Home » “Justin Noypi”: Is Justin Brownlee already the greatest naturalized player Gilas Pilipinas ever had?

“Justin Noypi”: Is Justin Brownlee already the greatest naturalized player Gilas Pilipinas ever had?

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Gilas Pilipinas Justin Brownlee

Gilas Pilipinas has had a long list of great naturalized players that were intended to reinforce the Filipinos against other nations. We all remember former NBA player Andray Blatche who was part of that infamous Gilas and Australia brawl in 2018. The Philippines also had the chance to recruit NBA star Jordan Clarkson. But, a beloved PBA import might just be the best guy the nationals had. After numerous stellar performances and success, is Justin Brownlee already the greatest naturalized player to play for Gilas Pilipinas?

Is Justin Brownlee already the greatest naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas?

Five years ago, PBA import Justin Brownlee expressed his intent to represent the Philippines in various international tournaments as a naturalized player. Thankfully, this request was granted after a bill was passed by the House of Representatives in 2022. Basketball star Justin Brownlee only made his Gilas Pilipinas debut during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers back in February. It was nonetheless a great start for Brownlee after his 41-point outing against Jordan. Although Gilas was leaning towards NBA star Jordan Clarkson for the World Cup, Brownlee did not disappoint.

A few months later, the Philippines once again went to the international stage – the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games. There, Brownlee and the Filipinos dominated, securing the Gold medal for the country. Then came the 19th Asian Games. Prior to this tournament, Gilas Pilipinas experienced major setbacks after most of the World Cup squad begged off from the team to return to their respective clubs in Japan and Korea. Moreover, PBA veterans like Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo, who were supposed to replace the previous members, weren’t allowed to participate because their names weren’t on the initial list submitted by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame were selected as the team’s naturalized players, given that they already have Philippine passports. However, it was Brownlee who made the biggest impact on the crew. In six games, he has put up 22.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 6.7 rebounds while carrying the whole Gilas Pilipinas squad to the championship round. For two consecutive tournaments, Brownlee could bring a gold medal to the Philippines, which makes a case that Justin Brownlee might just be the greatest naturalized player Gilas ever had. No offense to Jordan Clarkson and Andray Blatche, but it seems that Justin brings out the best in his team.

Filipinos react to Justin Brownlee’s heroics in the semifinals victory over China

Justin is HIM! Justin Brownlee receives tons of praise from Filipinos after propelling the Philippines past the defending champions. Take note that Brownlee heralded a 20-point comeback to book a ticket for the gold medal in the Asiad. Because of that, Pinoys were extremely happy with the outcome and started calling Justin Brownlee “Justin Noypi”. Truly, the naturalized player is the epitome of “NEVER SAY DIE” and “PUSO”, two of the Philippines and Gilas Pilipinas’ core values.

Gilas Pilipinas will advance to the Asian Games Gold medal game for the first time since 1990

After a huge win over Iran, Gilas Pilipinas defeated China in another very close game, 77-76, thanks to the heroics of Justin Brownlee. The Philippines yet again escaped elimination after Brownlee and co. made a huge comeback late in the game. Gilas Pilipinas has been trailing China and seems to be struggling to take the lead. The host country was leading with nine points, 76-67, with three minutes left in regulation. However, with just about two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Gilas made a 10-point rally and never allowed any basket from the opponent. Brownlee was extremely clutch as he made 8 straight points (including back-to-back three-pointers) to seal the win.

The PBA three-time Best Import finished the game with an impressive 33 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds as he propels the Philippines over the hump. It was definitely a miraculous win after coming back from a 20-point deficit against the defending champs. Gilas Pilipinas stalwarts Scottie Thompson (13 points), CJ Perez (8 points), and June Mar Fajardo (8 points) also made a huge impact on the team. After this victory, the Philippines will be headed to their first Gold medal game since 1990. Even if they lose, they will be guaranteed a Silver medal finish.

Who will Gilas Pilipinas face in the Asian Games finals?

Surprisingly, Gilas Pilipinas will be facing off against the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Jordan. The Asian Games finals will mark the second matchup for the Philippines and Jordan in the 19th Asian Games.

Gilas Pilipinas vs Jordan in the Asian Games gold medal game, Justine Brownlee vs Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Just last week, Hollis-Jefferson and Jordan were a force to reckon with as they won by a blowout against the Filipino stars, 87-62. It was an unforgettable night for the ranked 38th Gilas Pilipinas after they were humbled by the ranked 32nd Jordan. However, Justin Brownlee and Hollis-Jefferson will meet again in the Asiad finals as the Philippines will take on Jordan for the coveted Gold medal in the tournament. Coincidentally, both players currently play for the Philippine Basketball Association as imports. The game is scheduled for Friday, October 6, 2023.

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