(UPDATE) NATURALIZED Filipino Justin Brownlee has been cleared to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers this February.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced the development on Saturday, about four months after Brownlee tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that is linked to cannabis use.
"We're elated that the consequences FIBA issued do not prevent Justin Brownlee from playing for Gilas in the upcoming window," said SBP President Al Panlilio. "Having him as our naturalized player alongside some of our locals that he has already played with before will be beneficial to the squad."
Brownlee, testing positive for the said substance, prompted FIBA to issue a notice of charge carrying a proposed three-month period of ineligibility and a provisional suspension period, which commenced on Nov. 9, 2023.
The three-time PBA Best Import thus could not suit up for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 48th Season Commissioner's Cup, where the team bowed to the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals.
The 35-year-old Brownlee last saw action in the final of the 19th Asian Games men's basketball tournament in Hangzhou, where he led the Philippines past Jordan and to its first gold medal in the competition in 61 years on October 6.
A week later, it was announced that the six-time PBA champion tested positive for the substance, which is not performance-enhancing, resulting in his short suspension.
The 6-foot-4 Brownlee is set to reinforce Gilas against Hong Kong on February 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium and against Taiwan on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena.
"I can't wait to play basketball again and put all of this behind me. It's always been an honor to represent the Philippines, and I'm happy to be given the chance again," said Brownlee.
Brownlee will join his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel teammates Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo in the squad led by head coach Tim Cone and team manager Richard Del Rosario.
Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, Kai Sotto and Kevin Quiambao complete the list of 12.
"Justin Brownlee is a big part of the team and the program moving forward and having him means we can hit the ground running," Cone shared. "He's already played with most of the guys, so chemistry will already be there. He can now ramp up his conditioning and be ready to go once his suspension is lifted."
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