WITH Pelita Jaya clinching a berth in the second round of qualifiers, Justin Brownlee's new team is drawing closer to booking a ticket to the tournament proper of the Basketball Champions League Asia.
Once it happens, Brownlee faces the prospect of playing against a PBA team, even possibly Barangay Ginebra, if the Gin Kings go on to book a seat in the BCL Asia.
“I would be torn in a tough place,” said Barangay Ginebra's resident import and Gilas Pilipinas' naturalized player in an interview ran by fiba.basketball when asked about the possibility of going up against a PBA team.
READ Brownlee scores 26 as Pelita Jaya marches on in BCL Asia qualifiers
The PBA has been assured one slot in the BCL Asia 2024, along with the Japan B.League, Korean Basketball League, and Chinese Basketball Association champions.
“I got a love of love for everyone in the Philippines and all so (to play) the Filipino team outside of the PBA, oh man, it will be tough for me,” Brownlee added.
“At the same time, you got to compete, no matter who the opponent is. But I definitely wouldn’t want to. But I think it will be fun. It will be great,” said Brownlee.
Brownlee’s team booked a seat in the second round of the BCL-Asia qualifiers after a 2-0 start. The next phase of the tournament will be held from April 23 to 25 in Jakarta.
Brownlee is happy with the reception he has been receiving from Pelita Jaya where his stint serves as a way as well to be fit for Gilas Pilipinas’ next tour of duty in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia in July.
Brownlee also likes the format of the BCL Asia that puts together the top teams in Asia.
“I definitely enjoy being in the atmosphere where the fans love basketball and they're passionate about it and with the team, it's just been all great. Everybody's definitely welcomed me, a great welcome. I just enjoy being around basketball and I feel that from my team as well,” Brownlee said.
“I think (BCL Asia) is great for Asia, just seeing other countries come together. I enjoy it and it's a plus to play other countries and see what other teams got and see the best play the best. I did play in the FIBA Europe Cup and I played when I was in France so you're not just playing local teams, you're facing international teams as well and that was fun. It was great, man,” said Brownlee.
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