Millora-Brown Classified as Local Player by FIBA
In a development that could have long-term implications for the development of the Philippine national team program, former UAAP champion and UP Fighting Maroons standout Quentin Millora-Brown has been deemed a local player for the Philippines by FIBA, his agent Tod Seidel confirmed.
“That is correct. Our lawyers Ale Mosca and Toni Verano were able to negotiate a successful final decision,” he said through a statement.
Assuming he’s added to the national team pool, this turns Millora-Brown’s dream of wearing the Philippines’ name across his chest to a reality and gives the Tim Cone-coached squad another young big man with immense potential to be an impact player, joining the likes of AJ Edu and the recovering Kai Sotto.
“I’m just thrilled for QMB because he wanted to represent the Philippines so badly and I am grateful to FIBA for a favorable final decision,” Seidel texted.
“I see the way they pass, the way they cut. I think my skill set would fit right in with the way Coach Cone wants to play,” Millora-Brown said back in July following Gilas’ victory against a Macau Black Bears team he suited up for.
His desire to play for the national team is also rooted in the special relationship he had with his Lolo, Angel.
“If that is the case [that he is a local], we certainly would welcome him,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone said in a statement.
Does this mean QMB can now play in the Japan B. League?
“I haven’t had those discussions yet,” Seidel responded in response to this query. “All options that make sense are open,” he added about QMB’s upcoming pro basketball prospects.
Sources have told me that for QMB to receive a contract offer to play in the B. League – teams have expressed interest in him before – he would need local Filipino status from FIBA and time spent playing for the national team.
Another source indicated that given the recent announcement of the PBA’s three-year ban for players who refuse to sign contracts with their mother team and opt to play in other leagues – local or international – there is hope from executives this would incline the B. League to only require FIBA local status.
If so, that could open the door for the likes of Schonny Winston or Zavier Lucero to possibly play in Japan.
The Korean Basketball League (KBL), meanwhile, requires Filipino recruits to be born to both Filipino parents.
This is a developing story.
