Daily Tribune‘I actually want to give back to basketball. Hopefully, I can do some things with younger kids and try to help the development of basketball here in the Philippines.’
Justin Brownlee of Gilas Pilipinas will forever be grateful to those who worked hard for him to become a naturalized Filipino.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FIBA
Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Justin Brownlee has long been a regular fixture for crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra in the Philippine Basketball Association that he has already embraced several famous Filipino traits, including the deep sense of gratitude or reciprocity.
That’s why it was an easy decision for Brownlee to join fellow basketball stars like Scottie Thompson and Jayson Castro as well as other known pro athletes in supporting Milka Romero and 1Pacman Partylist’s advocacy for sports and youth development.
“I actually want to give back to basketball. Hopefully, I can do some things with younger kids and try to help the development of basketball here in the Philippines,” the 36-year-old forward said.
Brownlee became officially a Filipino citizen back in January 2023, all thanks to the initiative of outgoing 1Pacman representative Mikee Romero who filed the bill granting the Gilas wingman citizenship at the House of Representatives.
His naturalization allowed him to become a part of the national team which ended a 61-year gold medal drought for the country in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
His endearing feats — highlighted by Gilas’ shocking win over world No. 6 Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that ended a 64-year dry spell of the Filipinos against European teams — have made him a national treasure.
Brownlee knew that none of that would happen if not for the efforts of the elder Romero and other lawmakers who made his naturalization possible.
“I definitely appreciate that. I understand it wasn’t an easy process but I just appreciate all the senators and politicians who were involved. I can name so many but I’m just gonna say everyone that was involved, I just appreciate them,” Brownlee said.
Interestingly, Brownlee now stands by side with Mikee’s daughter, Milka in continuing the 1Pacman’s goal of helping elevate the grassroots especially in the less privileged areas in the country.
“Anything positive for the country,” Brownlee said.
“I’m a Filipino citizen now so I take pride in things like that. Like I said, I wanna be a big part of it or even a small part of it and help as much as I can.”
