At the end of the day, the two beloved imports are revered by Filipino basketball fans.
There’s a lot at stake in the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup finals between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga.
Among them is whether beloved Ginebra reinforcement Justin Brownlee would end up with more championships than the OG Tim Cone resident import in Sean Chambers.
As it is now, both legendary imports who suited up for the winningest coach in league history are tied in terms of number of championships at 6.
That’s why TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa, who is, incidentally, a Cone apostle, made this joke about his former Alaska teammate urging him to win at all costs.
“I believe Justin hasn't lost yet in this conference. And Sean Chambers texted me, he told me, ‘You cannot make them win because Justin will be one up against me’,” he said in jest, drawing laughter.
Turning serious, Lastimosa knows this one’s a tall task.
With Brownlee in tow, Ginebra has ruled the 4 of the last 5 editions of the season-ending conference. It’s Ginebra’s conference. It’s Brownlee’s conference.
To beat them, the Tropang Giga, led by prolific import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, must muster every ounce of energy and heart.
“But that's hard to do. I know this is going to be a big challenge for all of us. We need everybody to play really well to beat Ginebra. Were just hoping to be able to compete with them,” Lastimosa said.
The series open on April 9, Easter Sunday.