THE decision to go with Justin Brownlee even in a conference without a height limit proved to be right all along after Barangay Ginebra captured the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup title.
The Gin Kings opted to trot out Brownlee for the 'unli-height' conference, but unlike in previous times, more than a few weren't convinced it was the right move.
Brownlee was the smallest import among all at 6-foot-6, with other teams beefing up with taller reinforcements, including the highest profile among them in former NBA player Bol Bol for TNT.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone acknowledged from the very start, he heard the doubt and disbelief loud and clear.
“In the beginning of the conference, a lot of people were saying that we couldn’t win because Justin Brownlee was too short or he was too old. But man, Justin again proved that he is the greatest of all time in terms of imports,” said Cone when he addressed the crowd moments after the Gin Kings wrapped up the title with an 88-76 win in Game 7 last Wednesday night.
“We feel a little justified bringing Justin in. I think he had a little chip in his shoulder, as well because he knows what’s going on.”
Brownlee eventually became the last import standing, with performances for the ages when he went for a career-high 54 points in Game 5 then 52 in a losing effort in Game 6. He wrapped up the series by supplying 30 points in the Game 7 title-clincher.
“I’ve always said, I think Justin has an easier time playing against bigger imports than he does against smaller imports just because he is unmatchable. The bigger imports can’t guard him. It always comes down to locals trying to guard him and that’s a constant match-up problem for the other team,” said Cone.
Justin just does it
Beyond Xs and Os, Cone said Brownlee’s work ethic hasn’t changed after all these years of adulation from the fans.
“We see Justin every day. We see how much he works. He hasn’t changed at all from the age 38 to 25. He still does the same work every day all the time, shows up at every practice, never asks to sit out. He does all the work,” he said.
READ: Brownlee moved to tears after surpassing Chambers as winningest import
With his play for the rest of the conference, Brownlee claimed his seventh title, surpassing Sean Chambers for most-ever for any reinforcement.
And that, in Cone's view, just cemented the naturalized Filipino's legacy as the GOAT.
“He proved himself that he is the GOAT of all imports. It’s hard to argue against it,” he said.
“There’s some Tony Harris out there, Norman Black, Sean Chambers, many others. It’s hard to argue against the winningest import of all time right now. Plus, the numbers he puts up and how long he’s been here and playing for the national team, as well. [The] guy is a machine. He is incredible.”
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