MANILA, Philippines — The PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup elimination round is heading to its final two playdates this week.
And for Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, seeing well-loved import Justin Brownlee show up this conference remains a possibility.
“I don’t want to put any finality on Justin. He’s still battling,” Cone said moments after the Gin Kings’ scored a much-needed 106-89 demolition of the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday night at the Ynares Center.
“There is some hope he might come at the end of the month. At least just to come. He’s still very much part of Gilas as well as a part of Ginebra.” Playing for the Gin Kings remains uncertain though.
And that’s something Cone didn’t discuss.
But should Brownlee be able to play, there are two big ifs.
If, Brownlee gets the medical clearance to be able to play.
And if, Ginebra can hurdle its last assignment in the elimination round against Blackwater this Friday.
The 38-year-old Brownlee is still recovering from the multiple injuries on his hamstring and knee.
And just recently, Cone told lawmakers during the Senate Committee on sports inquiring on the Gilas debacle in the Asian Games, that Brownlee is also dealing with a heart problem.
“It is not hard to understand how much we owe to Justin through years as an organization, for me as a coach, he has done so much,” stressed Cone, referring to the seven PBA championships Brownlee achieved with the league’s most popular team dating back to the 2016 Governors’ Cup.
For the moment, the American mentor is satisfied with Jordan Murphy as Ginebra’s import.
“At the moment, Jordan is doing the job for us. So it’s kind of like ‘Love The One You’re With’ at this point,” said Cone, referring to the 1970s song by Stephen Stills.
“But basically, Jordan is the one here at the moment, so we’re going to lock in and focus on Jordan.” Barangay Ginebra (4-5) will shoot for the fourth and final playoff spot come Friday against Blackwater.
