Justin Brownlee received the ultimate praise from Yeng Guiao.
Three-time PBA Best Import.
Six-time PBA Champion.
One of five imports to score 5,000 points.
Future Gilas Pilipinas reinforcement.
At the top are just some of the many career highlights of Barangay Ginebra’s super import. His recent title conquest in the Commissioner’s Cup had him averaging 32.1 points through seven games. His production is evidently impressive yet it still belies his value to the country’s most popular team.
Seven-time PBA champion coach Yeng Guiao completely recognizes the greatness of the newly naturalized Filipino cager. On the sports show "The Game," the legendary basketball tactician was asked where he ranks Brownlee among the PBA’s greatest imports. Without reservations, he responded.
“And daming magagaling na imports na dinatnan ko . . . I’m convinced ‘eto na ‘yung GOAT sa tingin ko.”
This special stamp of approval should mean a lot for JB. The current Rain or Shine drillmaster is not one to sugarcoat, and he has always been known to be a straight shooter. More so, Guiao has been up close with the best imports in league history. From coaching Tony Harris, who once scored 105 points in a game, to competing against a couple other GOAT import candidates, he has seen it all, yet he’s still picking Brownlee.
“Alam natin nandiyan sina Sean Chambers, sina Bobby Parks, but now I’m convinced. Nakita ko naman na lahat ‘yan,” the decorated coach added.
If someone of Guiao’s stature is already convinced that Brownlee is indeed the greatest PBA import of all time, then maybe he is the best ever. But if you still need more persuading, remember that our kabayan is not yet done. He may have more than enough left in his tank to make you change your mind in the near future.