PBA: Tony Bishop steps in as Ginebra import with Brownlee out

Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee vs Meralco’s Tony Bishop Jr. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra will parade former Meralco import Tony Bishop to fill the shoes of Justin Brownlee on a temporary basis for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup which starts in November.

Coach Tim Cone confirmed tapping Bishop in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk on Friday after days of speculations about Brownlee’s return as import since failing a doping test while playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Bishop is set to arrive this weekend, in time for Monday’s practice, Cone said on the same television program.

“He was the guy we had such a tough time with,” said Cone.

Cone was referring to the time when Bishop served as Meralco’s reinforcement in the 2022 Governors’ Cup, but ended up losing to Brownlee and Ginebra in the Finals.

Bishop averaged 25.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals for the Bolts.

Brownlee tested positive for banned substance related to cannabis use during Gilas’ historic run to the Asiad gold.

The long-time Ginebra import opted not to appeal the result, and is awaiting an official sanction from basketball’s world governing body Fiba.

A ban, depending on the length, will likely include Brownlee being barred from playing in the PBA, thus the need for Ginebra to tap another import.