Justin Brownlee couldn’t feel happier to finally return to the Philippines after nearly two years, no thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
“A long time coming,” said Barangay Ginebra’s resident import. “To be honest, it’s been so long. It was like a dream come true, to be honest.
“I’ve been trying to come out here, but restrictions and stuff like that have been very hard.”
The four-time champion was really keen to plane into the country months before the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do so, as travel restrictions for those arriving from overseas were stricter.
“He almost came in before the bubble – the last bubble,” said head coach Tim Cone. “[He was] gonna come in for a while and work out with us while we were practicing. But the protocols were too heavy, we couldn’t get him in.”
Thus, his extreme excitement the moment he learned that foreign cagers could finally make their way into the country.
“It just was very overwhelming,” said Brownlee, who last played for Ginebra in January 2020 that saw him steer his side to their fourth Governors’ Cup title in four seasons. “I’m happy and just excited to come out here again.”
The 33-year-old made his highly-anticipated return on Sunday night. And just as he has done countless times in the past, he delivered.
Brownlee produced 28 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Gin Kings come from behind. They stole Alaska’s thunder with an 80-77 victory to begin their championship defense bid on the right foot.
The American forward also had four assists, three steals, and two blocks. However, he noted that he has yet to regain the shape he prefers.
“I think I still have a bit to go to get all the way to game shape, especially like I was before. But I’m just trying to work out as much as I can,” he said.
“It’s hard to simulate what we do in practice here and in games when you’re just practicing with one or two people in the gym. But I’ve been trying to keep fit, running a couple of miles a day and things like that.
“It’s been a little tougher for me just coming back around this time,” added the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup Best Import.
Nonetheless, Brownlee is just glad to finally suit up for Ginebra once more. And he believes that they’ll all get better from hereon.
“It was just good to be back playing for Ginebra and out here in the Philippines. It was a pretty good way to start the conference. We played okay, but we can definitely play better,” he offered.
“It’s a good way to get started and try to get some momentum into this conference.”
