Gilas Pilipinas have enjoyed a brilliant run in the ongoing 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) by qualifying for the semifinals and keeping their hopes alive of booking a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. This incredible journey has been marked by impressive performances, particularly from their star player, Justin Brownlee.
Gilas Pilipinas registered one of the biggest victories in their basketball history after stunning World No. 6 and host Latvia 89-80 in their opening game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) at the Arena Riga in the early hours of Thursday, July 4 (Philippine Standard Time). This victory not only boosted their morale but also set the tone for the tournament, showcasing their potential to compete at the highest level.
In their second game, Gilas once again gave a great account of themselves against World No. 23 Georgia, narrowly losing 96-94 a few hours later on Thursday, July 4 (Philippine Standard Time). Despite the loss, the team's performance was commendable, and it kept their hopes alive for advancing in the tournament.
Justin Brownlee, the Philippines’ men’s national basketball team’s most important player, displayed why he remains key to their hopes of Olympic qualification by starring in both of their games. The 36-year-old finished with a near triple-double of 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in their win over Latvia, while following that with 28 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in their narrow loss to Georgia.
Gilas head coach, Tim Cone, has known Brownlee since 2016, with the small forward winning six Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) championships under the tutelage of the American mentor at Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Cone believes that the National Basketball Association (NBA) missed out on the talent and skills of Brownlee, with the player going undrafted in 2011.
“I have said it before, somebody in the NBA missed out on Brownlee. They weren’t on the ball. They should have seen this guy. He should never have been in the Philippines. He should have been in the NBA,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.
“He is a ‘big moment’ guy. He’s proven that over and over again. What he is doing here in this tournament is no surprise considering what we have seen throughout his career in the Philippines. He is dominant there. He executes to a T and he is always engaged. And when he is aggressive, there is just nobody better than him,” he added.
BROWNLEE SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE NBA –CONE
— Panay News (@panaynewsdotnet) July 5, 2024
Coach Tim Cone on Justin Brownlee: He plays huge in big moments and he has proven it over and over again and what he's doing here in this tournament is no surprise whatsoever to what we've seen throughout his career in the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/X0YcF7bzrr
Brownlee has been a godsend for the Philippines and was the reason why Gilas broke their 61-year drought to capture that elusive gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games. This was the Philippines’ first gold medal in the men’s basketball competition since FIBA Hall of Famer Carlos Loyzaga and his team did so in Jakarta, Indonesia, back in 1962.
The star has had a massive effect on the roster, with Kai Sotto calling him the “Michael Jordan of the Philippines,” while Dwight Ramos confirmed that Brownlee was the “best teammate he has ever had.” These endorsements from his teammates highlight the profound impact Brownlee has had not just on the court but also off it, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and excellence within the team.
Gilas are just two wins away from qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1972 when they participated in the Munich Olympic Games. They will face Brazil in the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) on Saturday, July 6, and will need Brownlee to display this excellent form if they are to stand a chance of creating history.
Brownlee's leadership and experience have been crucial for Gilas Pilipinas. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most has been a defining factor in their journey so far. His near triple-doubles in both games are a testament to his versatility and skill, making him an indispensable asset for the team.
As Gilas Pilipinas prepares to face Brazil, the entire nation will be rallying behind them, hoping for a historic qualification to the Olympics. The team's journey has already been a source of immense pride, and with players like Brownlee leading the charge, the future looks bright for Philippine basketball.
Brownlee’s heroics have not only brought Gilas Pilipinas to the brink of Olympic qualification but have also solidified his status as one of the greatest players to ever represent the Philippines. As they continue their quest for Olympic glory, the unwavering support of their fans and the exceptional talents of players like Brownlee will undoubtedly be their greatest strengths.
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