Justin Brownlee could only commiserate with James Dickey III after an ankle injury prompted Phoenix to make the tough decision to let go of his close pal.
The three-time PBA Best Import lamented the abrupt end of the 29-year-old’s first foray in the league but was nonetheless proud of what he was able to do as the Fuel Masters’ first-choice import in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
“That’s very unfortunate,” he said Friday moments after Barangay Ginebra’s streak-ending loss to Meralco at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. “You know, obviously, injuries are a part of the game; he had sustained an ankle injury.
“I’m not sure what was going on in the media about him being, I guess, okay to play, I’m not sure. But from my understanding, he had a significant injury that kept him out. Just praying for his recovery.”
Dickey was relieved of his post as the team’s reinforcement mere days after he decided to sit out their game against Coach Delta Pineda and Converge last Sunday in the Big Dome, which ended in a brutal beatdown, 130-103.
The do-it-all big man cited the injury he suffered during their eventual win against Rain or Shine as the reason, although chief mentor Charles Tiu honestly believed that he could play through it until he told the team he can’t.
Needless to say, they missed his presence against the FiberXers, as they practically enabled the opposition to have their way, specifically the returning Donovan Smith, who dropped 32 points and 12 rebounds against his ex-team.
(C) PBA Images
But on that same night, Tiu was noncommittal when asked if the American’s status would prompt a search for a replacement, and the young strategist’s response proved to be the writing on the wall that change was coming.
Some 96 hours later, Dickey found himself becoming a free agent, marking the end of his stay with the franchise, which lasted for a total of eight games.
As difficult as the split was, Brownlee felt that his former Pelita Jaya Basketball teammate had done more than his share of the bargain for Phoenix.
Before sitting out against Converge, the team was 5–3 in the standings and even came into that game on a two-game winning streak.
“He put Phoenix in a position right now where they’re competing for, if I’m not mistaken, the Top Four,” offered ‘JB,’ as the Fuel Masters are currently at 6–4 following a thrilling overtime win against TNT earlier in the night.
Brownlee is also confident that Dickey would earn another opportunity in the PBA after this maiden stint, where he averaged 19.6 points, 19.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.75 blocks prior to the FiberXers game.
“I think he did a great job here in the PBA, especially since it was his first time,” he opined. “I think he likes Asia, and I think he’ll for sure be back.
“If not with Phoenix, maybe other teams; I’m sure some other teams, probably, who took note of what he can do. I think he had a good showing. He had a good showcase here in the Philippines, showing his talents and what he can do.
“Just a healthy recovery, and I think he’ll be okay, and he’ll be back in the PBA, for sure,” the six-time league champion closed.
