Without the prolific Justin Brownlee to rely on, Gilas Pilipinas hopes to draw a big lift from its young guns like Carl Tamayo in the second round of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Tamayo, of course, will look to step up in the absence of the injured Brownlee. He is also fully aware that he can only do so much, and it will take a village to fill the void left by Brownlee.
‘I think it really is a challenge for us because we all know how big of a part JB (Brownlee) plays in our national team and coach Tim’s (Cone) system,’ said Tamayo.
‘That’s the challenge in front of us so everyone needs to help out. We need to work together to fill that space for this window and we’ve been practicing hard. Hopefully, we get the two wins so we have a bigger chance to play in the World Cup.’
Brownlee has long been the Philippines’ offensive anchor and best clutch performer. He averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game in the five games. Brownlee was already dealing with injuries in Gilas’ double overtime loss to New Zealand before sitting out the Nationals’ final game of the third window against Australia.
There was, however, a silver lining amid Brownlee’s woes against the Kiwis, with Tamayo and fellow youngblood Kevin Quiambao picking up the slack.
Tamayo turned in 17 points, four assists and two rebounds against New Zealand, while Quiambao fired 23.
‘This team is different. There’s a lot of talent in this team. We have to stick to our role to help the team win the next two games. It’s going to be crucial for us, especially for KQ (Kevin Quiambao) now that Justin is not here.’
‘I don’t think we can do what Justin is doing. No one in our team can be like Justin but we’ll do whatever we can to help our country.’
Gilas’ second-round campaign tips off Friday against Jordan before clashing with Iran on Sunday, with both games taking place at Mall of Asia Arena