For the die-hard fans, Justin Brownlee’s return to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup sparked excitement. But of course, there were those who doubted.
The primary problem that people had with Brownlee was his size. For them, his 6-foot-7 frame will not be able to go toe-to-toe with the other teams’ reinforcements, who stand 6-foot-8 and above.
But the Barangay, especially head coach Tim Cone, kept the faith in Brownlee.
On Sunday night at a jam-packed SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ginebra reigned victorious yet again as they drubbed the Star Hotshots, 113-98, in yet another Manila Clasico affair.
In the win, that sent them to their second straight victory, it was Brownlee who starred yet again. He torched the Hotshots with 30 points on a 40 percent clip, with 11 coming from the payoff period alone.
For the second straight time, Brownlee did wonders after a dismal debut against Phoenix. Against Globalport last Wednesday, Brownlee scored 29 — with 20 coming in the final frame.
And after Sunday night’s victory over an elite team like Star, Brownlee believes that the Barangay earned a statement win — a statement to the league that they can contend with him despite all the doubts.
“I think this game definitely proved something to the league,” said Brownlee moments after the tiff.
“I didn’t hear too much, but I’m sure a lot of people questioned us about playing me as a small import against the other bigger imports.
“But I think this game was definitely a statement for us and we’re definitely gonna use the momentum from it,” declared the 28-year-old forward out of Georgia.
“Justin causes a lot of problems with people,” added coach Tim Cone, who was coaching in his 42nd Manila Clasico game. “He can play in and out, handle the ball, make great passes, he’s a good defender.
“And he’s kind of playing the way we envisioned him to play when we brought him in.”
And the multi-titled Cone, with all with his faith in the St. John’s University product, believes that they can go at par with other teams equipped with taller reinforcements in the conference.
“Even though we’re playing with a small import, it just sends a good message to us and to the players that it can be done. We can compete in this conference with Justin.”
