Better chemistry propels Ginebra to next level, says Brownlee

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

For Justin Brownlee, Ginebra finishing number one in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup is just the first step.

“It feels great, but were not satisfied. It’s a great accomplishment to finish the eliminations as the top seed, especially with a twice-to-beat advantage, so we just want to come in there, play strong. But we still have a lot of work to do,” he said.

Brownlee had a lot to do with the Gin Kings’ ascent to the top of the rankings, averaging 28.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.9 steals so far.

READ: With Ginebra on top, Cone aware of how tough it is to be no. 1

He capped off his superb showing this in the elimination round with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in Ginebra’s 94-80 win on Friday to help his team finish its schedule with a 9-2 record.

The 6-foot-7 forward, though, believes that chemistry has a lot to do with the great run Ginebra has trotted out this season.

“Last (Governors’ Cup), we got a lot of time and it was great. There’s a lot of chemistry in the team and this conference, we definitely built and took it to another level,” he said. “It’s no different from the last time I was here. We just want to play the same way, use the fundamentals that coach Tim (Cone) is teaching us, and we just go out there and play hard and hopefully, get a championship.“

Though only in his second tour of duty for the Gin Kings, Brownlee has already etched his name among the list of great Ginebra reinforcements.

READ: Brownlee stars as Ginebra snares top seed

After all, his booming three in Game 6 of the 2016 Governors’ Cup ended years of heartbreak for the franchise as it finally lifted a title that has been eluding them for eight long years.

Brownlee is looking to follow it up this conference with another championship, and hopefully, more in the conferences to come.

“I love to be here. I love Ginebra. I think I’m pretty sure they love me too. I hope to continue this relationship for a while, for a long time,” he said, as the Gin Kings now gear up for the playoffs against either Alaska or Phoenix.