“We want to dominate Asian basketball”: Justin Brownlee confident of Gilas Pilipinas’ future

The Philippine men’s basketball national team’s tune-up game for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup ended in the best possible way, as they secured a 103–98 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday, July 28.

Gilas Pilipinas’ star naturalized player Justin Brownlee once again led from the front, marking his return to competitive action by recording 32 points and sparking a 21-point comeback with 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Brownlee, playing his first game for Gilas since suffering a dislocated thumb during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, also added 15 rebounds and five assists.

Brownlee’s return is a major boost for Gilas and head coach Tim Cone, as he remains their biggest offensive threat. The veteran forward is working to regain top form after undergoing surgery in April to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament.

Justin Brownlee exploded with 32 pts ! – keys to the win tonight coming back from 21 pts down #GilasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/rhnVRL2Osl

— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) July 28, 2025

“It’s always a great feeling, and I’m just happy to get back with the team and do what I love to do. It feels like I’m at home. It feels good to be back in front of the fans, and it’s always special to see them. I feel good. I just had to get my legs back, but there was no pain or soreness,” Brownlee said after the game.

Gilas has been drawn into Group D of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup alongside Iraq, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei. While acknowledging the tough competition, Brownlee believes the team has what it takes to become a dominant force in Asia.

“It’s an incredible challenge. You’ve got some really good teams out there, but I think we’ve put Asia on notice — we’re here, and we can compete. The Philippines is growing, and like Coach Tim said, we want to be able to dominate Asian basketball.

“I think that’s very possible with the team we have. It’s just going to take a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication from everyone. If we all buy in, I believe the future is bright for the Gilas program,” Brownlee concluded.

Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to fly to Jeddah on Wednesday, July 30, and will face Jordan in a friendly on Saturday, August 2. They will open their FIBA Asia Cup campaign against Chinese Taipei on August 6, face New Zealand on August 7, and wrap up the group stage against Iraq on August 9.

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