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Justin Brownlee can break his tie with Sean Chambers for the PBA record of most titles by an import as he and Barangay Ginebra challenge defending champion TNT for the Governors’ Cup crown
MANILA, Philippines – One thing that has endeared Justin Brownlee to Barangay Ginebra and its legion of fans is that he puts the team first.
And even as Brownlee inched closer to becoming the winningest import in PBA history, his priorities remain unchanged.
Brownlee can break his tie with Sean Chambers for the record of most titles by an import as he and Barangay Ginebra challenge defending champion TNT for the Governors’ Cup crown starting on Sunday, October 27.
“I haven’t been thinking about just winning another championship for myself or being the winningest. I haven’t thought about being the winningest import,” said Brownlee.
“Just focused on each day, just trying to get better and better,” he added. “That’s all I’m focused on, whatever’s right in front of me.”
Setting the standard high for foreign reinforcements since he took the league by storm in 2016, Brownlee has won six PBA championships with the Gin Kings with three Best Import plums to boot.
Brownlee captured his sixth title when he steered Ginebra past guest squad Bay Area for the 2022-2023 Commissioner’s Cup crown as he tied Chambers of the legendary Alaska teams of the 1990s for the import record.
He gained a crack at surpassing Chambers last year only to see his flawless finals record tarnished by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the Tropang Giga, who nailed their first-ever Governors’ Cup championship.
But Brownlee earned himself another shot at PBA immortality as he reached the finals for the eighth time in 11 conferences with the Gin Kings, putting the crowd darlings on the cusp of a 16th franchise title.
“The feeling never gets old as far as it comes to winning or making it to the finals or winning a championship,” said Brownlee.
“No matter how much success you have as an athlete, if you’re still playing, or involved with whatever sport it is, I just think that’s the hunger right there.”
Averaging 28.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks, Brownlee is in strong contention for another Best Import award, with a fourth win pushing him past rival Allen Durham for solo second in the all-time list.
But standing in his way once again is reigning Best Import Hollis-Jefferson, who averages 28 points, 12.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.9 blocks.
“It’s going to be a fun matchup, competitive. Rondae is a great player. TNT, they’ve been a great team this conference,” said Brownlee. “Just expect both teams to go all out. Hopefully, it’s entertaining for the fans.”
Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals will be held out of town at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. – Rappler.com
