Timing critical for JB

MANILA, Philippines — Ginebra import and Gilas naturalized player Justin Brownlee will undergo surgery to address his dislocated right thumb today and if all goes well in his recovery, should be back on the court by July 8.

Timing is critical as Brownlee is expected to reinforce Gilas at the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah on Aug. 5-17. The draw for the FIBA Asia Cup is scheduled in Jeddah today with the Philippines, Iran, Lebanon and China seeded in Pot 2. There are four pots of four teams each and the draw will situate the countries in groups for the first round of eliminations. Teams in a pot will be in different groups, meaning the Philippines will not engage Iran, Lebanon and China in the first round.

Another reason why timing is critical is Brownlee’s possible suspension after testing positive for a banned non-performance-enhancing substance last February. The test was conducted after Gilas’ game against New Zealand in the third FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window. FIBA’s Clean Game program follows guidelines set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Brownlee tested positive for the same drug in 2023 and served a three-month suspension.

Brownlee was notified of an “adverse analytical finding” but SBP has not been informed of any sanction at the moment. It was reported that Brownlee’s US lawyers are prepared to plead his case, backed by a doctor’s prescription. The banned substance appears to be cannabis which is not a prohibited substance in the NBA and is used by athletes for medicinal purposes.

SBP executive director Erika Dy said FIBA has not sent notice of any suspension. “Nothing yet on JB,” said Dy. “But we are on alert to receive an update.” If a suspension is ordered, it could be for three to four months. That would also be the period of Brownlee’s recovery from surgery.

Ginebra physiotherapist Arcee Cua confirmed Brownlee’s surgery to be performed by hand surgeon Dr. Henry Calleja at St. Luke’s Quezon City today. Dr. Randy Molo, who is supervising Brownlee’s treatment, said “JB is projected to be doing basketball-related activities using his right hand by July 8.”