CHICAGO— After a dogged pursuit that stretched for weeks, I finally caught up with Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
It was late Friday night, he just finished dinner after a long day that included practice, and he wanted to put a couple of issues to bed.
Amid wild speculations on social media, the PBA’ winningest coach made it clear that there is no falling out between import Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings.
“How can we have a rift with him after all that h has done for us through the years? We owe him, “ Cone told me via text message “
THE REAL SCORE.
With that issue sorted out, I pressed the concurrent Gilas Pilipinas coach about the extent of Brownlee’s injuries and why the GOAT import hasn’t flown back to Manila.
And that’s when we found out that Justin’s current condition is way beyond achy bones and muscles.
“It’s less injuries than it is health, which is more concerning. But he’s on the mend,” Cone said without doing into detail given health privacy concerns.
This explains why updates on the beloved naturalized Filipino player were scarce and guarded during his absence at the ongoing 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
It shouldn’t be long though until the indomitable 7-time PBA champion and 4-time Best Import will be back in his old stomping grounds.
HE SHALL RETURN.
“He could come over anytime,” said Cone.
While that may be music to the ears of Ginebra diehards, they should also temper their exuberance.
Because, as Cone explained, Brownlee “won’t play right away” as his usual spot has already been filled by Jordan Murphy, who’s been signed long-term.
It would be nice to see Brownleee dominate on the court again but there’s more to life than basketball.
Get well soon, Justin Noypi!
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