Coach Tim Cone and Justin Brownlee. Photos from FIBA 

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone admitted that he let Justin Brownlee play more minutes against Hong Kong in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

The Filipino ballers won big time, 94-64, and opened their campaign on a sweet note behind the heroics of Brownlee, who put up 16 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while the young Kai Sotto was the most efficient among the Gilas boys with +26 efficiency on 13 points and 15 rebounds.

Gilas dismantles Hong Kong to start strong in Asia Cup qualifiers

But eyes were also on the naturalized player, who was ineligible to play for three months due to an "anti-doping rule violation" and was recently cleared by FIBA to play for Gilas in the tourney.

Justin Brownlee arrives in PH in time for FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers

"He really struggled in the beginning of the game," said Cone, referring to Brownlee. "You can tell that he had a little bit of rust. He hasn’t played a game in like four months."

Although Gilas' victory was certain in the final chapter after pulling ahead in the third frame, Cone said it was really their plan to let him have extended minutes in preparation for the national team's next matches. 

"He had a lot of rust to brush off and that’s why we played him and continued to play him in the fourth quarter. I turned to the bench and said we are going to keep Justin in there so he can continue to get his rhythm," said Cone, who is also the winningest coach of the PBA.

"It was great to see him in the second half really get his rhythm and be the Justin that we know. Obviously, we were willing to be patient for him and we know how good he is and we know what a great teammate he is," he added.

Gilas will face Chinese Taipei on Sunday as they defend their home turf at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, and Cone hopes Brownlee will play better by then. 

"He is the lifeblood of this team. We are happy that he is back and we think he can play better against Taiwan as we go forward. He has that history. He has that pedigree already," Cone said.