For the first time since winning the ABL Championship last May 2, the core players of San Miguel Alab Pilipinas were reunited on the hardcourt, Sunday evening.
However, they were on opposing sides in the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Reigning ABL co-Defensive Player of the Year Renaldo Balkman was playing for the San Miguel Beermen. Standing across him was Justin Brownlee of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Their esteemed guests for the evening were two-time Local Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and their head coach Jimmy Alapag.
Alab’s run to the top was really something special. After a dismal start, Alab surged with the addition of Brownlee and Balkman. They were able to stun defending champions Hong Kong Eastern Basketball Club before outlasting Mono Vampire in an epic five-game Finals series.
Which is why when Balkman and Brownlee faced one another for the first time in the PBA, they made sure to invite Parks and Alapag to watch.
“They were definitely coming to this game. We had talked about it last week. They were definitely expected to be here,” shared Brownlee.
“It was great to see the guys courtside, showing our support, not only me but for [Balkman] as well.”
For the entire contest, Parks, Jr. constantly traded jabs with Balkman and Brownlee, much to the amusement of the two.
“Them guys were messing with me the whole night. I was trying to get security because I know they don’t have tickets. Check their ticket stubs,” Balkman quipped.
“But it was great seeing them again because they motivate me. Even off the court they call me. That’s all motivation for me. For them to sit there and watch me play, I was just with them, it means a lot to me,” he shared.
“I don’t got nothing but positive for them.”
It was a great game on a spectators standpoint, as San Miguel and Ginebra featured in a back-and-forth affair. In the end, the Beermen were able to outlast the Gin Kings, 104-97.
Balkman finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds while Brownlee tallied 18 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, five blocks, and three steals.
And no one was more proud to see the two imports give their all than Parks, Jr. and Alapag.
“I just told both of them it was a great game but I wasn’t surprised,” Alapag shared about what he told the two during the post-game.
“Definitely a good game! I knew it was going to be a good game because knowing the personalities involved, everyone wanted to win the game,” added Parks, Jr.
For Alapag, he can’t wait for the two to continue flourishing in the big league. Moreover, he hopes that he could have the two World Imports back.
“I’m excited for them. It’s a great opportunity for them to continue playing well. The ABL is in the offseason. Hopefully, I’ll have them back once the ABL season starts.”
