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Justin Brownlee pays tribute to PBA rival Allen Durham, who announced his retirement from playing in Asia’s first pro basketball league
MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee tipped his hat to longtime Meralco reinforcement Allen Durham, who retired from the PBA on Wednesday, October 30, after nearly a decade of playing in the league.
“Congratulations, AD, on an incredible career. You know, he’s been an incredible player, a great player here in the Philippines and all over Asia,” Brownlee told reporters after Ginebra lost in Game 2 of the Governors’ Cup championship series.
“Just congratulations on your success. It was always a fun battle, you know, going against him. I appreciate the player you are and, more importantly, the person,” Brownlee added.
The two will forever be intertwined as their respective squads battled in the playoffs four times — the 2016, 2017, and 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup finals, and the recent Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Brownlee emerged victorious in the playoffs every time, even if Durham took three Best Import of the Conference awards at the former’s expense.
In an exclusive interview with Rappler, Durham said he will be playing overseas until 2025 as he looks to wrap up a storied 13-year international playing career.
Just after Ginebra’s 3-0 sweep of Meralco in the quarterfinals, Brownlee had said Durham is capable of winning an elusive PBA crown.
“I can’t say I feel bad because we’re competitors and that comes with the game. I would say his effort is definitely not a losing effort,” said Brownlee last September 30.
“If he continues doing what he’s doing, I think at some point, he’s going to break through and be successful in this league and maybe win a championship.”
Durham said his most memorable moment in the PBA is playing against Brownlee in Game 7 of the 2017 Governors’ Cup finals in Bulacan before over 54,000 spectators — a former league record.
Leading by as many as 20 points, Ginebra fended off a late run by Meralco to seize the winner-take-all match, 101-96. — Rappler.com
