MANILA, Philippines – Further embracing the spirit of the Filipino people is JUSTIN Brownlee.

The 35-year-old naturalized player acknowledged that overcoming the challenge of reclaiming cage supremacy for his nation in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games was undoubtedly the most significant moment of his playing career after winning his first gold medal with the Philippine men’s basketball team.

Yes, even more significant than representing Barangay Ginebra and winning PBA championships.

Nothing really compares to wearing the national team uniform and representing your country with honor and pride, according to Brownlee.

When asked where Gilas Pilipinas’ triumphant recovery of the basketball gold in this year’s edition of the biannual meet would rank on his resume, Ginebra’s resident import replied, “I gotta put it on top.”

I have to admit that being a member of Ginebra is something absolutely unique and remarkable.

Naturally, Brownlee brought home six championships and three Best Import Awards with the Kings.

However, following one of the lowest points in Philippine basketball history a year ago, he treasures the experience of restoring pride to the nation.

In order to assist Gilas in picking up the pieces after its humiliating 79 to 68 loss to Cambodia in the preliminary, Brownlee had to endure the humid environment inside the Elephant Hall 2 of Phnom Penh’s Morodok Techo National Stadium.

“Justin Noypi” stepped up his game to start the semifinals, scoring 34 points, including two crucial back-to-back three-pointers in the closing seconds as the team defeated former champion Indonesia 84 to 76. This was the same team that denied Gilas the chance to retain the gold at the 2017 SEA Games in Hanoi. Then, in the gold-medal game between the Philippines and Cambodia, Brownlee scored 15 of his 23 points in the first half to help Gilas seize the initiative in the second quarter before fending off a late Cambodian charge to win 80-69.

He remarked, “I just sort of feed off that energy and just give your all.” I take delight in leaving it on the ground when I walk out there, that’s what it’s all about.