Justin Brownlee set for Gilas return ahead of Fiba qualifiers, Asiad

FILE–Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee smiles during practice ahead of the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers third window. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Justin Brownlee is set to return on Sunday ahead of Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Coach Tim Cone confirmed Brownlee’s arrival and said the forward will take part in Gilas’ buildup for the fourth window of the Asian Qualifiers.

Gilas’ first practice session for the qualifiers is on Monday.

READ: Justin Brownlee expected to make Gilas Pilipinas return in August

“He’ll be arriving Sunday night and he’ll be in practice on Monday with Gilas,” Cone said after Barangay Ginebra’s 97-88 loss to Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Brownlee opted to recover from injuries on his hamstring, right leg and left knee that prompted him to miss the qualifying match against Australia in July and the first six games of Ginebra’s campaign in the season-ending conference.

Ginebra opted to go with Riley Grigsby, but the crowd favorites slumped to a 2-4 record, dead last in Group B heading into the break.

READ: Ailing Justin Brownlee ‘wouldn’t be much of a help’ vs Aussis–Cone

Brownlee is expected to resume his Ginebra duties upon the PBA resumption, though Cone said Grigsby will be on standby in the event the four-time Best Import suffers another injury setback.

“Riley will stay on call for us, and if something happens to Justin or he can’t make it, then there’s a good chance that we’ll bring Riley back,” Cone said.