Legacy cemented at 38

MANILA, Philippines —  When the PBA set an unlimited height for imports in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, there were netizens questioning the wisdom of Barangay Ginebra in going with Justin Brownlee again.

The contention was at 6-foot-6, he’s undersized, and at 38, he wouldn’t have the legs.

But coach Tim Cone stuck to his guns.

And Brownlee proved he’s more than up to the task, steering the Gin Kings to a vengeful 4-3 victory over old tormentor TNT in the finale. This marked their first since JB anchored their triumph in the same conference against Bay Area Dragons back in January 2023, ending a seven-conference drought.

Brownlee, who highlighted his latest stint with back-to-back 50-point performances in Games 5 and 6 and a 30-piece in the clincher, is now a seven-time champion – tops among all imports in league history.

“I think Justin has an easier time against bigger imports than he does against smaller imports. That’s because he’s unmatchable; the bigger imports can’t guard him so it always comes down to a local trying to guard him. And that’s a constant matchup problem for the other team,” said Cone.

“We see Justin everyday and how much he works. He hasn’t changed at all at age 38. He still does the same work every day, all the time. So yeah, we feel a little justified bringing Justin in.”

For Cone, JB’s performance in the mid-season conference cemented his legacy as the greatest of all time (GOAT).

“I think he had a little chip on his shoulder as well because he knows what was going on and he just again proved himself that he’s the GOAT of all imports,” he said of the four-time Best Import awardee.

“There are Tony Harrises out there, Norman Blacks, Sean Chambers, many others, but it’s hard to argue against the winningest import of all time. Plus the numbers he puts up, especially in this era where players are bigger and stronger and so imports can’t dominate like they used to.”

Brownlee said he’s just blessed.

“With the unlimited height, it was very challenging. Guys like (TNT’s original import) Bol Bol, (Rain or Shine’s) Jaylen Johnson, there’s a lot of really good imports. I’m kind of lost for words but it just feels good, winning a championship here,” he said.

“We went through a lot this year. We had guys (who) went down with injuries, even myself had some minor injuries. And being 38, I just never would have thought I’d be here, playing, competing for a championship.”

Winning it at the expense of TNT, the squad that broke their hearts in three previous finals duels, was a sweetener for JB.

“Man, those three years (drought) were very tough. It was always good, making the finals but when you get there, you really want to win. It’s very disappointing and very tough mentally to just keep going.”