Brownlee Close to Returning, But Ginebra Not Rushing

Contrary to unconfirmed reports that seven-time PBA champion Justin Brownlee has kept himself disconnected with his mother team, multi-titled coach Tim Cone shared his latest update on the health condition of his beloved resident reinforcement.

“He is close to returning, but we don’t have dates yet,” wrote Cone in a Viber message to All-Star Magazine.

Cone, the winningest coach in PBA history with 26 PBA championships, decided to break his silence amid unconfirmed reports that Brownlee had yet to keep in contact with his squad.

Brownlee missed the opportunity of playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the last window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

Despite playing all-Filipino, the Philippines, behind Kai Sotto and the other overseas-based Pinoy cagers kept Gilas’ World Cup hopes after salvaging two crucial home wins against Jordan and Iran in the previous window.

But without Brownlee, Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu and Kevin Quiambao among others in the Asian Games, the Philippines failed to defend the Asiad crown and was booted out early in the competition.

Brownlee played the hero’s role in the Philippines’ quest of regaining Asian supremacy three years ago with his stellar performance in the semifinals against China which led to the country’s golden finish by beating the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led Jordan squad in the final round.

The news of Brownlee returning in the season-ending Governors’ Cup ended speculations that he had already lost contact with Barangay Ginebra, but Cone clarified that they’re in no rush for the return of the beloved Gin Kings’ reinforcement.

“He’ll be back, but that doesn’t mean he will play right away,” added Cone. “He needs to be in condition and game-worthy. In the meantime, we’re excited about Jordan Murphy.”

Murphy will replace previous reinforcement Riley Grigsby, who could only lead Ginebra to two wins in six matches and with the league’s most popular team limping and needing to win as many games as possible, Cone hopes Murphy could hold the fort until Brownlee is fully recovered and ready to return.