Brownlee embraces Philippine basketball 'hero' reputation

MANILA, Philippines -- Just humbling.

This was how Justin Brownlee described the feeling or being given a "hero" tag by Filipino basketball fans after leading the Philippines to its first Asian Games gold medal in 61 years.

The naturalized player basically dragged Gilas Pilipinas to the gold medal match after unleashing big shots against China in the semifinals of the Asian Games last year to complete a come-from-behind victory.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Brownlee said he never thought that he would be classified as a hero.

"Man, it’s just humbling. I never thought that someone would look at me as a hero. You know, I just go out there and try my hardest," he said.

"But I don’t know. It’s kinda a funny feeling but I definitely embrace it and enjoy it. It’s something that I can cherish," he added.

Some netizens, after the gold medal win, even called for Brownlee to have a statue in the Philippines to commemorate his heroics.

A few days after, however, the celebrations were marred after he was flagged due to testing positive for Carboxy-THC.

This resulted in him being suspended for three months, which was eventually lifted on Friday.

"Somebody calling you a hero is definitely [gonna] make you feel like you accomplished something bigger than life almost. So, it feels great to be called a hero and it’s also just humbling."

Brownlee will lead Gilas in the upcoming first window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

He said he is "always ready for the big fight," as he vowed to do his best.

"I don't want to put that pressure [of winning another medal] on the team or myself, but if there's one thing I can promise you is I'll try the hardest every time we go out there," Brownlee said.