Brownlee ready for Gilas

Gilas naturalized player Justin Brownlee is expected back from the US before coach Tim Cone calls for the national team's first practice on July 7 and he's coming ready to swing back to action after recovering from surgery on his right thumb with no FIBA sanction despite an "adverse analytical finding" following a game against New Zealand in Manila last year.

- By JOAQUIN HENSON

Brownlee, 37, tested positive for a substance related to cannabis whose use is prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) after the Asian Games in 2023 and served a three-month suspension. He tested positive once more last year but this time, was given a TUE (therapeutic use exemption). "A TUE ensures that players can be treated for medical conditions, even if the treatment involves using a prohibited substance or method, while avoiding the risk of being sanctioned," noted FIBA. The TUE was issued since Brownlee took the substance out of competition. "Justin was never charged with a viol