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| Justin Brownlee will have the bone spur in his ankle removed in time for the Asian Games. Kennelf Monteza (file photo) |
MANILA--While Gilas Pilipinas will meet Jordan Clarkson in China in the final stretch of their FIBA World Cup preparations, Justin Brownlee won't reinforce the squad during their upcoming friendlies.
Coach Chot Reyes revealed on Wednesday night that the Ginebra resident import might need to stay in the Philippines to address his issues with his ankle.
Reyes bared that Brownlee had been practicing with them despite having a bone spur in his ankle.
"He had a severe sprain I think four years ago in Dubai, and even in the SEA Games, he was already hobbled by that bad ankle. But we're managing and treating it, a combination of therapy and rehab so that he could pre-play in the World Cup in necessary," Reyes told CNN Philippines' Andrei Felix in an interview over Sports Desk.
With Gilas sticking to Clarkson for the FIBA World Cup, Brownlee's camp decided to sit out the remainder of the training camp.
"Now that confirmed na confirmed na si Jordan, Justin, the medical team, coaching staff, and management have all decided that Justin takes care of that bone spur already para naman ready siya for the Asian Games," Reyes continued, somehow confirming that Brownlee will be the designated naturalized player for Gilas in the said event.
Clarkson is expected to join Gilas in China on Aug. 6, right at the tail end of a three-game tune-up series against Lebanon, Iran, and Senegal.
Reyes said that they are arranging another friendly or two so that Clarkson would be able to catch up to the system that they will employ come to the World Cup.
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