Will we see JB in a Team NSD uniform this season?
With a two-year ban looming over Justin Brownlee's head, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel are already looking for a possible replacement for the fan-favorite import in next month's PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Justin Noypi's stint with the crowd darlings is in jeopardy after failing an anti-doping test in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is reportedly already working out the issue. But Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua admitted on Tuesday that they can't afford to wait for the final decision before making a move for the club.
"The way it works, it's always advanced. Just in case. Hindi natin alam anong desisyon, as of now, nakalutang kami lahat. As of now, naghahanap kami ng replacement, just in case," Chua said in the PBA press conference.
"Hindi namin alam kung too late na. If we're just gonna wait, tapos biglang ibagsak sa amin 'yung bomba, mawawalan naman kami ng import," he added.
As of now, Ginebra hasn't released a shortlist of candidates for JB's possible replacement.
Chua, however, joked that they will get one from China's national team.
"Naghahanap ako, 'yung isa sa mga nakalaban natin sa China baka puwede dun, 'yung tinalo natin. Para hindi masyadong mabigat sa kanya," said the brash Gilas Pilipinas team manager.
Should Brownlee get replaced for the PBA Commissioner's Cup, which will open on November 5, the new import will have humongous shoes to fill. The 35-year-old JB has led Ginebra to seven PBA finals, winning six titles.
(PM)