FIBA reclassifies Millora-Brown as a local Filipino player

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons superstar center Quentin Millora-Brown has successfully appealed to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and was reclassified from a naturalized to a local player for the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team.

Last July, Millora-Brown appealed his status after FIBA initially labeled him a naturalized player. The two-way big man began the process after Gilas Pilipinas expressed its intent to add him to their official development pool.

“He’s awesome. Man, I’d love to have him,” said Gilas head coach Tim Cone. “He’s physical, he gets to the offensive boards real well. Great size.”

Days after Gilas’ exit from the FIBA Asia Cup, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed that Millora-Brown is now eligible to play as a local for the national team.

SBP president Al Panlilio verified the development, officially welcoming Millora-Brown to the Gilas basketball program.

“We’re pleased with the update from FIBA because a player of his size and skill can make a positive impact for Gilas Pilipinas Men,” said Panlilio.

With Kai Sotto still sidelined due to a torn ACL, the addition of Millora-Brown can help Gilas address its frontcourt woes.

The recent FIBA Asia Cup exposed the need for a younger rotation after veterans June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar struggled to match the speed and agility of opposing big men.

In almost all of Gilas’ matchups, especially against Australia and Saudi Arabia, opposing guards ran multiple pick-and-pops that forced constant switches, exposing defensive mismatches.

Fajardo was often targeted for guard-big mismatches, forcing Cone to pull him out early and rely on a smaller lineup.

In contrast, Millora-Brown is a mobile center who can defend multiple positions with his footwork and wingspan.

He was instrumental in UP’s UAAP Season 87 championship run, making the most of his one-and-done stint.

As of this writing, the SBP has yet to announce when Millora-Brown will debut for the national team, but Cone and his staff expect him to fly to the Philippines for their next international game.