Quentin Millora-Brown is keeping his door open, hoping to play for Gilas Pilipinas as a local player in future major international tournaments.

In an interview, the 6-foot-10 rebounding monster said he remains hopeful over his chances to play for the national team without occupying the spot for naturalized player.

Since leading University of the Philippines to the title of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 last year, Millora-Brown had been on the radar of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

But the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) classified him as a naturalized player similar to Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame if ever he decides to suit up for the national squad.

Millora-Brown said they are appealing his case before the international basketball body.

“Right now, I’m classified as naturalized. There’s an appeal in the works, so we’ll see what happens,” said Millora-Brown, who is in town to see action for the Macau Black Bears in an exhibition match with Gilas Pilipinas ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia next week.

“Obviously, I’m not a lawyer, so I can’t really speak on all the details but I’ve been told that we have a pretty strong position to get a local status.”

Despite growing up in the United States, Millora-Brown possesses strong Filipino roots.

His grandfather Angel was a former UP alumnus while his grandmother, Anita, finished her Doctor of Medicine in the University of the East before migrating to the United States.

The 24-year-old center even flew back to the States to attend his grandfather’s funeral in the middle of the Fighting Maroons’ campaign in the previous UAAP season

“It’s definitely a part of me that shaped me into who I am today,” said Millora-Brown, who is having a solid performance for the Black Bears in fourth leg of The Asian Tournament with 12.5 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.

Millora-Brown said he hopes the game will be his way of helping out Gilas for their FIBA Asia Cup campaign in Jeddah starting 5 August.

“Hopefully, this will be a fun game to be able to play against them and get them ready to play. Right now, that’s what I can do, so I’m excited for it,” Millora-Brown said.

“I’m so excited to be able to play against the guys, I’m excited to see them do well when they go play in general.”