Cone says PBA fans lucky to witness Brownlee-RHJ rivalry: 'Just two special players'

In a conference where the ceiling for imports was lifted, a couple of 6-foot-5 guys have proven to be the last men standing.

 Proving height does not always matter, proven-and-tested reinforcements Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson steered Ginebra and TNT, respectively, to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

 This will be their third meeting in the Last Dance, with RHJ prevailing in the first two (Season 47 and Season 49 Governors’ Cup).

For Gin Kings mentor Tim Cone, it was about Hollis-Jefferson and Brownlee's familiarity with their teams and how they fit in the system that is implemented by their squads.

 “It's really, I think, just the idea of continuity and these guys being in the league and knowing the league, being able to fit well with their respective teams,” Cone said.

[RELATED STORY: Chot Reyes admits Ginebra’s Rosario, Malonzo will make job difficult for TNT in PBA Finals]

 The concurrent Gilas mentor went on to dissect what made the two imports special, saying Hollis-Jefferson inspires his Tropang Giga teammates to do better.

 “You know, RHJ has just brought a tremendous mentality to the Talk N' Text team. You know, he shows up every game,” Cone said.

 “He shows up every quarter, every possession. And he just inspires his teammates. And you could just see it on the floor all the time.”

Fans are excited for the faceoff between TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ginebra Gin Kings counterpart Justin Brownlee in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

 As for Brownlee, it was the magic he brings in the biggest moments, among others, said Cone.

 “And for Justin, it's that comfortability that we have with him, the confidence that we have in him, knowing he's going to show up at big moments, just being a great teammate, and just being one of the guys. And never asking for special treatment, never asking really for anything,” he said of his prized naturalized Filipino.

 These two cagers, who go the extra mile to help their respective squads become successful, only make the brewing rivalry between Ginebra and TNT more exciting.

 “And, you know, just two special players. We're lucky at this time right now in the PBA to be able to witness these two guys go at each other,” Cone said.

 “These are momentous times. I think, when we look back ten years from now, you know, we're going to be remembering these times when the rivalry was big between Justin and RHJ.”

 The best-of-seven finale starts on Friday, March 14, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.