ANTIPOLO – Barangay Ginebra explored all options as it scampered for possible replacements given the uncertainty surrounding Justin Brownlee heading into Game 4 of its PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals Friday.
Coach Tim Cone disclosed that the Kings had already spoken to Ange Kouame as the day after their celebrated import suffered a dislocated right thumb. The team had made all sorts of of phone calls while searching for reinforcements.
Brownlee got hurt during Game 3 last Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig in which TNT went on to hack out the 87-85 decision.
“We had brought Ange Kouame to practice and I had spoken to Ange personally and asked him to come in case,” said the champion bench tactician.
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The naturalized center was a logical choice for Ginebra due to his familiarity with Cone’s system as he was part of the Gilas Pilipinas team that struck a historic gold in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in 2023.
He most recently played for Meralco in the 2024-25 East Asia Super League so game shape appeared to be a non-issue, but Cone & Co. learned that the 6-foot-10 big man was experiencing knee problems.
“He had a little bit of a knee issue so we weren’t sure if he’d be able to, or we’re thinking maybe we’d have to go all-Filipino on Friday,” he said.
“And then maybe, he could play on Sunday, Ange, and that was our thoughts if Justin would’ve been out of the series.”
Another option presented to the Kings was Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s brother, Rahlir, but no formal discussions took place between the camps.
“We were making phone calls. There were some talks about getting RHJ’s brother as well,” he revealed.
“We had everything on the table. We were thinking about it. Alfrancis (Chua) was the one who’s really in charge of that.”
But Ginebra eventually stopped the search when Brownlee assured that he’s good to go for Game 4 when he managed to shoot around a bit in practice.
The 36-year-old winger was still a game-time decision for Friday night’s affair but went on to play. He even came in as a starter and helped lead his side to an eventual 95-78 victory to tie the best-of-7 affair at two games apiece.
‘JB’ went on to earn Player of the Game honors as he finished with 23 points on 52.9-percent shooting from the floor, including a 6-of-7 clip in the first half, alongside 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks — all with a taped hand.
Cone couldn’t help but be in awe with the NSD spirit Brownlee exemplified, and also took the time to give credit to Ginebra PT Arcee Cua and the staff.
(C) PBA Images
“I thought he was out for the series, frankly,” he said. “We even brought in Ange Kouame if he could replace Justin, but then Justin said, ‘I think I can play.’
“You gotta give Arcee and the training group a huge thanks because they got him in a position where they can put tape in and secure that thumb. But I still didn’t think he was gonna play and once he does, he gets Player of the Game.”
#WATCH: Tim Cone couldn’t help but be in awe of Justin Brownlee’s toughness, playing through pain in the ongoing #PBA2025 Finals 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/QN8dRSHojx
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 21, 2025
