LOOK who’s back.
Nearly five years after receiving a lifetime ban in the PBA, Renaldo Balkman arrived at Filoil Flying V Centre late Wednesday to play his first game on Philippine soil, joining Justin Brownlee to make their Asean Basketball League debut for Tanduay Alab Pilipinas.
Balkman and Brownlee were the first to arrive at the San Juan venue together with team owner Charlie Dy in a coaster, two hours before Alab Pilipinas takes on the Westports Malaysia Dragons at 8 p.m.
A few lucky fans who came early in the venue were able to get photos taken with Balkman and Brownlee, who naturally got the most request being an import of Barangay Ginebra for two years.
Balkman and Brownlee are set to make their debut on Wednesday night after replacing the injured Ivan Johnson and Reggie Okosa.
The two new Alab imports are quite familiar with Filipino fans with Balkman gaining notoriety after being banned by the PBA for choking Petron teammate Arwind Santos in 2013.
Balkman has since said he has learned from the incident, vowing to be the best role model he can be for Filipino basketball fans.
Brownlee recently led Barangay Ginebra to two straight PBA Governors’ Cup crown.
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