Gilas’ Justin Brownlee ready to renew rivalry vs Jordan’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson against Ginebra reinforcement Justin Brownlee. –Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—There’s going to be a replay of the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals in Hangzhou, China. Kind of.

While it won’t be Ginebra vs. TNT in the 2022 Asian Games later this month, it may feel that way somehow with the looking matchup between the Philippines and Jordan.

After all, both teams will be bannered by Justin Brownlee for Gilas and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who raised his popularity during the 2023 Fiba World Cup with his Kobe Bryant-esque appearance and performance for Jordan.

“I mean, he does look like Kobe,” Brownlee said in jest at Philsports Arena on Thursday.

“Him, as a player, is just incredible. He showed that in the World Cup, he’s been showing that throughout his professional playing years and even in the PBA when he came.”

Hollis-Jefferson and Brownlee duked it out in the final of the season-ending conference where Tropang Giga emerged victorious over the Gin King in six games.

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Hollis-Jefferson was undoubtedly TNT’s biggest weapon in that whole conference as he posted norms of 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.1 steals while also taking home Best Import honors.

Brownlee, meanwhile, was just behind RHJ in the race for best import with averages of 27.3 markers, 9.9 boards and 7.4 dimes per night in the Governors’ Cup.

Now, both cagers will run it back against each other—just in different jerseys and purposs this time—and the Barangay Ginebra long-term import is ready for the challenge once more.

“I think it’s gonna be great. The matchup we have is great to see. The love he gets worldwide, he definitely deserves it with the way he put on for the World Cup.”

Jordan and Gilas square up on Sept. 30 in the continental meet.