When Justin Brownlee arrived at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Friday, he could not hide his joy.
The beloved naturalized Filipino was showered with cheers by both the San Miguel and Magnolia faithful.
Finally, he was back home.
The past four months were the most challenging time in the six-time PBA champion’s career.
Just days after leading Gilas Pilipinas to gold in the 19th Asian Games, he tested positive for an illegal substance, forcing him out of competition.
The 35-year-old forward revealed that there were many restless nights for him due to the uncertainty he faced.
“Mentally, it was very tough. Not knowing the outcome of the situation was very stressful. There were a lot of days and nights just thinking about it and feeling sorry for myself,” he shared.
“But at the end of the day, it was something that when you get knocked down, you’ve got to get back up and stay positive.”
Breaking his heart even more though was that he could not fight alongside his brothers-at-arms in Ginebra.
Without Brownlee, Ginebra struggled in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, eventually bowing out by way of a sweep at the hands of San Miguel.
“Yes, it was very difficult. In the beginning, I felt like I let the team down.”
Still, he remained hopeful.
Despite being away from the game he loved, Brownlee kept in shape, hoping that one day his suspension would end.
“Physically, just staying in shape. My ankle is a whole lot better than four months ago. Right now, I feel good and I feel rested. I feel healthy,” he continued.
The faith of his head coach Tim Cone was one of his sources of strength.
When Cone was named head coach of the national team, the decorated tactician gave him a call, saying that he was his only choice for the naturalized spot on Gilas.
In addition to Cone, the messages he received on an almost daily basis from Filipino fans kept him strong.
“It’s just humbling. I just go out there and try my hardest. It’s a funny feeling, but I just embrace it and enjoy it. It’s something I can cherish,” he expressed.
“When someone calls you a hero, it makes me feel I accomplished something bigger than life.”
Now that he is back, he is not promising the moon and the stars to the fans who stayed with him.
His only promise is to continue creating more magical moments for the next four years.
“It feels great. There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing the Filipino fans happy. It’s not really just for me, it’s for everybody,” he shared.
“Hopefully, we create some more special moments.”
