Justin Brownlee, Renaldo Balkman suit up for Alab vs Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines — Justin Brownlee hopes to blend and complement with temperamental Renaldo Balkman as they try to fire up Alab Pilipinas when it tangles with Westport Malaysia in the ASEAN Basketball League tonight at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

But while Brownlee, who helped steer Brgy. Ginebra to back-to-back PBA Governor’s Cup crowns, is expected to dish out the game expected of him, Balkman will not only try to help anchor the hosts’ floundering bid but also vindicate himself.

The PBA banned Balkman for choking ex-Petron Blaze, formerly San Miguel, teammate Arwind Santos five years ago.

“Thankful for another opportunity to do what I love to do,” said Balkman, born in New York but plays for the Puerto Rican national team, on his Facebook page.

“Five years to the day, I did something that I regret and I learned a valuable lesson from it, always remember to keep your composure and to be the best role model you can be, now I finally have a chance for redemption,” he added.

Alab actually hinted at tapping Blackwater’s resident import Henry Walker but decided to enlist Balkman, a former first round pick by the New York Knicks in the 2006 draft.

“They will be arriving at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow (today) and will play in the evening,” said Sheryl Reyes, agent of the two returning PBA imports.

Balkman and Brownlee will take over from Chukwunike Okosa and Ivan Johnson, who had failed to fire up Alab despite posting impressive numbers. Alab has only one win to show after four games.

Alab snapped a three-game skid with a 78-61 rout of Chinese Taipei last Dec. 16 when Johnson sat out the whole game.

Okosa averaged 24 points, 13. 5 rebounds, two assists, 1.75 steals and 1.5 blocks in four games while Johnson posted norms of 22.67 points, 10.67 boards, 3.67 dimes, 2.33 steals and 1.33 blocks.