Alab Pilipinas imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman.
STA. ROSA, Laguna—After sparking San Miguel Alab Pilipinas’ tremendous turnaround in the Asean Basketball League, imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman could be headed back to the PBA.
Although no deal has been finalized, San Miguel sports director Alfrancis Chua said there is a possibility that Brownlee might be tapped by Barangay Ginebra for the PBA Commissioners’ Cup.
“We still have to discuss his plans,” Chua told the Inquirer, shortly before Alab played Mono Vampire of Thailand in Game 5. “He might want to rest first before returning to play for Ginebra.”
Brownlee and Balkman spearheaded Alab’s rise, putting the Filipino club on the brink of glory against a Mono team that boasts 7-foot-5 Sam Deguara and heritage imports Jason Brickman and Paul Zamar.
The Gin Kings tapped Charles Garcia, although the import was far from impressive in his debut game against Rain or Shine.
Chua said San Miguel still holds the rights on Balkman, whose lifetime ban was lifted recently after reconciling with former teammate Arwind Santos and apologizing to former PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
“We have his rights, but we have not discussed anything yet especially on a possible return,” said Chua.