'Just what the doctor ordered': Cone, Ramos hail Millora-Brown's impressive Gilas debut

Filipino-American big man Quentin Millora-Brown provided valuable contributions in his Gilas Pilipinas debut in the first window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers. (Photo: FIBA)

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone and guard Dwight Ramos touted Quentin Millora-Brown (QMB) for his solid showing in the first window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Cone stressed that the 6-foot-10 center's performance from both ends of the court against Guam proved he's what Gilas needed – a “weak side big man.”

“He battled [Tai] Wesley really well, then went around and battled [Jonathan] Galloway really well. And those guys are high-level players,” the 68-year-old mentor said in a post-match media conference on Monday, December 1. “And then he got to the offensive boards. He ran the floor. He's just a very active, active big. And again, that's just what the doctor ordered for us.”

Ramos echoed Cone's sentiments, saying he “loved” Millora-Brown's game.

“He's not scared to challenge shots, and he's physical down there in the paint. So I'm looking forward [to] seeing him again and his improvement,” added the Levanga Hokkaido star, who led Gilas with 19 points on a 7-of-9 shooting in their 95-71 win against Guam at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Millora-Brown averaged 7.5 points on 70% shooting with 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 assist on Gilas' lopsided victories over Guam for a perfect 2-0 start in the World Cup Qualifiers. 

Last August, FIBA reclassified the former University of the Philippines standout as a local after being initially ruled as a naturalized player. His lawyers appealed the decision.

His addition to Gilas gave Cone more options for the four and five positions, with Kai Sotto still recovering from his anterior cruciate ligament injury.

QMB will also fill the void that Japeth Aguilar left after retiring from the national team.

ALSO READ: 'Karangalan ang makasama ka': Fajardo, fans laud Aguilar after Gilas retirement

Cone, meanwhile, said that Millora-Brown is yet to reach his true potential with Gilas.

“He's just scratching the surface of his ability to help us. I mean, we're still exploring his game. He's exploring his game within the system. There's a lot more levels for him to go,” he said.

Millora-Brown and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas will return to action in the second window against New Zealand and Australia in February 2026.