Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said Thursday that Justin Brownlee is currently unable to play because of health concerns involving his blood pressure and heart, rather than an injury.

Cone disclosed Brownlee’s condition during the Senate Committee on Sports hearing chaired by Sen. Bong Go.

“Because of his health situation. It’s not [an] injury concern, he’s had health concerns,” Cone said. “That’s why he’s not playing for Ginebra at this time, why he hasn’t played this conference, because he’s had health concerns regarding his blood pressure, heart issues. So, he is not able to play at this point.”

Brownlee, a naturalized Filipino and key member of Gilas Pilipinas, has been sidelined from national team duties in recent months.

He was on the sidelines during the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and also missed the Philippines’ home games in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last August.

The 38-year-old forward has likewise been absent from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel throughout the Governors’ Cup, which took an extended break to accommodate Gilas Pilipinas’ national team commitments.

Brownlee has been a key contributor to the national team in recent years, helping Gilas win the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games and earning recognition as one of the Philippines’ top naturalized players.

Cone did not provide a timetable for Brownlee’s return to competitive play, saying only that the player is currently unable to suit up because of his health concerns.