For sure, Justin Brownlee will be playing more games for the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team.
Coach Chot Reyes said this after their final game with Jordan in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Window 6 qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“First of all, with Justin’s performance, there’s little to say. You all saw how effective Justin is and how well he played,” said Reyes, minutes after their 90-91 loss to Jordan.
In that game, he unloaded 41 points, aside from hauling 12 rebounds, three assists, and a block.
On Friday, Brownlee shot 17 points, to go with five assists, four rebounds, and two steals during the Philippines’ 107-96 triumph over Lebanon.
“As regards to who the naturalized player is, Justin has always known that he makes himself possible for whatever is required by the team. If we need someone to play in specific tournaments, if we need someone to play as backup to Jordan Clarkson, he is willing to play that role,” added Reyes on the role that Brownlee will play for the team.
After the Window 6 games, Reyes hinted that there will be more adjustments in the roster, with the FIBA Basketball World Cup just months away.
“There are no shoo-ins in the team. There’s no one with a lock and that goes for everyone. Right now, there are no shoo-ins. So, that goes for all locals and naturalized players,” added Reyes.
The tournament will feature 32 teams and will be hosted by multiple nations in Asia, namely by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, from August 25 to September 10.
For now, Reyes said they will set aside their preparations for the coming 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and more adjustments will be made along the way.
“We also have Ange Kouame and we are not ruling out the possibility of going out and looking for another 6’10”, 6’11” guy,” said Reyes.