JUSTIN Brownlee caught up with coach Tim Cone at the postgame press conference after a grueling Game Five of the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup Finals that needed an extra session before Barangay Ginebra hacked out a 100-95 win over TNT to take a 3-2 lead.
“I’m surprised he’s even here talking, having the energy to talk at this point,” Cone said in jest.
READ: Scottie warns Ginebra can't live and die by Brownlee's magic
After all, the resident Gin Kings import saw action for 51 minutes and 29 seconds and still willed his team with a career-high 54 points on the way to another classic come-from-behind win to move on the cusp of the crown.
Right behind Brownlee was his trusted aide and team utility staff Junjun Atienza, who hurriedly brought to the table a mysterious light blue tumbler that Brownlee was quick to drink out of as he settled into his seat.
Wondering what JB’s secret stuff is to help him have the zest to play with almost no rest?
“Buko juice,” Atienza whispered at the Big Dome hallway while holding a wireless desk fan directed at Brownlee to keep him cool during a late media scrum.
Atienza said Brownlee has actually been chugging coconut water, packed with electrolytes for ideal hydration, since he first came over to suit up as a replacement import for the Gin Kings in 2016.
“Pero yung ibang player ayaw, kasi mabigat daw, pero si Justin, gustung-gusto,” the longtime Ginebra team staff said.
Atienza said he personally buys six coconut shells’ worth of juice at the Pasig wet market for Brownlee on gamedays.
“First half, tatlo, second half, tatlo,” he said.
Now, everybody knows how Brownlee stays in top condition at 38 – a decade after starting his Ginebra career with cramps.
“Ngayon, hindi na sikreto,” Atienza said with a chuckle.
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