MANILA, Philippines – Quentin Millora-Brown, also known as QMB, has officially joined the national team’s training pool after FIBA reclassified him from a naturalized player to a local player, which is a significant development for Gilas Pilipinas. The 6-foot-10 big man can now play for Team Pilipinas without deducting from the naturalized player quota thanks to this reversal. As Gilas is ready for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the move couldn’t have come at a better time.

Quentin has had a long and difficult journey to get here. He and his legal team made a compelling case, pointing to his Filipino ancestry and prior passport records, after FIBA first declared him a naturalized athlete. Their efforts were rewarded in August 2025 when FIBA changed its mind and granted QMB local status. This was not only a procedural milestone. According to Gilas coach Tim Cone, it is a strategic advance. When considering how well QMB might fit into Gilas’ triangle-based style, Cone remarked, “He is physical, he’s great on the offensive boards, and the size is real.” 

The participation of QMB in the 16-man training pool for the November–December World Cup Qualification window was announced by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). In addition to him, SBP called up 7-footer Kai Sotto, naturalized center Ange Kouame, and RJ Abarrientos. While maintaining continuity is still a top objective, SBP President Al Panlilio stressed that acquiring “a couple of pieces” might improve Gilas’ squad going ahead. Not only has Brown’s integration been declared, but it is also currently in progress. Coach Cone claims that Gilas staff members have already been in contact with him, sending him film analyses of set plays and the fundamentals of the triangle offense. 

To make sure he arrives at camp as prepared as possible, QMB and Gilas’ analytics staff have been sharing film even while he has been elsewhere.

According to observers, QMB’s presence might significantly alter Gilas’ strategy, particularly considering the frontcourt’s current composition. Gilas has struggled to maintain size and presence in the paint since Kai Sotto is still recovering from an ACL injury and AJ Edu isn’t physically comparable to other Asia’s bigger frontliners. 

The rim protection, defense, and rebounding capabilities of QMB may help close that gap.

QMB, who is 25 years old, offers a combination of youth and expertise. He had spells playing collegiate basketball in the United States and made waves in the UAAP with the UP Fighting Maroons, both of which influenced his present two-way style. 

His readiness to stand up for Gilas, whether it be in court over eligibility or acclimating to a new system, demonstrates his dedication and drive. He is more than simply a short-term rotation piece, according to Gilas executives. Cone has publicly stated his enthusiasm for QMB’s potential in the national setup, pointing out that his skill set complements Gilas’ long-term goals. His size and physique, in particular, are seen to enhance the versatility of the Gilas’ current big men, especially seasoned players like June Mar Fajardo.

According to SBP, the choice to include QMB is part of a larger plan to construct sustainably. They also understand that they need to add players who can contribute both now and in future windows to their pool as the qualifiers draw near. According to Panlilio, Gilas is equally committed to developing young, domestic talent as they are to valuing experience. 

However, there were difficulties along the way for QMB to reach this point. Due to the time of his passport acquisition, SBP and fans had previously questioned his eligibility.  FIBA’s reversal of position validates all of the work that was put into the appeal. Legal representatives secured a positive result, according to his agency, and QMB has expressed thanks, describing the decision as a “dream realized.” 

Crucially, this action also increases Gilas’ adaptability in upcoming tournaments. The club can keep its naturalized player options while QMB is counted as a local, which is a significant advantage in difficult games. SBP has hinted that they might need this adaptability in the future, particularly in competitions where the combination of native and naturalized talent might make all the difference. 

The emphasis is on Gilas to seamlessly integrate QMB as they get ready to play Guam in their upcoming qualification window. Although he is still new to the system, the coaching staff has voiced cautious optimism in his ability to make a significant contribution after he is completely integrated. Later this year, if all goes as planned, QMB might make his Gilas on-court debut, supporting a revitalized frontline.