Filipino-American center Quentin Millora-Brown is set to join Gilas Pilipinas’ training camp for the second window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers after discussions between the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the player’s family.
SBP said on Thursday that the 6-foot-10 big man was en route from Japan to Manila and would report to the national team’s training base at Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
“After direct conversations with Quentin Millora-Brown and his family, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announces that he is en route to Manila from Japan,” SBP said in a statement.
The Philippines will host New Zealand on Feb. 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena before facing Australia on March 1 at the same venue.
SBP welcomed Millora-Brown’s decision, describing him as a key piece of the program moving forward.
“The SBP appreciates his continued commitment to the program. He’s ready to suit up for Gilas and is going to be an integral part of the current and future of the national team,” the federation said.
Millora-Brown’s return comes days after national team coach Tim Cone said the center would not be available for the second window, citing the player’s decision not to join the camp. Millora-Brown’s camp, through his agent, disputed that account, saying they were presented with a “take-it-or-leave-it” offer that included provisions requiring the player to be available even outside FIBA windows, including for non-FIBA tournaments such as the Asian Games.
Despite the earlier uncertainty, SBP said both sides were able to reach common ground to ensure Millora-Brown’s availability for the upcoming qualifiers.
His arrival provides a boost for the Philippines, which will be without 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto in the second window as he continues his recovery and conditioning following an ACL injury. Sotto has committed to rejoin the national team in the third window of the qualifiers, SBP said.
Millora-Brown is expected to be joined in camp by other overseas-based Gilas players, including Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao, who are due to arrive within the week.
Already training with the squad are PBA standouts Chris Newsome, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, RJ Abarrientos, Juan Gomez de Liaño and recent addition Justine Baltazar.
