FORMER Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao is not giving up on the Philippines’ chances of defending its gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games even if Justin Brownlee is unable to play.
Brownlee remains on the Asian Games lineup but is still recovering from injuries, leaving his availability at 50-50 as the Philippines prepares for its campaign in Japan.
For Guiao, however, the success of Gilas’ all-Filipino lineup in the recent FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window provides reason for optimism.
“Hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa kahit wala si Brownlee,” Guiao said. Guiao pointed to Kai Sotto’s presence in the recent qualifying window, where Gilas secured wins despite playing without Brownlee, while also emphasizing that the Asian Games team will have a different composition.
“Kasi doon sa Gilas window natin na nanalo tayo ng all-Filipino, of course, nandoon si Kai. Saka ibang lineup ito,” he said.
The upcoming Asian Games squad is composed of 11 PBA players, with the 12th spot being kept open for Brownlee in case he receives medical clearance.
Still, Guiao believes the players who made the current lineup have plenty of motivation to prove themselves on the international stage.
“Sa akin, tiwala lang. Magtiwala lang tayo,” Guiao said.
“Binigyan nila ng magandang laban iyung Gilas sa FIBA window team natin. So, tingin ko may ibubuga din ’to.”
Guiao also sees the players’ desire to establish themselves as an added advantage.
“Karamihan dito iyung mga may gustong i-prove talaga. Gustong may ipakita sila,” he said. “So, additional motivation para sa kanila ’yun.”
Gilas will begin its Asian Games gold-medal defense against Bahrain on September 11, followed by Kazakhstan on September 12 and China on September 14. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
