Quentin Millora-Brown is quietly building a basketball career worth watching.
The Filipino-American forward – known for his rebounding, shot-blocking and quiet toughness – recently signed a short-term contract with the Macau Black Bears, suiting up for the Asian Tournament in China. It’s just the latest stop on a basketball journey that’s taken him from Rice, Vanderbilt, and the Citadel in the U.S. to a UAAP championship run with UP in the Philippines.
[See more: Who are the Macau Black Bears? What to know about the city’s star team]
In between all that, QMB (as his teammates call him) still makes time to cook a proper mac and cheese, reminisce over a Filipino dish that reminds him of his grandfather, and dream about dinner with Tim Duncan.
Macao News gave him a call to talk hoops, food, and everything in between.
What initially motivated you to sign a short-term deal with the Black Bears?
I thought it was a great opportunity to get a few games in before the start of the next season. And honestly, playing against Gilas was a huge deal for me, being Filipino. It felt like something I had to say yes to – it was just an exciting opportunity all around.
What were you doing before the call from the Black Bears came through?
I had just finished my season in the Philippines and was back to working out, training. We were figuring out what would be the best move moving forward. Then this came up, and the timing just felt right.
How’s the transition been, from playing in the U.S. and the Philippines, and now East Asia?
It’s been good. Honestly, playing in college and in the Philippines really prepared me well. The game here is fast and fun, and the transition hasn’t been too bad for me personally. I feel like my foundation helped me adjust quickly.
[See more: University of Macau coach Lam Teng Long on winning a national basketball title]
Let’s go back a bit – how did basketball first enter your life?
I started young. My grandfather was a basketball player, and my dad was a fencer, so I did both for a while. But I fell in love with the team aspect of basketball – playing with others, being part of a squad. That feeling stuck, and I just kept going with it.
You had a standout debut with the Black Bears – a double-double. What did you take from that experience?
The biggest thing? Just have fun. Everyone on the team brings that energy, and when you’re having fun and not overthinking it, everything else sort of takes care of itself.
The team praised your rebounding and defence. Is that how you see yourself too?
Definitely. I’ve always been that offensive rebounder, hard-nosed defender kind of guy. That’s my niche – extra possessions, making it tough for people to score. But I’m also working to grow my offensive game and be more of a complete player.
You’ve had quite a journey already – can you walk us through the teams you’ve played for?
I started at Rice University in the US, then transferred to Vanderbilt, playing in the SEC against teams like Kentucky and Florida. That’s where I really learned how to be a pro – how to carry myself, be disciplined, and approach life the right way. After that, I spent my final U.S. college season at the Citadel, and then played for UP in the Philippines, where my grandfather once played too. That was a really special capstone year for me.
What have been some of your biggest challenges as a player?
I’d say mindset – finding that balance between being a great teammate and growing as a scoring threat. I always wanted to be the ultimate teammate, but also needed to push myself offensively. Figuring out how to do both has been a challenge, but a good one.
And your most memorable moment so far?
Winning the championship with UP. That whole season, and especially that final, was just amazing. My whole family was in attendance. It was one of those moments where you feel like a dream came true.
With your Macao stint ending soon and European options on the table, how are you balancing short and long-term goals?
Right now, I’m really just focusing on the here and now. I trust my agent to guide my career for the next year, two years, however long. He knows how I can grow and move up in leagues. For me, it’s about making the most of each opportunity as it comes.
You haven’t actually been to Macao yet?
No, I haven’t. The contract was so short that I flew straight to the tournament, and then from there to Manila. I’d love to visit someday though.
What’s your go-to food or drink when you’re off the court?
Asian cuisine all day. I’m a foodie, and I like to try different things. But if I had to pick one dish, it’s a Filipino one called dinuguan. It reminds me of my grandfather – he used to mess with us when we ate it. Lots of good memories are tied to that dish.
Your nickname’s QMB – but if you had to pick another one?
QMB or just “Q” has stuck, but when I was a little kid, I couldn’t say “Quentin” properly, so I called myself “Ten-Ten.” My family still teases me with that one. It’s become an inside joke.
What’s your favourite way to relax?
Cooking. It’s something I love doing when I have free time. It helps me unwind, and I like experimenting in the kitchen.
Any specialities?
Mac and cheese, definitely. I like making a good mac and cheese with broccoli and protein on the side. Simple, but solid.
If you could have dinner with any athlete – past or present – who would it be?
Tim Duncan. He was my idol growing up. I admired how simple but effective his game was. I’d love to ask him how he balanced being the ultimate teammate and also being a dominant scorer. That balance is something I think about a lot.
One surprising talent or hobby people don’t know about you?
Again, probably cooking. A lot of people don’t expect that from me. But I love the process of it – the focus it takes, the creativity. It’s a labour of love.
Do you have a quote or motto that you live by?
I try to focus on “everyday deposits.” Just doing a little bit better every day. I work on what I can control and try to approach everything with intention. It’s all about consistent improvement.
