SBP’s Efforts to Secure FIBA Clearance for Quentin Millora-Brown: Is It Worth It?
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to secure Quentin Millora-Brown’s (QMB) eligibility as a local player for Gilas Pilipinas. Behind the scenes, the federation has been working for the past three months to compile the necessary documents and ensure that QMB meets FIBA's stringent eligibility requirements.
This effort has raised an important question: Is all this work worth it? Given the age and wear-and-tear of Junemar Fajardo, the answer is a resounding yes.
SBP’s Silent Work Behind the Scenes
🔹 Key Issue: FIBA requires players with dual citizenship to have secured their passport before turning 16 years old.
🔹 SBP’s Action: The federation has been verifying the authenticity of QMB’s green passport and gathering supporting documents to back his claim.
🔹 Due Diligence: SBP president Al Panlilio emphasized that the organization is handling the process carefully to avoid any accusations of tampering, which could cause problems in the future.
🔹 FIBA Submission: The SBP has already submitted QMB’s case to FIBA, even while awaiting final verification of his passport.
Why QMB’s Clearance is Crucial for Gilas
1. The Need for a True Big Man
Gilas lacks a dominant, local 6'10" center who can protect the rim, rebound, and defend elite bigs in international competition. If QMB is cleared as a local, the national team gets exactly that—a young, athletic big who can anchor the paint.
2. Junemar Fajardo’s Age & Mileage
At 35 years old in 2025, Junemar Fajardo remains the country’s best big man, but he can’t carry the load forever. Injuries and the natural effects of aging will limit his ability to dominate at the international level.
QMB could be his eventual successor, providing size, defense, and rebounding without the naturalization restrictions.
3. The Flexibility to Add a Naturalized Star
If QMB is classified as a local, it allows Gilas to add a high-impact naturalized player at another position, such as:
✔ A dynamic scoring wing (e.g., Justin Brownlee)
✔ An elite guard (e.g., Jordan Clarkson)
✔ A defensive specialist (depending on the need)
This flexibility makes Gilas more dangerous against top-tier competition in Asia and beyond.
Final Verdict: The Effort is 100% Worth It
SBP’s work to clear Quentin Millora-Brown as a local player is a necessary move for the future of Gilas Pilipinas. With Junemar Fajardo aging, securing a young, legitimate big man is a top priority.
While the process may take time, the potential rewards are massive. If QMB is cleared, Gilas instantly gets a legitimate center who can contribute for the next 5-10 years.
The message is clear: This is a battle worth fighting for.
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