Never fear, Justin Noypi is here.
Gilas Pilipinas is about to take on Lebanon and Jordan in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena. The host team will face the Cedars this Friday and the Jordanians on Monday. While it’s documented that Team Philippines has had a thin frontcourt during training camp, they still have a trump card that might just help them go 2-0 in the next few days.
We’re referring to none other than Gilas’ new naturalized player in Justin Brownlee. His performances in the PBA have reputable people calling him the league’s GOAT import. And we believe he can have the same type of impact with the national team.
Here are three reasons why.
They haven’t seen JB play with his Filipino teammates
Brownlee has played for Lebanese pro club Al Riyadi in the past. Sure, the Middle Eastern squads are familiar with his game. But they might be in for a surprise once they see how seamlessly the 6-foot-6 swingman blends in with the Filipino brand of basketball. As we’ve seen in the PBA with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, he’s got great chemistry with his Filipino teammates. He dominates the game without forcing the issue. And we believe he’ll bring the same asset when he dons the Gilas blue.
Justin Brownlee’s home court
JB is no stranger to having big games in front of a massive crowd at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The last time he was there, he put up 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists as Ginebra thrashed the Bay Area Dragons in Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. It’s not far-fetched that he gets a similar stat line against Lebanon and Jordan.
PUSO starring JB
The three-time PBA Best Import has been longing to become a Filipino for quite some time. When his naturalization became official this year, we felt his gratefulness. Now he has a chance to prove that he belongs with Team Philippines. We know Justin Noypi won’t waste the opportunity.