FIBA Grants Local Player Status to Quentin Millora-Brown, Boosting Gilas Frontline

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by Raymund Tamayo

FIBA Grants Local Player Status to Quentin Millora-Brown
Former University of the Philippines big man Quentin Millora-Brown is now a local player as per FIBA. Photo: Dugout Philippines.

Gilas Pilipinas may have bowed out of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, but a fresh development promises a brighter future for the national team’s frontcourt.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has officially recognized 6-foot-10 Fil-American center Quentin Millora-Brown as a local player, following an appeal from his legal representatives. This ruling means he will no longer be counted as a naturalized player, clearing the way for him to be part of the Gilas roster without taking up the one-slot limit for naturalized athletes.

The decision comes just a day after the Philippines’ quarterfinal exit in Jeddah, where they fell 84-60 to powerhouse Australia. Despite the loss, the eligibility news provides a significant lift for the program’s long-term plans, particularly in building a stronger interior presence.

Millora-Brown, who played a key role in the University of the Philippines’ UAAP championship run last season, brings size, mobility, and rebounding tenacity—qualities that have impressed Gilas head coach Tim Cone. “He’s awesome. I’d love to have him. He is physical, he gets to the offensive boards real well, and he’s got great size,” Cone said earlier after facing QMB in a tune-up game against the Macau Black Bears.

FIBA Grants Local Player Status to Quentin Millora-Brown
Photo: UAAP.

With the ruling finalized, Millora-Brown becomes eligible for the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup starting this November. He is also expected to suit up for the country’s title defense in the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December. His potential pairing with fellow big men Kai Sotto and AJ Edu offers Gilas a formidable triple-tower lineup, something the national squad has rarely enjoyed in recent years.

Basketball insiders see this as a game-changing addition to the Gilas pool. The 25-year-old’s versatility—being able to battle inside while also running the floor—gives the team more tactical options, whether in half-court sets or transition play. His presence also strengthens the defensive anchor role, freeing up Sotto and Edu to focus on rim protection and offense.

In the meantime, multi-titled coach Norman Black is poised to take the reins for the SEA Games campaign. With a new coach on the horizon and Millora-Brown officially available as a local, the pieces are falling into place for Gilas to regroup, reload, and aim for redemption in upcoming tournaments.

For Filipino fans, the Asia Cup exit may have stung, but the addition of Quentin Millora-Brown to the roster marks a significant win for the national team’s future.