EASL: Brownlee laments RHJ injury that cut short their pairing

Meralco Bolts’ import Justin Brownlee after an EASL game against Ryukyu Golden Kings. –EASL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Things might have unfolded differently for Meralco in its final East Asia Super League (EASL) elimination round game had Rondae Hollis-Jefferson been available, and Justin Brownlee knows it.

Brownlee knew what a big asset Meralco lost with Hollis-Jefferson’s injury, and it also robbed fans of a chance to see more of the rivals-turned-teammates together on the floor.

“It was very unfortunate. Rondae is obviously a special player just like myself and the rest of the guys,” he said after the Bolts’ 88-79 loss at the hands of the Ryukyu Golden Kings.

“What he’s been doing with this team before and when I got here was very special.”

PBA rivals and Meralco Bolts import in the EASL Rondae Hollis Jefferson and Justin Brownlee. –EASL PHOTO

Hollis-Jefferson went down with an Achilles injury two months ago during Meralco’s EASL game against the Macau Black Bears in Ilagan.

What could have been a prolonged Brownlee-RHJ tandem quickly turned into a what-if scenario.

The pairing had the potential to wreak havoc in the EASL, but timing and injuries got in the way. Brownlee joined the Bolts later in the campaign, and in his debut, Hollis-Jefferson suffered the Achilles rupture that ruled him out for the season.

“The rhythm he had with the team was only getting better so for him to go out like that was very unfortunate,” said Brownlee, who scored 12 points in their final game.