Brownlee’s Asiad stint also in doubt

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games-bound Gilas Pilipinas might also miss Justin Brownlee’s services, given how his health issues are panning out.

Already without overseas-based players, the national squad is keeping its fingers crossed, hoping that the naturalized player can suit up to defend its gold medal next month in Japan.

But at the same time, Gilas is bracing for the worst.

Brownlee is a shocking scratch on Gilas’ roster for a pair of homestand games in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers fourth window this weekend against Jordan and Iran.

Brownlee said he is “not healthy enough” to contribute to the team as he is still nursing multiple injuries, including hamstring and ankle issues.

Cone has no definite answer if the 38-year-old workhorse will be available for the 10 to 20 September Asiad.

“That’s still to be determined. I’m not sure yet,” Cone said.

Brownlee’s feared absence compounds the lineup woes of the multi-awarded tactician for the Asiad.

Young guns Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao won’t be suiting up because of their commitments to their clubs in the Japan B.League and the Korean Basketball League.

Seven-foot-3 Kai Sotto has so far only committed to play for the FIBA window while veteran big man June Mar Fajardo has already expressed intentions to give his slot to other players ahead of his impending retirement from the national squad.

Cone has no other option but to field an all-Philippine Basketball Association roster to defend the crown that Gilas won three years ago in Hangzhou that ended a 61-year top podium drought.

Gilas is in Pool C alongside Bahrain, Kazakhstan and China, which the Pinoy cagers beat in a come-from-behind, 77-76, semifinal escape before shooting down Jordan in the championship.

Brownlee played a huge role in the pandemic-delayed edition.

His heroics in the Final Four highlighted Gilas’ dramatic comeback and again led the Philippines past the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson- bannered Jordanian squad in the gold medal round.

Brownlee last played for Gilas on 3 July in the team’s 102-106 double overtime loss to New Zealand in Auckland during the third window of the World Cup qualifier.

Playing through pain, Brownlee had only five points in the loss before eventually sitting out in Gilas’ blowout defeat to Australia in Perth on 6 July.

“We’re hoping he might be able to join the Asian Games. But he hasn’t confirmed that, yes or no, yet,” Cone said.

Brownlee has not returned to Manila after going back to the United States for recovery and rehabilitation.