By REYNALD MAGALLON
Quentin Millora-Brown is now eligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas as a local.
That, after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas finally got the confirmation from FIBA regarding the reclassification of the 6-foot-10 center’s status with the national team.
“We’re pleased with the update from FIBA because a player of his size and skill can make a positive impact for Gilas Pilipinas Men,” SBP president Al Panlilio said in a statement.
The camp of Millora-Brown was the first to announce the development after his lawyers successfully proved to FIBA that he acquired his Philippine passport before turning 16 years-old – a rule that has barred many Fil-foreign players from suiting up to the national team as a local.
Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle and even Jordan Clarkson all suited up for Gilas in the past as a naturalized player despite having Filipino blood. Like them, FIBA also had the same ruling for Millora-Brown before his camp made an appeal.
With the decision, the University of the Philippines standout, which has long been linked as one of potential additions to the Gilas pool, can now formally join Gilas.
National team head coach Tim Cone had earlier expressed his interest in Millora-Brown, who is another tall player, who can join AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo at the frontline, especially now that 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto is still recovering from a knee injury.
“We’re certainly excited about putting him in the lineup if it does become official,” Cone said in a message prior to the confirmation.
