Still in Manila, Brownlee already eyeing PBA return for Ginebra

Ginebra import Justin Brownlee and his head coach Tim Cone hug after the Gin Kings clinched the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup championship on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Justin Brownlee hasn’t left Manila yet and he’s already raving about coming back.

Brownlee, who went from a replacement import to a celebrated hero after his buzzer-beating triple had Barangay Ginebra celebrating its first PBA championship in eight years, doesn’t see himself playing elsewhere than in the Philippines and wearing colors other than Ginebra’s red and white.

“Honestly, I don’t want to play anywhere else besides the Philippines, especially with the fans, how they embrace me, how great of a team Ginebra is. Coach Tim is probably the best coach I ever played for especially professionally,” Brownlee told reporters during the Gin Kings’ victory party for San Miguel Corporation’s employees at their headquarters in Pasig Monday night.

The 28-year-old Brownlee has played in Mexico, Italy and France before his basketball journey took him to Manila where he found a home as Ginebra’s savior.

Like any other basketball player, the ultimate goal is to make it to the NBA.

But for now, without getting any NBA attention, another tour of duty with Ginebra makes the most sense for Brownlee given the success he had in his maiden PBA stint.

After all, he’s having the time of his life as far as playing basketball is concerned.

“To be honest, I never really think about the NBA [now]. Of course, that may be every child’s dream and, of course, it was my dream as well to be able to play in the NBA,” said Brownlee, who also has experience playing in the NBA D-League. “If I get the opportunity, it’ll be a blessing. It’s always been a dream of mine.”

“But if not, I’d definitely love to come here as long as my career would let me. Playing here is probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing basketball.”

Listed at just a little over 6-foot-4, Brownlee can pass as Ginebra’s import as early as the Commissioner’s Cup.

“I’m definitely excited about coming back.”