Justin Brownlee is a tremendous addition to the Gilas pool of naturalized players.
Justin Brownlee is one of the best imports the PBA has ever seen. His skill and overall game are top-notch, and he has that will to win it for his team that really separates him from the other squads’ highly talented reinforcements. Accordingly, he’s now a three-time Best Import awardee, while also leading Barangay Ginebra to five (possibly six) championships.
Now that JB is a bona fide naturalized Filipino, people are expecting positive results once he dons the colors of the Philippine flag.
With that in mind, we listed down three important things that our new kababayan can bring to help the country’s men’s national basketball team.
Familiarity
Justin Noypi began his multiple tours of duty with Ginebra in 2016. His long partnership with the franchise has not only brought him great familiarity with his teammates, but also with the local fans and the Filipino brand of basketball. It’s not crazy to think that he might even be a better fit for Gilas than the team’s number one naturalized option in Jordan Clarkson. Of course, we’re speaking from a pure chemistry standpoint.
The Utah Jazz star may have the advantage in numerous facets of the game. But Brownlee might have the edge when it comes to having that unspoken on-court connection among players.
Elite playmaking
In situations wherein Gilas badly needs a bucket, giving the ball to the 6-foot-6 wing is a good choice. Brownlee is an elite shot-maker, evident as he’s one of only five imports to score 5,000 points in the PBA. When he’s double teamed, he quickly gives up the ball and more often than not, finds the open man. Just ask his Ginebra teammates and head coach what a luxury it is to have a superstar who chooses to make the right play instead of forcing the issue.
Passion
You could see it in his eyes. You could see it in his reaction after making a big shot for Ginebra. This guy really wants to help his team get the victory. In his interviews, you could feel that he truly fell in love with the Philippines. When Brownlee suits up for Gilas, you count on him to bring the same type of emotion and intensity to the game. He is now a true-blue Filipino after all.
How excited are you to see Kuya Justin in the 6th window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers? Hopefully, he gets the call.