Gilas Pilipinas’s head coach, Tim Cone, expressed his delight over the return of naturalized player Justin Brownlee to the national basketball team. Brownlee, who played a key role in the team’s triumphant performance, demonstrated his skills by contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers opener against Hong Kong, which ended in a 94-64 victory for Gilas.
Despite Brownlee’s initial struggle to find his rhythm in the game, Cone remained patient, attributing the early challenges to a period of inactivity. “He really struggled in the beginning of the game. You can tell he had a little bit of rust,” Cone remarked, noting Brownlee’s four-month hiatus from the game due to a three-month provisional suspension following a failed drug test after securing the Asian Games gold medal.
Cone’s strategy to keep Brownlee in the game during the fourth quarter paid off, allowing him to regain his rhythm and showcase the high-level performance expected of him. “It was great to see him in the second half get his rhythm and be the Justin that we know,” Cone added, highlighting Brownlee’s significant contribution to the team’s dynamics and success.
Looking ahead, Brownlee and the Gilas team are set to play against Chinese Taipei, with the support of the home crowd anticipated to buoy their spirits in the upcoming match. This game marks an important step in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, with high expectations placed on Brownlee to continue his impactful play.
Coach Cone’s confidence in Brownlee’s abilities and his strategic decision-making underscore the optimism surrounding Gilas Pilipinas’s journey in the qualifiers, with the team aiming for further successes in their upcoming matches.