At least for a day, naturalized prospect Justin Brownlee served as part of Gilas Pilipinas.
The resident Barangay Ginebra import, upon the invitation of coach Tim Cone, showed up at Gilas' practice Monday night and enthusiastically helped out the Nationals, whom he had long expressed interest to join them as a naturalized player.
"Just want to help them the best way I can," said the American workhorse.
"Coach Tim invited me and it was an honor to practice and being around with these guys. Playing in the PBA, playing against them, and now practicing with them, it's a special moment. It's a lot of talent. I'm hoping they do really well in the SEA Games and get the gold medal."
He savored the special moment of wearing a blue Gilas jersey No. 31, even in a non-official game.
Sponsored content: "Nice color, I like the color. Hopefully I can sport it one day in a real game," he said.
Cone requested Brownlee to stand in for the injured Jayson Castro in that day's session, so there would be three units of five players each.
"I asked him because I knew Jayson wouldn't be here and I want to get 15 guys. I wanted to do what I call five-on-five-on-fives. The only problem is, after I asked him to come, I got a text from Matt (Wright) and he said he couldn't make it as he had to attend to his new-born child and we learned that June Mar (Fajardo) is not making due to swollen knee it so it blew up our five-on-five-on-five. We only had 13 players with Justin," said Cone.
It's likely a one-time, big-time but Brownlee said he's ready to provide warm body again if needed.
"Sure. It was fun, just interacting with all the guys you know just help them learn because the system they're using with Gilas is pretty much the similar to what we run with Ginebra so any type of help I can do I'm willing to do it.," said the triple-double machine.
Sponsored content: This Gilas stint further strengthened Brownlee's desire to become a Team Philippines cager officially someday.
"I hope soon. Sooner than later," Brownlee said.
"But I'm not sure right now as far as the naturalization (process) is going. It is still pending (in Congress) from what I heard but I'm hoping that the bill can be passed pretty soon." (OL)
Photo credit: Jerome Ascano
