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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Justin Brownlee keeps fingers crossed as naturalization bid starts rolling 

Justin Brownlee keeps fingers crossed as naturalization bid starts rolling 

Published Nov 20, 2022 12:55 pm

Barangay Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee is keeping his fingers crossed as far as his naturalization papers are concerned.

Justin Brownlee (Photo from Rep. Mikee Romero)

The 6-foot-5 forward hopes everything goes smoothly according to plan in his bid for naturalization as he eyes to officially join the team as part of the players pool and hopefully participate in the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in February.

Last Wednesday, Nov. 16, Brownlee hurdled the initial step of becoming a Filipino as the bill filed by 1Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero passed the first reading in the House of Representatives – something that he admitted gave him chills down the spine, a rare occurrence especially for someone who is calm and collected on the court.

“I must say I was a bit nervous just meeting the members of the House of Representatives. Things like that. Very eventful. Very exciting for sure,” said Brownlee.

“A lot of important people came for me and I just really appreciate it. I feel grateful and blessed to be in this position, to be able to get the naturalization process forward. Hopefully everything goes smooth the rest of the way,” he added.

If his naturalization papers make it for the final window, Brownlee is expected to adjust well with Gilas Pilipinas especially that he’s been diligently attending the national team practices.

“It feels great. I’m here to help out the team in any kind of way, whether it is games, practice, or whatever it is. It feels great for it to start,” said Brownlee.

“Being around the team, seeing how they’ve been playing, seeing how they’re progressing, I’m just very excited to see what the future holds.

To show his sincerity of becoming a full pledged Filipino, Brownlee even attended the hearing in Barong Tagalog.

“It fits well, feels good, very comfortable, I must say. Traditionally in the US, it is a suit. Way more comfortable than wearing a suit. Keeps you a lot cooler as well. I love it, man. I love the look as well.”

He also shared he’s determined to learn more, including knowing how to speak Tagalog but he admitted that may take a little more time for him to learn.

“I’m trying, man. But coming from English, it is just very tough, I must say. Of course, Tagalog is a lot different from English. Similar to Spanish though. It is a little tough but I’mma get it though,” he said with a chuckle.

Brownlee is set to appear at another public hearing with the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Monday, Nov. 21, for the counterpart of his naturalization bill filed by Senator Sonny Angara.

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