KAI Sotto let the world know just how revered a basketball player Justin Brownlee is in the Philippines.

The 22-year-old went to the extent of referring to Brownlee – the naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas – as the Filipino version of the player many consider to be the GOAT of the hardcourt.

“The world doesn’t really know much about Justin Brownlee, but for me, he’s the Michael Jordan of Philippine basketball,” said the 7-foot-3 center.

“That’s what we expect him to do, and that’s what he does every night.”

Indeed, on this night, Brownlee displayed his Jordanesque will in leading Gilas to a significant moment in Philippine basketball history after taking down powerhouse Latvia, 89-80, in the qualifier for the Paris Olympics.

READ: History unfolds in Latvia as Gilas stuns world No. 6 in OQT

Brownlee, the second oldest member of Gilas’ 11-man crew, spearheaded the national team’s sizzling start by firing 16 of his 26 points in the opening half that set the tempo for the Philippines to control the match on enemy territory.

The product of St. John’s added nine rebounds and nine assists in an all-around performance that netted the Philippines its first win in 64 years against a European country in a FIBA-sanctioned tournament.

PHOTO: fiba.basketball

The Barangay Ginebra import turned on Jordan mode during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter when Latvia made a serious run and wiped out what was once a commanding 26-point Gilas lead to just a 79-69 tally inside the final five minutes.

Coming off a timeout, the national team went straight to Brownlee, who responded big-time by scoring six straight points for Gilas, including a rare four-point play off a Janis Timma foul to restore order, 85-71, with 3:29 to go.

While Latvia kept on creeping back, that short Brownlee scoring explosion stopped the momentum of the host and allowed the Filipinos to stay in control for good.

“He just goes out there with his A-game every single night,” said Sotto in complimenting ‘Justin Noypi.’

“He’s a great teammate, a great player, and we’re very blessed, very lucky to have him.”

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