JUSTIN Brownlee has nothing but respect for Allen Durham, who recently announced his retirement from professional basketball.
The Barangay Ginebra import paid tribute to his longtime finals nemesis on Wednesday, days after Meralco gave Durham a send-off following his decision to call it a career.
The 36-year-old Durham retired shortly after Meralco’s EASL game against Ryukyu Golden Kings in Okinawa, Japan last October 16, incidentally his former team when he was still playing in the Japan B.League.
READ Meralco sends off Allen Durham as long-time import retires
Durham’s retirement also came after the Bolts were ousted via sweep in the quarterfinals by Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup in another battle with Brownlee.
Brownlee and Durham faced off in the finals three times, with Ginebra and JB winning each time.
“Congratulations on an incredible career,” said the 36-year-old Brownlee, when asked by reporters about his reaction to Durham’s retirement after Game Two of the Governors’ Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT.
“He’s been an incredible player, great player in the Philippines, and all over Asia. Just congratulations to the success,” Brownlee added.
Though he didn’t win a championship in the PBA, Durham enjoyed individual success by capturing three Best Import awards in the 2016, 2017, and 2019 Governors’ Cup. He went on to win a title for the Golden Kings in the B.League in 2023, capturing the Finals MVP in the process.
More than the battle on the court, Brownlee said he also admires Durham as a person outside basketball.
“It’s always a fun battle going against him. I appreciate the player that you are and more importantly, the person. Congrats to AD for his great career,” said Brownlee.
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