On Thursday, at the Senate Committee on Sports’ organizational hearing, concurrent Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone finally came clean on resident import Justin Brownlee’s current status—sort of, at least.
Cone revealed that Brownlee, who last played against New Zealand in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in July, is out of commission because he is dealing with health concerns, not because of his myriad of injuries. Cone and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) had previously announced that Brownlee would be sidelined in Gilas’ next game in that window against Australia due to injuries. Even his absence in the Asian Games was largely attributed to him still recovering from maladies to his legs.
Now, in front of what was essentially a Senate inquiry, Cone has sung a different song.
“He’s had some… it’s not injury concerns. He’s had health concerns. That’s why he’s not playing for Ginebra at this time,” said Cone when asked about JB’s status. “It is why he hasn’t played this conference, because he’s had health concerns regarding blood pressure, heart issues.”
What Justin Brownlee’s Health Concerns Mean for Ginebra
Justin Brownlee being hounded by health concerns has two-fold implications. The immediate implication is that, for the foreseeable future, he likely won’t be playing for Ginebra in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup. That is terrible news for the barangay, who currently sit at a 2-4 record and are languishing at the cellar in Group B.
Incidentally, Cone’s evasiveness regarding Brownlee’s true status led to many fans believing that the beloved Ginebra reinforcement would come back in the nick of time to help the team make a late-tournament run in the conference. Now, that scenario is starting to appear unlikely to happen if it is true that JB is dealing with heart and blood pressure issues. Should that be the case, the pressure is now fully on new replacement import Jordan Murphy to right the ship at Ginebra and author that expected turnaround. But, with the barangay at 2-4, Murphy and the rest of the Gin Kings have little room for error.
What Justin Brownlee’s Health Concerns Mean for Gilas
Brownlee’s condition may also have considerable bearing for Gilas Pilipinas, who will return to action in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Syria and Iran are next for the Philippines, with action set to take place in Malaysia due to the current peace-and-order situation in the Middle East.
With JB’s uncertain situation, Cone and the SBP might have no choice but to commit fully to Bennie Boatwright. The younger, taller Boatwright is Brownlee’s successor to Gilas, but he isn’t eligible to suit up yet as of this writing because he still does not have his Philippine passport, as SBP executive director Erika Dy admitted in the same Senate meeting. The SBP better act fast, though, as the fifth window takes place in November, with Gilas taking on Syria on November 27 before going up against Iran in a rematch on November 30.
Retirement on the Horizon?
As of now, the Justin Brownlee situation is a fluid one, and fans will know only what Cone will be kind enough to reveal. Unfortunately, Cone hasn’t exactly been forthcoming about JB, which is, to be fair, understandable if the beloved import has a sensitive condition.
Regardless, if Cone’s pronouncement on Thursday is true, then perhaps Justin Brownlee might be better off calling it a career. He is 38 already, has accomplished quite a lot in basketball, and is already a legend in Philippine hoops. He also authored a seventh and most improbable championship for Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup, and it could be the perfect capstone to a storied career.
In other words, what’s true and undeniable is that Justin Brownlee has earned the right to walk away on his own terms. But, for now, there’s no more important thing than the beloved reinforcement getting back in the pink of health.
