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| Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Justin Brownlee. Photo: FIBA. |
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed the news on Friday, an update that instantly sent shockwaves through the Gilas faithful hoping to see Brownlee headline the campaign.
Tolentino explained that both Brownlee and fellow naturalized slotman Ange Kouame were scratched from the 5-on-5 lineup. Kouame, however, will still see action in the 3x3 squad, keeping at least one naturalized presence in Thailand.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy echoed the development, noting this will be the second straight SEA Games where Brownlee won’t be allowed to play. Despite the setback, Gilas isn’t heading in shorthanded; just different.
The spotlight now shifts to Jamie Malonzo, who has been pegged as one of the key replacements. His availability briefly stirred confusion, with Tolentino admitting on Friday that he had yet to receive a formal update. But Dy quickly cleared the air, confirming that Malonzo has already been approved by SEA Games officials and is good to go. The high-flying forward—long part of Tim Cone’s main Gilas pool—slides in as a local, giving the team much-needed athletic punch.
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| Gilas forward Jamie Malonzo (13). Photo: FIBA. |
Joining him is Abra Weavers big man and PBA Season 50 top draft pick Geo Chiu, who was also included in the official roster submitted to Thailand’s organizing committee. The young center adds size and versatility up front, easing concerns over the sudden shake-up.
Still, Tolentino remains unfazed by the late twists, expressing full confidence in the squad. “May nakatago naman ang Gilas diyan. Tayo pa rin ang gold,” he said—fueling belief that despite the hurdles, the Philippines is still locked in on reclaiming SEA Games supremacy.