BARANGAY Ginebra kicks off its 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup title defense on Sunday when it takes on unbeaten Alaska at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The match will see the much-awaited return of Justin Brownlee after being taken again by Ginebra in the return of imports this year.
The Gin Kings mark their debut in the 6:45 p.m. game against the unbeaten Aces, just days before the league welcomes back fans next week.
Brownlee last played for Barangay Ginebra in the 2019 Governors’ Cup where they were crowned as champions against Meralco.
Since then, Brownlee’s last documented stint was in the United Arab Emirates last year.
The return of Brownlee is definitely a boost for Ginebra after its disappointing campaign in the Philippine Cup where their title defense ended with a loss to TNT in the quarterfinals after placing just eighth in the eliminations.
Tim Cone, Justin Brownlee and the Kings have a tough opening assignment.
Cone wary of Alaska
Ginebra is also wary about Alaska, a team they lost to in a scrimmage game during the offseason, according to head coach Tim Cone.
The Aces are also on a hot streak, winning their first two games thanks to the presence of Olu Ashaolu and the locals’ contributions which were evident in a 99-94 win over San Miguel.
However, the fatigue factor casts a cloud of doubt on Alaska since the Aces will be playing their third game this week with just one-day breaks in between.
“I think every game in our regard is tough. With the schedule, this is our third game this week. It’s going to take our bench to step a little bit," said Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso.
"They did that (against San Miguel). When you face Ginebra, it’s always a fun game and competitive game. We can only expect the best from them.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
