Justin Brownlee. Photo from ASEAN Basketball League Facebook
STA. ROSA — On to the next one for Justin Brownlee.
After heping San Miguel Alab Pilipinas snare the 2018 ASEAN Basketball League championship, the tireless forward is ready to go back to his original home in the Philippines — with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
“Definitely, I wanna be back in Ginebra. We’ll see how it goes,” he said just moments after the Filipino team ruled the regional league on Wednesday with a 102-92 Game 5 victory over Mono Vampire.
Like he has done all season long, the 30-year-old was stupendous in the title clincher, flirting with a triple-double of 24 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, including a tomahawk slam over the 7’5″ Sam Deguara in the fourth quarter to seal off the title.
“It feels great,” he said, reflecting on his third championship in the country. “This feeling never gets old. I’m happy for the fans, my teammates, my coaches, the staff, the bosses. I just wanna win as much as I can. Every time I step on the court, I just try to win. And I’m still not satisfied.”
Brownlee, though, has yet to receive a go signal for the Gin Kings to return this 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, but has kept in touch with coach Tim Cone.
The crowd favorites lost to Rain or Shine, 108-89 last Sunday, with import Charles Garcia logging an unimpressive showing in the conference opener.
“Well, they got the season going,” he said. “He [coach Tim] actually texted me and just wished me good luck,” he said.
If Brownlee does return soon, that gives him a chance to redeem himself in the second conference after the Gin Kings fell to the semifinals last season.
Though he has yet to hear from Ginebra management as of the moment, Brownlee assured every one of his ka-barangays that he’ll be ready once he gets the call.
“I’m getting older but I think I can keep going. I feel great and I hope I continue to feel great,” he said.