Gilas Pilipinas received a significant boost as Justin Brownlee arrived in Manila to join the national team’s preparations for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

The 35-year-old naturalized player’s return comes after securing clearance from FIBA following an anti-doping violation he committed during the 19th Asian Games in China. FIBA issued a Notice of Charge against Brownlee, leading to a provisional suspension that began on November 9, 2023.

Throughout the three-month suspension period, Brownlee refrained from participating in any basketball competitions, including Barangay Ginebra’s campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Despite their efforts, Ginebra bowed out of the conference after a semifinal loss to sister team San Miguel.

With FIBA’s approval, Brownlee is now eligible to rejoin Gilas Pilipinas and bolster the team’s lineup for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Gilas is scheduled to face Hong Kong on February 22 in an away game before wrapping up the first window of qualifiers against Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena.