JUSTIN Brownlee sees himself making the country his base once his naturalization papers are officially signed.
The long-time Barangay Ginebra import said a possible coaching job or something related to basketball are already some of the things he's planning to do in the country once his playing days are over.
"I hope after I'm done playing here, other opportunities present itself, whether it may be coaching or any other thing. I like working with kids. So hopefully something presents itself in that light," said Brownlee, appearing in the SEAG Live Episode on the SEAG Network.
"I'm going to live and stay here as much as possible. I love it here and I receive a lot of love, so I'm here to stay."
Brownlee's bid to be recognized as a Filipino got a major tracking on Tuesday after the House of Representative approved on third and final reading House Bill 6224 which specifically tackles the naturalization of the two-time PBA Best Import.
Sponsored content: Representative Mikee Romero was the principal sponsor of the bill.
"Undoubtedly, with the passage of the measure, we will be providing our country, our men's basketball team with a formidable ally which embodies the 'never-say-die' attitude and spirit of the Filipino citizen," said Romero, also owner of the NorthPort Batang Pier franchise, who once served as godfather of the men's basketball team that won the gold in the 2007 Nakhonratchasima Southeast Asian Games.
A similar bill in the Senate co-sponsored by Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Bong Go, and Sonny Angara on Brownlee's naturalization is likewise pending and needed to be approved on third reading.
Once it passed the Senate, President Marcos Jr will sign both bills to become a law.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is already considering Brownlee to be utilized as the country's naturalized player for the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers in February.
Sponsored content: Asked what makes the Philippines a place special to play basketball, Brownlee said it's the people and fans' passion for the sport.
"I think the Philippines is the biggest basketball fan in the world. I've grown up to love basketball so I love to see people come to support and show their passion at what they do towards the game," he said. (RG)
