SBP yet to be notified by FIBA on change of Millora-Brown's status
At A Glance
- SBP president Al Panlilio confirmed to the Manila Bulletin on Friday, Aug. 15, that there has been no official word yet on the matter, although he said the news should be a positive development for the national team.
FIBA has yet to officially notify the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) regarding the reported reclassification of Quentin Millora-Brown from a naturalized player to a local.
SBP president Al Panlilio confirmed to the Manila Bulletin on Friday, Aug. 15, that there has been no official word yet on the matter, although he said the news should be a positive development for the national team.
“We haven’t been notified yet,“ said Panlilio. “It will be a positive development if true.“
News broke on Thursday, Aug. 14, that Millora-Brown -- previously classified by FIBA as a naturalized player if he were to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas -- has been reclassified as a local following an appeal from his camp.
The University of the Philippines standout had earlier disclosed that his lawyers were working on the appeal, which appears to have been successful, as confirmed by his agent, Tod Seidel, in multiple reports.
“Our lawyers Ale Mosca and Toni Verano were able to negotiate a successful final decision,” said Millora-Brown's agent.
“I’m just thrilled for QMB because he wanted to represent the Philippines so badly, and I am grateful to FIBA for a favorable final decision,“ he added.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone also hasn’t heard any updates on Millora-Brown’s status, although he added that the 6-foot-10 center would be a welcome addition to the team.
The veteran mentor had previously expressed interest in including Millora-Brown in the lineup after the latter impressed during a friendly game between Gilas and the Macau Black Bears
“He's awesome, man. I'd love to have him. I'd love to have him, man. He is physical. He gets to the offensive boards real well. And he lands, you know, great size,” Cone said of Millora-Brown.
Should he formally be named to the national team, Millora-Brown would provide additional size for Gilas, which relied heavily on the twin towers of AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo during the FIBA Asia Cup following the injury to star center Kai Sotto.