Former University of the Philippines big man Quentin Millora-Brown (left) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio (right). Photos from UAAP Media and Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has recommended that Quentin Millora-Brown immerse himself further in the sport’s local scene to boost his bid to play for Gilas Pilipinas as a local.
SBP President Al Panlilio pointed this out on Monday following the Nationals’ victory over the Macau Black Bears, one that saw QMB have his first taste of going up against Gilas.
“I told QMB: ‘Stay here, play here,’” Panlilio told reporters. “FIBA came up with a ruling [that he is currently a naturalized player], and he is aware.”
“I told him not to give up on his dream of playing for Gilas, but he also has to spend time in the Philippines and help the development of basketball in the Philippines,” he added.
READ: Gilas completes 21-point comeback vs. Macau ahead of Asia Cup campaign
Among the players that had a similar route were Ateneo de Manila University standouts Chris Newsome and Greg Slaughter.
Newsome spent a portion of his collegiate years in the country, and has also played in the PBA for the Meralco Bolts since 2015.
Meanwhile, Slaughter played college hoops both in Cebu and Ateneo, and he also suited up for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the NorthPort Batang Pier from 2013 until 2021. He is also currently in the MPBL.
The former Ateneans were previously tagged by FIBA as naturalized players but were eventually available as locals, and for Panlilio, this should be the same path that Millora-Brown should take.
“FIBA looks at that as a favorable situation for him,” he said. “Look at Newsome, the reason why they gave him that ruling was Newsome invested his time here, helped develop basketball, and is now a big contributor on the National Team.”
Also strong candidates for this route are Zav Lucero, who played for University of the Philippines and is currently in the PBA with the Magnolia Hotshots, and Mike Phillips, one of De La Salle University’s stars and also had a stint with Gilas during the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.
While Millora-Brown had a stint with the UP Fighting Maroons and even won the UAAP Season 87 championship, that was just his first and only year to play basketball in the country so far.
READ: Appeal for QMB to play as local for Gilas now in the works
READ: Why the PBA Draft is not a part of Quentin Millora-Brown's current plans
However, staying and playing in the country is not in QMB’s plans as of present as he intends to play in Europe or sign another contract with the Black Bears.
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