The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) remains hopeful that naturalized player Justin Brownlee can play in the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
SBP executive director Erika Dy said on Tuesday, January 30, that the federation hopes that FIBA will impose the "lowest level suspension", a three-month ban, against Brownlee, who failed a doping test.
Dy also believes that, if FIBA decides to suspend Brownlee, the decision of PBA team Brgy. Ginebra not to field him for the Commissioner's Cup will shorten his playing ban.
"The three month period will end on February 8. just in time for the first window. Iyon yung hope natin," Dy told reporters on Tuesday, January 30, during the press conference of the Manila Hustle 3x3 Season Two at Microtel Hotel.
"It is called a provisional suspension or voluntary suspension," explained Dy, who also serves as the chairperson of the FIBA Legal Commission.
Dy said that SBP expects to receive the decision of FIBA on the fate of Brownlee within the week.
Last October, the International Testing Agency reported that Brownlee tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a specified Prohibited Substance, according to the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The announcement happened days after Brownlee helped Gilas Pilipinas win the gold medal in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Even though the fate of Brownlee remains uncertain, SBP named the three-time PBA Best Import of the Conference as the naturalized player of Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
Gilas will face Hong Kong on February 22 in the Tsue Wan Stadium before the Filipinos host a match against Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
