The manager of Gilas Pilipinas and the governor of the Barangay Ginebra team, Alfrancis Chua, said that Justin Brownlee was recovering from his injured hand, which is the only thing that could prevent the naturalized AS from playing in the FIBA Asia Cup in August in Saudi Arabia.
In a conversation with the Inquirer on the sidelines of the National Congress of Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP), Chua stressed that he saw no obstacle that will prevent Brownlee from competing for Gilas in August.
“The finger (surgically repaired) is the problem,” said CHUA even when a doping ban is suspended above Brownlee’s head after testing positive in a match against New Zealand last year. “Justin is resting now. The operation and everything else have been done here. But he is now in America (recovery).”
Brownlee dislocated his right thumb at the start of the PBA governors’ cup final in front of TNT. He played gallantly before undergoing surgery.
“We were told that the first week of July, he can already start to shoot,” continued Chua. “It’s really just his hand, so he can jog, sprint. Technically, he can do anything. “
Asked about the possible ban of Brownlee for another missed doping test during the qualifications of the Asian Cup, CHUA maintained a pink perspective.
The leaders of the SBP Al Panlio and Erika Dy were much more cautious about the situation because the FIBA, the international director, has not yet published an official declaration on the issue.
“Unless we hear it officially, what we hear is … there will be any,” said Panlilio. “I push Erika to ask Fiba to already make an official statement.”
“We expect him to play in the Asian Cup,” said Dy about Brownlee, who has an average of 21.7 Poimts, 7.3 rebounds and five assists in the qualifications of the Asian Cup. “I know there were reports on its doping exam last November against New Zealand. We have received this report, but just to clarify, there is no suspension at this stage.
“(And) we do not expect,” said Dy, coach and lawyer. “There are just a lot of delicate details that we cannot discuss because doping is a very delicate matter, a sensitive question, so it’s very personal for the person who is why Brownlee and his lawyers manage it.”
This optimism, which should increase for the national five of the continental meeting where he fights Chinese familiar enemies Taipei and New Zealand, was shared by Chua himself.
“The right thing here is the problem of (Justin) is not his knee,” he said. “We are confident. We just hope (at that time, he is completely healed). But for sure, (his right hand) will be recorded.”
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