After serving a months-long suspension, all eyes turn to Justin Brownlee as he rejoins Gilas Pilipinas for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
All eyes will be on Justin Brownlee as Gilas Pilipinas begin their campaign in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
After serving a months-long suspension due to a positive doping result, Brownlee will be tasked to lead Gilas in its new journey under coach Tim Cone.
But even before their game against Hong Kong on Thursday, the naturalized forward is managing his expectations early on.
“I don’t expect to play at my best. But I think in due time, I can get back to that level,” Brownlee said during the press conference organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Monday.
“Being able to be back in the country and being around the basketball atmosphere, I just think it was great. It was a huge relief. Definitely ready to put the suspension past me and just looking forward to moving forward,” he added.
Brownlee has been absent from play since leading the team to victory in the men's basketball competition at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The long-time Barangay Ginebra import chose to observe a temporary suspension starting last November 9 after testing positive for Carboxy-THC, a substance associated with cannabis use, in his system.
Fortunately, Brownlee was cleared by FIBA just ahead of Gilas’ upcoming tournaments and qualifiers.
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During that time, the six-time PBA champion used his short break from basketball to rest and recover from any nagging injuries.
“These last few months, it definitely gave me a lot of time to heal” said Brownlee. “I’m a little older now so whenever I can get some rest, unfortunately it came in a way it did, but whenever I can get some rest, I take it.”
Despite being 35 years old, Brownlee is still ready to carry the torch for Gilas in the hopes of achieving their goals.
“I am a little bit older, but I still think I got a lot left in the tank,” said Brownlee.