Justin Brownlee will sit out Gilas Pilipinas' match against Australia on Monday due to multiple injuries. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed the 38-year-old will miss the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers game in Perth.
Brownlee is dealing with a hamstring strain and peroneal tendinopathy on his right leg along with left knee swelling and cartilage defects. He managed just five points in the team's 106-102 double overtime loss to New Zealand on July 3.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone praised the growth of younger players like Kevin Quiambao, Juan Gomez de Liaño and Carl Tamayo. They combined for strong scoring outputs in the New Zealand defeat as the team looks to improve its 2-3 record in Group A.
The Philippines faces an unbeaten Australia side that averages a 23.8-point winning margin. A win would aid the team's push to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.