The Philippines has become Justin Brownlee’s home since becoming a PBA import in 2016. Now that he’s had one win in his sleeves as an official player of Gilas Pilipinas, he’s got a lot more things to be happy about.
In his debut game for the Philippines on Friday, when Gilas defeated Lebanon 107-96, the Philippine Arena welcomed a special guest in 10-time NBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist Carmelo Anthony.
That’s another reason for Brownlee to be giddy.
“An NBA legend like Carmelo, I grew up watching him, LeBron [James], the rest of his class,” said Brownlee, who met Anthony after their match against Lebanon.
“It just seems like everything just came back,” he added.
It’s easy to understand why the Tifton, Georgia native feels that way. Melo is not just any star, but an icon who belongs to the NBA’s elite, being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary team.
It’s fitting that Anthony, who has earned the nickname Olympic Melo for his stellar international career, was also named the newest FIBA Basketball World Cup global ambassador, joining other FIBA legends like Pau Gasol of Spain, and Luis Scola of Argentina.
In his role as ambassador, Anthony has been busy promoting the game of basketball and the upcoming World Cup in August, but along the way, he’s been making an impact with other international hoopers.
That includes Brownlee, who revealed he received some words of advice from the 2013 NBA scoring champ.
“He said, ‘Congrats. Keep doing your thing,’” Brownlee shared to the media.
“I appreciate the words from Melo, that’s a legend I really looked up to as I grew up,” the naturalized Filipino continued.
It wasn’t just JB who looked up to Carmelo, as other players from both Gilas and Lebanon made sure they got their selfies taken with the future Hall of Famer.
Because who wouldn't?