Naturalized players are technically Filipinos so why can’t they play as locals in the PBA?
Kababayan Justin Brownlee wants to play as a local in the PBA, but rules will not allow him until the Asia's oldest league adjusts one of its old rules.
The 34-year-old Barangay Ginebra legend took oath on Monday to officially become a naturalized Filipino, just a day after winning the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
After the oath taking ceremony at the Senate in Pasay City, Brownlee admitted in a chance interview his desire to play as a local in the PBA.
“I wish I could,” Brownlee told News5.
The six-time PBA champion understands there are restrictions despite technically being a Filipino now.
“I think with how the PBA rules are I don’t think I could ever, unless they change some things for playing local.”
Under PBA draft rules, naturalized citizens can only play as imports. That applies to Brownlee, as well as other naturalized Pinoys like Marcus Douthit, Andray Blatche and Angelo Kouame.
Kuya Marcus, the very first Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player, played twice as a PBA import for Air21 Express in 2012 and for Blackwater Elite in 2015.
But Brownlee, whose naturalization papers were signed by President Bongbong Marcos in the middle of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, is not closing his chances.
“I guess we could talk to (PBA) Commissioner Willie (Marcial) about that.”
Regardless of his status in the league, Brownlee knows the purpose of his naturalization is to support Gilas Pilipinas.
The three-time Best Import of the Conference has already garnered the love from thousands, if not millions, of Filipinos and that number will only grow as he serves the national team.
“I’m loving it! Definitely feeling the love from the people and the fans here. Just loving it all around. I can’t believe this day finally came and I’m excited for this. So just feeling grateful and thankful,” Brownlee said.