IT’S Justine Brownlee’s way of giving back.

Long embraced by Filipino basketball fans, the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player and long-time Barangay Ginebra import is now looking to reciprocate all the good things that came his way in Philippine basketball and sports the best way he can.

“I actually want to give back to basketball. Hopefully I can do some things with younger kids and try to help the development of basketball here in the Philippines,” said the 36-year-old Brownlee, who led Ginebra to a 3-0 series lead over Northport in their best-of-seven semifinals in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday night, 127-100.

And the best way Brownlee can think of is to join hands with Ginebra teammate Scottie Thompson, TNT superstar Jayson Castro and other well-known athletes in supporting Mika Romero and 1Pacman Partylist’s sports programs.

Despite his hectic schedule splitting time playing for the Kings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and Gilas Pilipinas in the just concluded FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, Brownlee was able to join Romero in one of her promotional campaigns.

Brownlee was granted his Filipino naturalization in January 2023 after a long wait mainly through the initiative of outgoing 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, who filed the bill at the House of Representatives granting the Gilas wingman Filipino citizenship.

PHOTO: SPIN.ph

That paved the way for him to suit up for the national team and help the Philippines end a 61-year gold medal drought in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

He also bannered Gilas’ redemption campaign in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games when it regainedthe men’s basketball gold.

During the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Brownlee was at the forefront of Gilas’ stunning campaign. His heroics in Gilas’ shocking win over world No.6 Latvia, 89-80, ended a 64-year dry spell for the Filipinos against European teams.

“I definitely appreciate that. I understand it wasn't an easy process but I just appreciate all the senators and politicians who were involved. I can name so many but I'm just gonna say everyone that was involved, I just appreciate them,” said Brownlee.

“Anything positive for the country,” said Brownlee. “I'm a Filipino citizen now so I take pride in things like that. Like I said, I wanna be a big part of it or even a small part of it and help as much as I can."

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