alongside Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson, to be Gilas’ reinforcement in FIBA’s flagship event. That’s why knowing of the three-time PBA Best Import awardee’s ailment is quite a letdown. The hope now is that Justin Noypi is on his way to full recovery.