MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee admits he has not yet returned to full rhythm just in time for Gilas Pilipinas’ upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The naturalized veteran, who recently recovered from thumb surgery, says he is working hard to regain his form. But acknowledges it will take more time to get back to his peak level.

Brownlee’s journey this year has been anything but smooth. He dislocated his right thumb after a high-intensity PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals series, forcing him to undergo surgery abroad. While the 37-year-old has since made strides – showing flashes of his old self in a tune-up game against the Macau Black Bears, he insists he’s still shaking off the rust.

In his return, Brownlee dropped 32 points and added 15 rebounds and five assists, showing he still has firepower. But he acknowledges that his conditioning is not yet where he wants it. The injury, combined with a rigorous schedule for both Barangay Ginebra and the national team, has made his comeback slower than expected. At his age and with his responsibilities, load management has become a key part of his preparation.

Gilas head coach Tim Cone has echoed that sentiment. He said that Brownlee’s minutes will be carefully managed leading into and during the qualifiers. For Cone, it’s not just about having his naturalized player on the floor. It’s about having him at his most effective, especially when every game matters in a high-stakes window.

Brownlee also has to contend with off-court challenges. Earlier this year, he tested positive for a banned substance linked to marijuana. Although the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas secured a therapeutic-use exemption that cleared him to play, the situation cast a shadow on his preparation and focus. He has largely kept public commentary to a minimum, but the issue remains part of his current narrative.

Health-wise, things have not been fully straightforward either. Just recently, Brownlee was sidelined due to pneumonia, raising new concerns over his availability and physical readiness. Reports say he arrived in Manila to rejoin Gilas, but his recovery from respiratory illness is being monitored closely by team officials and medical staff.

Despite the setbacks, Brownlee remains driven. He told reporters that he loves being with Gilas and wants to contribute in any way he can. He knows that the qualifiers will be physically demanding, but he also believes that his experience and scoring ability will prove vital for the team.

Gilas also appears to share that belief. The coaching staff seems intent on giving Brownlee enough time to rebuild his rhythm without rushing him. At the same time, they are preparing for scenarios in which he may not be fully explosive right away but can still offer leadership, stability, and timely scoring.

Brownlee’s illness adds another level of uncertainty for Gilas. He has the potential to be a game-changer if he gets into a good rhythm. However, in the event that he has difficulty maintaining his rhythm, the team will require its local players to up their level of performance even more, especially during times when the pressure is at its highest. The extent to which Gilas depends on him and how well he adjusts to his body after the injury might determine whether or not they are successful in the qualification.

It appears that Brownlee’s approach to things is based on realism. He is fully aware that he is not in peak condition. Despite this, he is dedicated to making it to that destination. His primary focus at the moment is not just on playing but also on making a contribution in a manner that reduces the likelihood of danger while simultaneously increasing his efficacy. His ability to maintain a balance between competence and caution could turn out to be the perfect thing for a team that is attempting to secure a spot in a qualifier that is extremely competitive.

As a result of Brownlee’s inconsistent performance and medical issues, the Gilas team’s predictions for the qualifiers are subject to instability. Before placing a bet on the money line or spreads for Gilas, bettors should keep an eye on his availability and recent performances. Over bets for team points or prop markets related to his scoring could become more valuable if Brownlee displays any indications of recovering his sharpness. On the other hand, gamblers who exercise caution may want to assign Gilas a lower weight in close contests until he proves that he has consistent performance and is completely healthy.