Cone reveals ‘health concerns’ force Brownlee to sit out Asian Games

Finally, after nearly a month of silence, Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team head coach Tim Cone gave an update on why naturalized star Justin Brownlee was absent during the squad’s Asian Games title defense.

During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Sports chaired by Sen. Bong Go on Oct. 8, 2026, the mainstay tactician confirmed that Brownlee is currently dealing with an undisclosed heart issue.

“It’s not injury concerns. He’s had health concerns,” Cone said.

“He’s had health concerns regarding blood pressure and heart issues. That’s why he is not playing for Ginebra at this time, and why he hasn’t played.”

Since Gilas failed to defend its gold in one of the most disappointing outings in Asian Games history, the Philippine basketball community has been calling on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to explain its side.

Controversies immediately clouded Gilas after the SBP decided to parade an all-PBA roster without the presence of a single naturalized player and some of Gilas’ Team A members.

According to the SBP, Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, and AJ Edu were not able to suit up for Gilas in the Asian Games due to scheduling conflicts with their respective teams in Japan’s B.League.

Furthermore, Kai Sotto, who made his Gilas return after a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury, also didn’t make the list after signing a deal with Altiri Chiba in Japan.

Initially, Gilas left a spot for Brownlee if he could make it in time, but Cone and the rest of the coaching staff activated Calvin Oftana, replacing him at the last minute in the quadrennial meet.

A shocking opener quickly haunted Gilas after it suffered an 85-89 defeat at the hands of Bahrain but stayed in title contention after bouncing back against Kazakhstan, 109-78.

However, the Filipino hoopers were officially eliminated from the tournament after absorbing a lopsided 61-105 loss to China.

Without Brownlee’s offensive contribution, Gilas visibly struggled on both ends of the floor and had to rely on multiple options when its triangle offense wasn’t working.

As of this writing, the SBP has yet to confirm whether Brownlee will reinforce the national team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying window.