Cone: "My vote goes to Justin for the national team"

If Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone is to be asked, he wants Justin Brownlee to be Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized player in the FIBA Basketball World Cup this year in China.

Cone said during the postgame interview last May 26 he thinks Brownlee will be a great fit for the national team in the midst of his naturalization process being in the pipeline.

Cone added Brownlee can make a difference in the team not just his play on the court but also with his personality. He added Brownlee has already accepted the Filipino culture which will also be a big factor as he represents the country.

So far though, there is no update yet on the status of Brownlee’s naturalization status with just three months away before the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Andray Blatche is also Gilas’ resident naturalized player and is a strong candidate for a spot in the national team due to his height and versatility.

“I know that Andray is a great player and I know all those guys. I really don’t have any say in that. But I tell you, my vote goes to Justin for the national team,” Cone said.

“He can change a team, not just by his play but his personality. He is an amazing player and a human being.  He really is. But that’s not my call,” Cone said.

PHOTO: PBA Images