SBP open to Brownlee’s offer

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is open to the possibility of having Justin Brownlee as the next naturalization candidate for Gilas Pilipinas.

According to SBP president Al Panlilio, Brownlee is very much welcome to join, but they also have to consider the requirements of the men’s basketball team in its long-term plan, especially in the FIBA World Cup that the country will co-host in 2023.

The federation badly needs a reliable naturalization candidate.

With Marcus Douthit over the hill and Andray Blatche slowing things down, the SBP is said to be on the look out for its next foreign players.

The federation’s main consideration is height and age.

Since naturalization is a tedious and lengthy process that needs Presidential decree, the SBP is very careful in selecting the candidates since they have to renounce their foreign citizenship and embrace that of the Philippines.

Brownlee, however, is just 6-foot-5, which is way shorter than previous naturalized players like Douthit and Blatche, who both stand 6-foot-11.

He is also already 30 years old, pushing him to the brink of his career by the time the federation hosts the FIBA World Cup in 2023.

Still, Panlilio is intrigued by the possibility.

“Regarding Brownlee, the SBP is open to him of course,” Panlilio said in a text to the Daily Tribune.

“But it really depends on the requirements of Gilas team moving forward in the preparation for World Cup in 2023.“

But regardless if he would get a chance to don the national jersey or not, Brownlee is still sold on the idea that he wants to be a Filipino.

“I want to consider the Philippines home. Period. I wish I could be at home permanently. Mahal ko kayo!”

San Miguel Corporation, vowed all-out support to Brownlee should he finally give the final word to be a naturalized Filipino.