ALFRANCIS Chua has been around Justin Brownlee for a long time now but he still can’t help but marvel about the resident Barangay Ginebra import’s performance in the Asian Games.
Brownlee played the hero’s role for Gilas Pilipinas in the Asiad particularly in the semifinal match against China where he nailed the go-ahead three-pointer with 23.3 seconds left for a thrilling 77-76 victory.
READ: Two players 'asked for the moon' to play for Gilas in Asiad: officials
Gilas later took the gold medal with a 70-60 win over Jordan in the finals.
The Barangay Ginebra governor and interim Gilas Pilipinas team manager said Brownlee’s performance was proof that he is the perfect fit as naturalized player for the squad in the Asian Games.
Chua said the 35-year-old Brownlee has the ability to make his teammates better but also knows when to be aggressive on offense and take his shots at the right time.
“Justin, he is not only a good player, si Justin kaya niyang pagalingin ‘yung teammates niya kasi namamasa,” said Chua. “He is a team player. He understands basketball. Alam niya kung kailan siya su-shoot.”
Chua said Brownlee’s brilliance was noticeable in the China match where he only had six points through one half, but eventually finished with 33.
“Tignan niyo sa China. ‘Teka muna, ako na ‘to’ pero hindi mo kilala na tira ng tira,” said Chua. “Nilagay na nila hindi na [Justin] Noypi. Justin for President na nilalagay ng ibang tao. Sa pagmamahal lang naman nila ‘yun kay Justin."
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