GILAS Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said the team is no longer counting on Justin Brownlee to suit up in the Asian Games as the naturalized player continues to recover from his injuries.
“We’re not expecting Justin to join us anymore,” Cone said in a Viber message to Fastbreak.
Brownlee had remained a possibility for the final spot on Gilas’ Asian Games roster, but Cone’s latest statement indicates the team is now preparing to compete without the veteran forward.
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings resident import also missed the previous window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers as he deals with hamstring and leg injuries.
Meanwhile, Cone said Justin Arana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser are both dealing with ankle injuries but are expected to recover in time for the Philippines’ opening game.
“Justin Arana is battling a sprained ankle, as well as Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, but we expect them to be okay by our first game on the 11th,” Cone said.
Gilas opens its Asian Games campaign against Bahrain on Sept. 11. (Adrian Co)
