Millora-Brown, Gilas iron out contract kinks

MANILA, Philippines — QMB is back in the fold for Gilas Pilipinas. 

After reported contract disputes, big man Quentin Millora-Brown is “ready to suit up” for the Philippines in the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said. 

The SBP, in a Facebook post on Thursday, said that Millora-Brown is already en route from Japan to the country. 

“After direct conversations with Quentin Milllora-Brown and his family, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announces that he is en route to Manila from Japan,” the basketball federation said. 

The 6-foot-10 center will be a big boost for Gilas, who will be taking on World No. 6 Australia and World No. 25 New Zealand in the upcoming window. 

“The SBP appreciates his continued commitment to the program. He’s ready to suit up for Gilas and is going to be an integral part of the current and future of the national team,” the SBP added. 

The Nationals will face New Zealand on February 26, before taking on Australia on March 1. 

Both the Philippines and Australia are entering the window with 2-0 win-loss records, giving them the top two spots in Group A play, while New Zealand and Guam are both winless through two games. 

Already without 7-foot-3 behemoth Kai Sotto, Gilas will likely bank on a big man rotation of June Mar Fajardo, Justine Baltazar, Carl Tamayo and AJ Edu for the window. 

Also among those who participated in Gilas practices in the past days were Juan Gomez-de Liano, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario and Justin Brownlee. 

Overseas boys Tamayo, Edu, Dwight Ramos and Kevin Quiambao are also expected to arrive in the Philippines within the week.