Aces’ Compton, Manuel marvel at ‘special player’ Brownlee

It’s undeniable that Justin Brownee has that unbridled charisma that endeared him not just to the Barangay Ginebra supporters but also to the general population that watches the PBA.

On top of that immense likability is a basketball ability that sometimes leaves watchers in awe and Brownlee once again displayed that artistry on Friday when Ginebra held off Alaska, 109-101, in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Brownlee lit up the boards with 45 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists that even his opponents had nothing to say but praise for the import who wants to become a naturalized Filipino citizen.

“He really is the Best Import, I can’t help but salute him,” said Alaska forward Vic Manuel in Filipino. “He’s so hard to guard, he can make ways to score and he will score. It was really difficult guarding him and I got tired defending him.”

Manuel, for his part, had 28 points but that wasn’t enough to trounce Brownlee’s efforts who put up 33 points in the second half alone.

It wasn’t just Manuel who was left in awe of Brownlee’s magnificence.

Alaska head coach Alex Compton was also left impressed with what he saw in Brownlee.

“I really thought Justin made some tough shots today, we were there, they did a good job and he still made it,” said Compton, whose team dropped to 3-1 and saw its three-game winning streak get snapped.

Alaska was still hanging around with Ginebra with three minutes left in the game trailing by just four with 2:41 left.

That was when Brownlee worked his wizardry first scoring on a power move underneath lead then followed it up with a driving layup against the outstretched arms of Noy Baclao for Ginebra’s 102-94 lead with two minutes left.

“Justin’s a special player, they (Gin Kings) deserved that win,” said Compton.