Manila, Philippines – In a shocking move, basketball superstar Justin Brownlee has officially signed with Pelita Jaya Bakrie of the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL). This transfer marks the end of Brownlee’s 8-year playing career in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), where he achieved great success.

The reasons behind this shocking decision have not yet been disclosed. Many PBA fans expressed their disappointment and regret over Brownlee’s departure, while others supported his decision, believing it was a new opportunity for him to advance his career.

Brownlee is considered one of the best players in PBA history. He led Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to three PBA Commissioner’s Cup championships (2016, 2019, 2021) and one PBA Governors’ Cup championship (2016). He was also a key member of the Philippine national team, helping the team win the gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games and the silver medal at the 2022 FIBA ​​Asia Cup.

Brownlee’s move to the IBL will surely create a wave of excitement in Southeast Asian basketball. It will be interesting to see if he can continue his success in Indonesia.

Justin Brownlee gilas

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee didn’t look like he missed a beat in Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up game against the Taiwan Mustangs on Monday.

Brownlee, who last played with Gilas in the first window of the 2025 Asia Cup Qualifiers in February, said his stint with Indonesian club Pelita Jaya in the Basketball Champions League helped him stay in top form.

“It’s been great for the Pelita Jaya. [It] definitely kept me in shape. [I’m] definitely having a great time there, we got a great team there in Indonesia, playing some  international play in the BCL,” said Brownlee after Gilas’ 74-64 victory over Taiwan at Philsports Arena on Monday.

“[It] definitely helped me out for this experience so it’s been great.”

“It was coach Tim pushing me to play so I’d stay in condition,” he continued.

The Indonesian gig will reunite him with former Terrafirma import Lester Prosper, an Indonesia naturalized player who is now a fixture in the IBL.