For Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s resident import Justin Brownlee, bagging the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best Import award is a great accomplishment.
Brownlee was crowned as the best reinforcement on Friday night, marking the first time in his PBA career — which started in 2016 – that he had won the highest award given to foreign cagers.
Moreover, Brownlee – who stands at 6-foot-4 5/8 – is now the smallest import to win the Commissioner’s Cup Best Import plum in league history, eclipsing Kenny Redfield, who is 6-foot-4 7/8.
“It’s a great accomplishment. It’s prestige this league is, and great imports have played in this league — this year as well. It’s a great accomplishment for myself,” said the 30-year-old forward.
Ginebra head coach Tim Cone couldn’t be prouder of what the Tifton, Georgia has achieved.
“It was well-deserved,” said Cone. “He absolutely turned us around. A small import playing with the big boys. The last two championships we won, he was the import but he didn’t win Best Import.
“We’re really happy he got it this time around. Can’t explain how a good person he is. He is a gentleman. He’s so ferocious on the court, but he’s a gentle person.”
Brownlee’s Friday night was made sweeter by his Barangay’s 130-100 destruction of the San Miguel Beermen, which sent the best-of-seven Finals series to two games apiece.
“Luckily tonight we got going offensively and I think our offense did a great job of [complementing] our defense,” said Brownlee, who had 37 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
“We shot the ball well and got a lot of passes. The tempo of the game I think went in our favor.”
But even if he and the Barangay are in a celebratory mood with his personal achievement, Brownlee said that he still has to help Ginebra accomplish their goal of winning the crown.
“I don’t wanna get caught up into that. Of course it’s great, but the task at hand is trying to win the championship.”
