SBP hopes for minimal sanctions on Justin Brownlee with decision expected soon

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is hoping for minimal sanctions on naturalized player Justin Brownlee as a decision on his doping violation is expected this week.

SBP executive director Erika Dy revealed this to members of the press on Tuesday.

"As much as possible we would want Justin Brownlee to play, but we have yet to wait for the decision from FIBA," Dy said as the former Barangay Ginebra import is part of Gilas head coach Tim Cone's core for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this February.

"We were told it would come in anytime this week so we're hoping that he gets the lowest level of suspension which is a three-month period.  That three-month window would end on February 8, just in time for the first window."

Dy said should it be the sanction, Brownlee's case would have been a provisional or voluntary suspension.

After helping win the Asian Games gold medal for Gilas in October, Brownlee tested positive for the banned Carboxy-THC by the International Testing Agency. With no decision yet, Brownlee also missed the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup where he was supposed to suit up for Barangay Ginebra.

Cone also previously shared his optimism on Brownlee's case.

Gilas Pilipinas will play Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on February 22 and 25, respectively.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News