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| Quentin Millora-Brown is finally committing to Gilas for the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Peter Baltazar (file photo) |
MANILA--Three days after coach Tim Cone's announcement sparked major discussions online and offline if he is really committed to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the long run, Quentin Millora-Brown finally chooses to play for them.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed on Thursday that the Chiba big man made a U-turn and is now joining Gilas for the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
According to the SBP, Millora-Brown is now making a rush to join his Gilas pool teammates in their ongoing bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba City.
The national federation added that after convincing his family, Millora-Brown finally commits amid rumors of a contract dispute between both camps.
"After direct conversations with Quentin Millora-Brown and his family, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announces that he is en route to Manila from Japan. 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," SBP's short statement reads.
The 6-foot-10 center's commitment comes in very timely as Gilas begins devising ways to contain Australia's tall center rotation led by seven-footer Sam Froling and 6-foot-10 Jacob Holt.
With Millora-Brown and Sotto initially begging off from national team duties, Gilas was left with June Mar Fajardo as its only legitimate center.
Now, Millora-Brown can back Fajardo up at Position 5, and AJ Edu, the other 6-foot-10 guy for Gilas in the upcoming window, can focus again on playing at his natural power forward position.
Gilas will host Australia on March 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, and the Filipino squad will first face New Zealand on Feb. 26, also at the MOA Arena.
A 2-0 sweep of the home stand would be a major boost in Gilas' bid to qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.
