Would this impact his availability for the upcoming Asian Games?
Gilas Pilipinas is facing coaching and roster questions ahead of the Asian Games.
There’s Chot Reyes, who has already stepped down from Gilas coaching duties. There’s no immediate replacement in mind especially as one of his assistants, Tim Cone, is not interested in staying without the six-time PBA Coach of the Year also on the sidelines.
There’s the club of Jordan Clarkson, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Rhenz Abando. All six of them, or half of Gilas’ FIBA World Cup roster, are expected to report back to their pro clubs in the NBA, Japan B.League, and KBL.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is aware of all these concerns, and they are game-planning to address these potential voids.
It’s clear to many fans that Justin Brownlee is the next man up. He was, after all, a legitimate option for Gilas’ naturalized slot for the World Cup alongside Clarkson.
Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico, however, bears unwelcome news on Justin Noypi’s health status.
In an interview with News5, Uichico revealed that Brownlee is still recovering from an undisclosed operation. The beloved Barangay Ginebra San Miguel reinforcement is on a day-to-day status.
“He just got operated on and he is still a question day-to-day,” Uichico said.
With the Asian Games slated on the 23rd of September, the three-time PBA Best Import is facing a tight schedule for his recovery.
The silver lining is that the setback doesn’t seem major given the day-to-day tag. All Gilas and Ginebra fans can now hope for is that Brownlee recovers fast enough.
(With reports from Ian Suyu, News5)