Justin Noypi is all smiles to see his name on the blue jersey.
Newly naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee was like a kid on Christmas Day opening up his present when he saw his Gilas Pilipinas jersey on Thursday.
The process of getting his Philippine citizenship took months and he officially became a Filipino just over a month ago.
But it was just different when he saw the actual blue Gilas Pilipinas jersey, bearing the Philippine flag with his name and the number 32.
It's officially official. It's real.
Fellow national team player Ray Parks shared JB's excitement, as he caught on video the wide-grinned Brownlee taking a photo of his uniform.
Brownlee will be in familiar territory with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel teammates Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo in Gilas, along with Tim Cone as assistant coach.
The three-time PBA Best Import could also provide insight to Lebanon, as he previously played alongside notable Lebanese players for Al Riyadi Beirut before he suited up for the Gin Kings.
JB is also expected to play for Gilas against Jordan on Monday, and even in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia later this year. It's still up in the air though whether he will play in the FIBA World Cup, as the Philippines also secured the commitment of two other naturalized players Jordan Clarkson and Ange Kouame.
The game of the Philippines against Lebanon will take place this Friday, 6 p.m. at the Philippine Arena. It will be aired live on TV5 and One Sports+, with an 8 p.m. replay on One Sports.