By REYNALD MAGALLON
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has yet to be notified by FIBA regarding the reported change of classification of Quentin Millora-Brown status from naturalized player to local.
SBP president Al Panlilio confirmed to Tempo-Manila Bulletin on Friday, Aug. 15 that there was no official word yet on the matter although he said that the news should be positive development for the national team.
“We haven’t been notified yet,“ said Panlilio. “It will be a positive development if true.“
News broke out on Thursday, Aug. 14 that Millora-Brown, previously considered as a naturalized player by FIBA if he plays for Gilas Pilipinas, was reclassified as a local following an appeal from his camp.
The University of the Philippines standout had earlier revealed that his lawyers were sorting an appeal, which seemingly already bore fruit as confirmed by his agent Tod Seidel to multiple reports.
“Our lawyers Ale Mosca and Toni Verano were able to negotiate a successful final decision,” said Millora-Brown’s agent.
“I’m just thrilled for QMB because he wanted to represent the Philippines so badly, and I am grateful to FIBA for a favorable final decision,“ he added.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone, likewise, hasn’t heard anything about the change of Millora-Brown’s status although he added that the 6-foot-10 center should be a welcome addition to the national team.
“I haven’t heard that, but if that is the case, we would certainly welcome him,” said Cone.
The veteran mentor had also expressed his interest in having Millora-Brown to the lineup after he impressed during the friendly game between Gilas and the Macau Black Bears.
“He’s awesome, man. I’d love to have him. I’d love to have him, man. He is physical. He gets to the offensive boards real well. And he lands, you know, great size,” Cone said of Millora-Brown.
Should be formally named to the national team, Millora-Brown should add more ceiling to Gilas which during the FIBA Asia Cup relied heavily on the twin towers of AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo following the injury to star center Kai Sotto.
