Justin Brownlee had just added another reason to be loved by Pinoy fans, especially the ka-Barangays.
In a video uploaded by Ryce Cañete Aguirre on Facebook last March 1, the beloved Barangay Ginebra import was seen playing with random guys on the street in a small, made-up court, apparently just outside of a compound.
As of this posting, the Facebook post has reached over 21,000 likes.
“I just saw a couple of kids, young guys playing while driving and I just said would you mind me joining and they said, ‘yeah come on’,” explained Brownlee. “I think they don’t know who’s in the car but when I came out, they figured it out.
“Actually, the score was 3-2. The kid, he got some game. He was up for the challenge. I was possibly up the whole game but I just got lucky,” furthered the American cager.
“I’m looking forward for him in the PBA. The kid’s fine.”
Brownlee explained the clip Friday night, as he watched his Ginebra brothers play against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Little did he know that he was up for a marathon.
The Barangay reigned victorious, 100-92, in the bout that was like a tennis match, going for nearly four hours. And for Brownlee, there was a bit of eagerness in his part to join his teammates on the court and play.
“Yeah. Everytime I see Ginebra go out and play, man, It is just a good feeling,” said the two-time Governor’s Cup champion. “I have played with those guys the past couple of years and I definitely love to play with these guys back in the court.”
Of course, Brownlee has to wait for a few more months before returning to the Gin Kings’ realms. So for now, his focus is with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League, where they are already bound for the playoffs.
“I know the team has a lot of potential and right now, you know, me and [Renaldo] Balkman coming over with the local potential they have, we’re just making the most of the opportunity and it was just special,” he said.
“I hope we get to the Finals.”
