BARANGAY Ginebra import Justin Brownlee is literally bracing for an uphill battle in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, where he will go against taller reinforcements.
But Brownlee, who recently played for Meralco in the East Asia Super League and for Gilas Pilipinas in its back-to-back losses against New Zealand and Australia in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, said he is up for the challenge and ready to lead the Gin Kings in the conference that has no height limit for imports.
“I’m getting ready. You know, luckily, I got in good shape. You know, I was playing with Meralco and then the Gilas,” the 6-foot-7 Brownlee said.
“So, you know, it’s good to get some games. I’m ready. Just a lot of tough competition out there. There are a lot of big guys. So, you know, I know it’s going to be tough. But I’m ready for the challenge.”
The two-time PBA Commissioner’s Cup Best Import will go up against tall imports such as 7-foot-6 Sam De Guara of guest team Macau Black Bears and 7-foot-3 Bol Bol of the TNT Tropang Giga.
“Well, it’s always been tough, you know, to win in the PBA in my opinion. You know, I think over the years, there’s been a lot of great imports that came. And this conference is definitely no different. Especially the height,” said Brownlee.
“But I think it’s going to be fun to see, especially for the fans, seeing a lot of tall guys, over seven feet tall, playing in the PBA. I’m not sure when the last time. But, yeah, I think it’s going to be fun for the fans, and it’s going to be exciting,” he added.
Brownlee is a six-time PBA champion, all with Ginebra, tying Sean Chambers for the most titles won by an import.
He is the first import in PBA history to register 400 career three-pointers.