Brownlee's case is supposedly closer to getting a final verdict.
Can Justin Brownlee play for Gilas Pilipinas in 2024?
That’s the hope for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, as the national team gear up for what is another busy year starting with the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February.
Appearing on One PH's Power & Play with former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala, SBP President Al Panlilio provided some updates on Brownlee, after the prolific import's failed doping test during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The three-time PBA Best Import and Asiad gold medalist was found to have traces of carboxy-THC, which is usually linked to cannabis use.
“It finally reached FIBA kasi WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] had a report, it finally reached FIBA I think sometime mid-December, so there were some documentation and some replies that Justin had to do, and he's admitted all of that,” said Panlilio.
“The deadline was last Monday, January 8, so he had submitted that. We're just really waiting for FIBA's final decision,” he added.
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While Brownlee hasn't played since the Asian Games in October, he hasn't been formally suspended yet, if he even receives a suspension. Nevertheless, the SBP is erring on the side of caution with its star naturalized scorer.
"We did guide Justin, 'don't play, stop playing for now.' And whatever decision that comes out, your time served started October 7,” said Panlilio.
“I think we're hoping it's just a short suspension and hopefully, the time served sana ma-cover na,” added Panlilio. “We're working hard that we want to bring Justin for the next (FIBA) window in February.”
For the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers Gilas is in Group B with New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong, with the Philippines playing Hong Kong February 22 and Chinese Taipei on February 25 to start things off.
There's also the matter of the Qualifying Tournaments for the Paris Olympics, with Gilas set to play. Georgia and Latvia in July.