Justin Brownlee absent for Meralco in EASL due to pneumonia

Details have finally emerged as to why Justin Brownlee has been MIA for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League (EASL).

According to veteran sports reporter Quinito Henson, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the EASL have revealed to him that Brownlee has been sidelined due to pneumonia.

“Word from Ginebra & EASL is Brownlee is down with pneumonia … hope he gets well soon—-JB isnt jst committed to play for Meralco in EASL but also for Gilas in FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window Nov 28-Dec 1 but also SEA Games Dec 13-19,” Henson wrote on X.

Word from Ginebra & EASL is Brownlee is down with pneumonia … hope he gets well soon—-JB isnt jst committed to play for Meralco in EASL but also for Gilas in FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window Nov 28-Dec 1 but also SEA Games Dec 13-19

— Quinito Henson (@TheDeanQuinito) November 3, 2025

Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo asserted Brownlee’s inclusion to the team and said that the import would still be allowed to play when he recovers.

“We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here,” Trillo said. 

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia can take up to 1-2 months to fully recover.

Brownlee is also slated to be a centerpiece for Norman Black and Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December.

The Bolts are currently 0-2 in Group B, a far cry from what everyone expected before the tournament started.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.