Millora-Brown added to 12-man lineup as Gilas eyes sweep of Guam

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Gilas Pilipinas keeps its core practically intact and adds Quentin Millora-Brown, leaving no stone unturned for its back-to-back duels against Guam to start the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas is going full force for its two FIBA World Cup qualifying games against Guam on Friday, November 28, and December 1.

The Nationals kept their core practically intact and added former UP Fighting Maroons big man Quentin Millora-Brown to their final 12-man lineup.

Head coach Tim Cone said the team is leaving no stone unturned against Guam, especially since they are up against a tougher challenge in the next windows after also being bunched with top teams Australia and New Zealand in Group A.

“If we don’t win [against Guam], we don’t make the World Cup…. If we don’t make the World Cup, we don’t make the Olympics…. If we don’t win these two games, our goals are dashed. That’s how crucial these two games are,” said Cone. 

With 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto still out, 6-foot-10 Millora-Brown — who will make his national team debut — provides additional size to an already stacked frontcourt featuring AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and Japeth Aguilar.

Completing the frontcourt are Justin Brownlee, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao, while Dwight Ramos, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, and Chris Newsome comprise the backcourt. 

The three cuts were Troy Rosario, Jamie Malonzo, and Juan Gomez de Liaño, all of whom Cone said will remain part of the program moving forward. 

Aguilar, who has played in three FIBA World Cup editions, is expected to play his final games for the country, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Gilas had its final day of practice on Monday, November 24, before leaving for the US territory the following day. 

Tamayo hurdled his US visa issues on Monday, having passed the consul interview in the morning.

Cone raves about new additions

Millora-Brown, who has international experience in the US NCAA and with the Macau Black Bears, bolsters the team in several departments.

“He’s a tremendous rebounder…he’s going to be able to clean the weak side rebounds. He just plays with that kind of effort. He has a nose for the ball and he’s big and athletic, plus he can surprise you on the things that he has done,” said Cone of Millora-Brown. 

“The great thing about him is that he really plays…with great intelligence. He’s not trying to do stuff that he cannot do.”

Gomez de Liaño, who is one of the more heralded rookies in the PBA, has also impressed Cone.

“He’s going to be a fixture on this team. Instead of ‘Sorry, Juan,’ it was more of, ‘Congratulations, Juan, you proved your worth.'”

“He’s a real stud.” – Rappler.com