BOCAUE — Justin Brownlee has played numerous times and created countless memories at the Philippine Arena here.
But nothing will ever compare with his latest appearance at the gargantuan venue.
On Friday evening, Brownlee, Ginebra’s resident import since 2016, was no longer wearing the red and white. Instead, he was donning the blue and gold.
Moreover, he was no longer playing for trophies or money. He is now playing for national pride.
“It’s very special.
“Just coming to play here with Gilas has brought me so much joy. I’m just lucky and blessed to be part of the team. The naturalization… it’s just a huge honor to put the Philippines on my chest and play for the flag,” said the 34-year-old, three-time PBA Best Import.
And the 6-foot-6 all-around player made sure that the wait was all worth it.
Right from the get-go, Brownlee fired a couple of triples that clearly stunned the Cedars — the majority of whom he already teamed up with or facade in the Lebanese league.
“Yeah, you know, when you make a shot, the crowd gets going. The Filipino fans, they really appreciate basketball, and that’s what I really appreciate as well, too,” he recalled.
As the dust settled in the game that was already out of reach by the third canto, Brownlee produced a statline of 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
More importantly, Gilas finally defeated Lebanon, 107-96.
But beyond the stats, what puts Gilas head coach Chot Reyes in awe of the six-time PBA champion is just how he makes it a point to involve the other four players donning the same jersey as his.
“Of all of Justin’s skills, he shoots the ball well, he defends, he penetrates, and he has a lot of technical skills but the one skill that I appreciate is that he is a great teammate,” said Reyes.
“Great teammates make the players around him better and that is his greatest skill.”
“You know, being one of the older guys and one of the leaders, I just felt like it was important right off the jump, we have to be aggressive, and we have that mentality,” added Brownlee.
For Brownlee, this is just the start of his new chapter.
And despite having to wait for so long to get his Filipino citizenship, he harbors no qualms. In fact, he will continue to give his all for the Three Stars and the Sun as it is his way of paying for the love he has received after all these years.
“The Philippines showed so much love to me and I’m just doing my best to give it back.”
