GRACIOUS in defeat, Justin Brownlee acknowledged Gilas Pilipinas’ big room for growth as he looked back on their campaign in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga over the past week.

“We didn’t achieve what we sought for, but every L you take is always a Lesson,” the 36-year-old naturalized player wrote on Instagram early Tuesday morning posting a gallery tribute.

Gilas made it as far as the semifinals of the six-team OQT after defeating world no. 6 Latvia and qualifying through a better quotient tiebreak after a close loss to Georgia.

Brownlee expressed gratitude to the Pinoy fans who stayed up at ungodly hours to watch their games and show love through social media.

He said: “Thank you, Latvia, for the great hospitality, and thank you, Philippines, for always showing and giving great support I hope we made you proud.”

Brownlee continued: “Maraming salamat po Mahal ko kayong lahat. What an amazing experience with my brothers!!!”

justin brownlee gilas oqt