FIBA Clears Quentin Millora-Brown as Local Player, Opening Door for Gilas’ Tallest-Ever Frontcourt
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine basketball is set for a towering transformation. In a decision that could reshape the national team’s future, FIBA has officially approved Quentin Millora-Brown (QMB) as a local player, making him eligible to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas without occupying a naturalized player slot.
The ruling came after Millora-Brown’s legal team successfully appealed FIBA’s earlier classification of him as a naturalized athlete. Born to a Filipino mother, the 6-foot-10 forward/center is now officially recognized under FIBA’s local eligibility guidelines — a move that immediately boosts the team’s roster flexibility and competitive firepower.
A Giant Leap for Gilas’ Frontcourt
With QMB’s eligibility, Gilas could assemble what many are calling the “Skyline Squad” — possibly the tallest and most skilled frontcourt in Philippine basketball history. Imagine a starting lineup in 2026 featuring:
Kai Sotto – 7-foot-3 center with elite shot-blocking and post-up skills
AJ Edu – 6-foot-10 power forward known for his defensive versatility and rebounding
Quentin Millora-Brown – 6-foot-10 mobile big with NCAA experience and a strong inside presence
Ange Kouame – 6-foot-10 naturalized center with championship pedigree in the UAAP
This quartet would give Gilas unprecedented size, rim protection, and rebounding muscle, allowing them to compete physically with the best teams in Asia and potentially on the world stage.
Why This Matters
In recent years, Gilas has often been undersized compared to continental rivals like China and Iran, who regularly field multiple seven-footers. The inclusion of Millora-Brown means the Philippines can finally match up man-for-man in the paint while also spreading the floor thanks to the mobility of their bigs.
Coaches and analysts believe the combination of height, youth, and skill in this potential lineup could mark a turning point. “It’s not just about size — it’s about the skill set these big men bring,” one coach said. “All of them can defend, rebound, run the break, and some can even stretch the floor.”
The Road Ahead
Millora-Brown, 24, recently played for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the UAAP, bringing with him the experience of playing NCAA Division I basketball with Vanderbilt and Rice University. His maturity and work ethic have been praised by teammates and coaches alike.
If Gilas can integrate QMB seamlessly into its system, the team could present a nightmare matchup for opponents — clogging passing lanes, dominating second-chance points, and forcing rivals to adjust to their sheer size advantage.
Fans are already buzzing at the prospect of seeing Sotto, Edu, QMB, and Kouame on the floor together. Social media has been flooded with mock lineups, nicknames like “The Great Wall of Gilas,” and predictions that this could be the country’s most competitive team in decades.
With the 2026 FIBA qualifiers and the Asian Games on the horizon, Gilas Pilipinas may soon unleash a frontcourt that can not only hold its own — but tower over the competition.
If you want, I can also write you a hype-style sports feature that captures the energy and excitement of fans imagining this lineup in action. That way, it’ll feel like a magazine piece building momentum for Gilas’ future.
