IT’S definitely a huge concern for Barangay Ginebra as the prospect of losing import Justin Brownlee for a lenghty time to injury in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals against TNT is looming.
Deputy coach Richard del Rosario stressed what the three-time Best Import brings to the table for the Kings on both ends of the floor, components which the team will definitely missed if and should he be declared out of the rest of the best-of-seven title series.
READ: Ginebra fans hold breath as Brownlee taken to hospital
Initial diagnosis had Brownlee dislocating his right thumb in the second half of Game 3 Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena.
He exited the game at the 6:42 mark, was initially treated inside the team dugout, before being taken to the nearby hospital for further treatment.
The Kings lost the game, 87-85, and now trail the race-to-four finals, 2-1.
READ: TNT escapes with Game 3 win as Ginebra loses Brownlee to injury
Now Ginebra and its legion of fans wait with bated breath whether the beloved import and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player will still be able to play in the series.
“Justin provides a lot of stuff for us, not only on offense, but also on defense. Part of our system revolves around Justin,” said Del Rosario.
“We have a taste of playing without him in the second half. But again, it’s going to be tougher because TNT will also adjust.”
No update has been provided to the Ginebra management yet on the health condition of the 36-year-old Brownlee, but the rest of the Kings are keeping their fingers crossed.
Del Rosario though, described the import as really in pain while being treated.
“Hinihintay pa namin kung ano ang sasabihin ng mga doctors. We’re hoping for the best,” he said. “Sana lang walang bali. But it’s hard to speculate now, kasi wala pa talaga.
“Let’s see. We’ll probably have a clearer perspective by tomorrow.”
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