FILE–TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson against Ginebra reinforcement Justin Brownlee. They face off once again in the PBA Finals beginning October 23. –Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The NBA never got to see the legendary Michael Jordan go up against the late Kobe Bryant in the league’s grandest stage.
The PBA, on the other hand, is about to see it for the second time—at least, a version of it.
Ginebra and TNT will duke it out in a best-of-seven series for the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals starting Sunday.
PBA Finals schedule: Ginebra Gin Kings vs TNT Tropang Giga
The Tropang Giga is headlined by import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, someone who has earned comparisons to Kobe– from his play style down to his appearance.
“That’s Kobe reincarnated,” said Ginebra import Justin Brownlee in jest in an interview with Inquirer Sports.
“To be honest, I’m a huge Kobe fan so when I see him looking just like Kobe, it’s hard not to be a fan of him and his game! I watched him play in the World Cup last year and obviously, in the Asian Games, and it’s just mesmerizing because he really does look like Kobe.”
READ: Justin Brownlee set to face Rondae Hollis-Jefferson again at Asian Games
On the other side of the fence, the Gin Kings will be spearheaded by Brownlee, who most people see as the PBA’s Michael Jordan.
While it’s not something he owns up to, per se, Brownlee welcomed the Jordan comparisons, especially with how legendary he’s been for Ginebra since being called up in 2016.
“It’s cool, to be honest. Every kid idolized MJ, Kobe and all those guys so it’s great to be compared [to him]. It feels good but I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything but man, that’s quite a feat, to be compared to Jordan in any light,” said the Gilas naturalized player.
Dream come true
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ import Justin Brownlee will lead Ginebra’s redemption bid against TNT in the PBA Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“I’m blessed to be able to be in that same light with him. To be honest, I’m kind of speechless. It feels good, though. It feels great,” Brownlee said, referring to the Jordan comparisons.
The parallels are there.
For one, Brownlee is a six-time PBA champion. Sound familiar? Maybe. That is since Jordan won six NBA rings during his legendary career in the Windy City.
READ: PBA: Another Ginebra win, another Justin Brownlee masterclass
Brownlee’s also under the tutelage of Philippine basketball’s most winningest coach Tim Cone who uses the triangle offense to a T.
Jordan, meanwhile, was mentored by Phil Jackson, a pioneer of the triangle, in his prime.
For Hollis-Jefferson, meanwhile, it’s easy for fans to liken him to Bryant, especially with his facial features.
But it’s not just that.
Jordan vs Kobe – PBA style
Rondae Hollis Jefferson is expected to carry TNT again in the PBA Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Hollis-Jefferson has a knack for calling isolation plays down the stretch, much like Bryant did in the clutch for Los Angeles in the past.
The former Brooklyn Net also plays intensely long minutes for the Tropang Giga, almost without fatigue at times.
READ: PBA: With defense focused on him, RHJ still finds ways for TNT
How’s that for “Mamba Mentality?”
“I’ve watched Kobe highlights over and over and over and he looks just like him. I’m a fan of his, even if we have to play with each other, I’m definitely a fan of his game and I enjoy watching him play,” said Brownlee, referring to his future dance partner in the Finals.
The last time both imports faced off in a best-of-seven Finals, it was Hollis-Jefferson’s TNT who emerged victorious after six games.
With a rematch officially in place, Brownlee is ready for the challenge aand excited to realize one of his dreams coming true.
“It’s dope! To be compared with Jordan now, it seems like it’s Jordan vs. Kobe, it’s great, those comparisons. Really a dream come true, to be honest.”
Game 1 of the PBA Finals takes place at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Sunday.