MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas team manager Alfrancis Chua continues to put the vote of confidence on naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who he expects to lead the Philippines in its two crucial matches in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in Manila.
At 37, Brownlee has showed no signs of slowing down after averaging 21 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in Gilas’ back-to-back victories against Guam to open the first window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers late last year.
Gilas played razor-sharp to open the first window of the Asian Qualifiers, manhandling Guam, 87-46 at the former Oceania national team’s home floor at the Calvo Field House on Nov. 28.
Three days later, Gilas repeated via a 95-71 before a packed Blue Eagles gym inside the Ateneo campus in Katipunan, Quezon City.
“We still trust him. The players still like him. And the chemistry of team is better when he’s there,” Chua said in a statement posted at Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas website.
Brownlee has actually brought his clutch shooting and veteran smarts to Gilas since he first played in the 2023 FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
The Philippines kicks off window 2 of the Asian Qualifiers against New Zealand on February 26, before tangling with Australia on March 1.
Both games will be played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The well-loved Brownlee, a three-time PBA Best Import, is expected to get the needed help from veteran national player Dwight Ramos, along with big man AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao and Quentin Millora-Brown.
Comebacking big man Kai Sotto’s status though remains uncertain.
Gilas is scheduled to start its preparations next Monday, February 16 at the Upper Deck gym in Ortigas, Pasig.
Australia, ranked sixth in the world, and the Philippines (36th) share similar spotless 2-0 records in the first round at Group A.
On the other hand, New Zealand (25th) and Guam (79th) share winless cards after two matches. The three top teams in the group stage will move on to the second round, with three teams from Group C joining them.