AFTER seven long years, Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough finally cross paths in the PBA Finals.
The two imports welcomed the matchup in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup Finals especially after having known each other from way, way back.
“It’s going to be an exciting matchup. I’ve known Chris for a long time. He’s a lot younger,” said Brownlee of the 31-year-old McCullough, a fellow New Yorker.
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“But he’s a versatile player. He’s definitely going to be a huge challenge for our team to be able ... not to stop him, but to contain him. And we’re all looking forward to the challenge.”
McCullough admitted he’s long been familiar with the three-time Best Import of Barangay Ginebra while growing up in the New York area.
“I was probably 13 or 14 years old and he’s in college,” said the TNT import of Brownlee, who studied and played for Saint John’s. “I used to go to their college and work out with him and I was very young.
“Just to finally be able to play against him, it’s my first time, and it will be good.”
McCullough and Brownlee both played during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup, with Brownlee already with Ginebra and McCullough still with San Miguel as a replacement for former Best Import Charles Rhodes.
Brownlee and the Kings were eliminated in the semifinals by a TNT side led by Best Import Terrence Jones, while McCullough and the Beermen ousted Rain or Shine.
McCullough eventually steered San Miguel to the championship against Jones and the Tropang 5G.
With the matchup against Brownlee finally set, McCullough promises this one to be a PBA Finals like no other.
“I think this is going to be one of the PBA Finals that will be remembered for a long time,” said the TNT reinforcement. “Great teams going up against great players. This is going to be one that will be remembered. I feel like both teams will be ready for it.”
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