Justin Brownlee gets Ginebra love in Alab debut

He may not be playing for Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday, but wherever Justin Bronwlee goes, the chants follow.

In a packed Filoil Flying V Centre, Brownlee was once again under the shower of the most famous chant in PBA history as he led Alab Pilipinas to a 90-79 win over Westports Malaysia in his first game in the ASEAN Basketball League.

The “Gi-ne-bra!” chants echoed throughout the stadium especially when Brownlee had a hand in all of Alab’s eight points in its 8-0 run to end the third quarter at 68-63.

“That was very special, I know I’m here in Alab, this is a great team, a great organization and a great company, and everything,” said Brownlee who finished with 29 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.

“It’s always going to feel great to hear that chant no matter where I am.”

Brownlee, who steered the Gin Kings to two PBA Governors’ Cup crowns, first hit two straight triples and dished to the open Renaldo Balkman for a soft flush to cap off the run.

And playing alongside Balkman, who wasn’t just a PBA import but also an NBA veteran, was an opportunity Brownlee relished in his first game with Alab.

“It was a great opportunity and an honor to be able to play for a guy like him,” said Brownlee of the former New York Knick. “He’s an intelligent player and playing with somebody like that with a lot of knowledge in basketball, and also a great guy, it’s a blessing for me and my career. I’ll definitely take advantage of that.”