THOUGH hoping for Justin Brownlee’s participation, Barangay Ginebra is ready to rise to the occasion in case its beloved resident import won’t be around for its PBA Commissioner’s Cup title defense.
Mr. Brownlee faces a possible suspension after testing positive for Carboxy-THC during the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. International bodies have yet to hand down the sanction, which could range from one month to three months, and the Gin Kings deemed it best to look for a potential replacement already.
Mr. Thompson said the Gin Kings were shocked upon hearing the news of Mr. Brownlee’s doping issue on the heels of the celebrated Asiad triumph.
With the exception of Mr. Brownlee, who’s still in the US, and Ange Kouame, who’s playing in France, the Gilas stalwarts reunited Monday night during the PBA Media Day for video and photo sessions and media powwows.
Reminiscing on their trying journey to the AG gold before going to battle in the PBA were Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar, San Miguel Beer’s (SMB)June Mar Fajardo, Cjay Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross, Meralco’s Chris Newsome, and NLEX’ Kevin Alas.
While valuing the strong bond they developed in Hangzhou, the Gilas stalwarts said they’re ready to declare war on one another beginning Nov. 5.
“We’re all motivated to win. So it’s going to be fun going out there to compete against these guys, our brothers (with Gilas),” said Mr. Ross, who was recently named playing assistant coach for SMB. — Olmin Leyba
