Gilas Pilipinas forward Justin Brownee during an exhibition game against the Macau Black Bears.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—By the way Justin Brownlee played in Gilas Pilipinas’ comeback win over the Macau Black Bears in their tune-up game before the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup, one wouldn’t be able to tell if he had rust or not.
Brownlee returned to the court after resting for almost four months and hardly missed a beat.
READ: Gilas rallies to victory in sendoff game ahead of Fiba Asia Cup
Justin Brownlee talks about his return to Manila and in a Gilas Pilipinas jersey. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/kt8HL6IgRQ
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 28, 2025
“It just feels good to be back and be on the floor,” said Brownlee after Gilas’ 103-98 comeback win over the Macau Black Bears Monday night at Araneta Coliseum.
“It just feels good to be back on the team. I’m glad everything worked itself out of the situation,” he added, harping back to a recent issue involving him failing another doping test a few months back.
Fortunately for the Ginebra resident import, no suspension was imposed, making him available for the Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia, which tips off August 5.
Brownlee made sure Gilas had a proper sendoff, notching a double-double with 32 points and 15 rebounds to spearhead Gilas’ rally from 21 down.
READ: Justin Brownlee recovering well from surgery, will be Gilas-ready
The prolific forward also contributed five assists, one steal and a block in 34 minutes of action.
Brownlee, though, knows he’s still far from top form.
“I definitely have to work on my conditioning. Not only me but also some other guys who haven’t been playing in Japan or Korea.”
“In a couple more practices, I think we’ll be better in conditioning but this game tonight really helps out a lot.”
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