Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Justin Brownlee banners the import line-up heading into the PBA’s second conference which is being eyed to roll off late this month.
The beloved Brownlee will be back in search of a fifth title with Barangay Ginebra, which first tapped his services back in the 2016 Governors’ Cup.
Several other familiar faces which include Paul Harris, KJ McDaniels, Mike Harris and Henry Walker are making their PBA return.
Paul Harris, who had stints with TNT in 2011, 2012 and 2014 and a short spell with Ginebra in 2016, will suit up for Phoenix this time.
The explosive McDaniels, a former NBA veteran who debuted in the PBA for TNT in 2019, will bolster the side of NLEX.
Walker, also an ex-NBA player with five seasons under his belt, has been tapped by Rain or Shine after playing for Alaska, NLEX and Blackwater in his previous duties in the PBA.
Mike Harris, the Best Import in the 2018 Governors’ Cup as a member of Alaska, boosts 2021 Philippine Cup runner-up Magnolia.
TNT import McKenzie Moore. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Defending all-Filipino champion TNT has acquired the services of McKenzie Moore, who first played for the Tropang Giga in the East Asia Super League Terrific 12 tournament in Macau two years ago.
San Miguel fields in ex-Phoenix import Brendan Brown while NLEX’s former reinforcement Ola Ashaolu beefs up Alaska.
Aiming to make a good account of themselves in their first foray in the PBA are Blackwater’s Jaylen Bond, Meralco’s Shabazz Muhammad, NorthPort’s Cameron Forte and Terrafirma’s Antonio Hester.
Muhammad, the former UCLA standout, was the 14th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2013 NBA Draft. He played five seasons in the NBA where he last suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks to finish the 2018 season before taking his act to the Chinese Basketball Association.
Imports are required to be fully vaccinated before being allowed to play in the PBA.