The presence of Filipino fans in Cambodia certainly helps.
Naturalized Filipino Justin Brownlee is currently averaging 11 points in three games in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia. It’s not exactly eye-popping numbers, especially for a three-time PBA Best Import who’s known for being an elite three-level scorer.
It’s no secret that the playing conditions in Phnom Penh have been disappointing, as coach Chot Reyes has been pointing out all tournament long. There’s the linoleum-covered flooring that has gotten fans jarred. But for JB, it’s the heat that got him.
And after struggling against the Cambodians due to the Morodok Techo Stadium’s unfriendly temperature, he’s now making adjustments so he can perform better. He showed that in the win against the Singaporeans, where he evidently moved better, scoring 12 points in the 60-point domination.
“Just trying to get acclimated in the heat out here. Unfortunately, there’s no aircon in the gym,” a smiling Brownlee told One Sports’ Denise Tan on Saturday after the game against SG. “We can’t make an excuse and I’m just trying to do the best I can to adjust to it so I can perform at a high level.”
Justin Noypi is doing that acclimation thanks with some assist from hotel staff—and with some typical Brownlee-type work ethic. In a gym workout prior to the game against Singapore, the beloved Gilas reinforcement requested for the air conditioning to be turned off as he did some cardio work, trying to replicate the conditions of the official playing venue.
“Trying to run a little bit, work out with no air conditioning in the hotel. Just trying to keep doing that, maybe that can help me with the heat,” said Brownlee, who has also been receiving all the love from the Pinoy fans in Cambodia.
And it seems like these fans are not just fans of the Philippine national team.
“Just keep trying to get better and better at [playing in the heat],” Brownlee was saying in the interview before flashing a big grin once again—as fans from nearby began to chant: “Ginebra! Ginebra!”
Brownlee and Gilas will bank on the Filipino wave to continue to cheer them on on Monday, where they will face either defending gold medalists Indonesia or Thailand.
(With reports from Denise Tan, One Sports)