MANILA, Philippines – Despite having played in just four PBA conferences, Justin Brownlee is already on his way towards being one of the greatest imports that the league has ever seen.
This, according to Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, who has seen Brownlee power the Gin Kings to three PBA titles in the last six conferences.
Brownlee replaced Paul Harris as Ginebra's import in the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup, and went on to lead the Gin Kings to the championship that conference. He returned in 2017 to spearhead their title-retention drive, then steered them to the 2018 Commissioner's Cup crown last week.
"You know, he epitomizes everything you want in an import, he really does," Cone said of Brownlee, who averaged 31.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.7 steals in their six-game conquest of San Miguel Beer in the finals.
"I just can't think of a more complete import in terms of being able to do it offensively, being able to do it defensively, being able to do it chemistry-wise, leadership-wise," he added. "I just can't think of anybody that's that complete of an import, and there's no doubt he's special."
So impressive was Brownlee in the Commissioner's Cup – he was named Best Import of the Conference – that he was already being tabbed as perhaps the greatest Ginebra reinforcement of all time by many fans.
Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio, a veteran of 12 PBA seasons, also said Brownlee is the best import he has ever played with.
"I can't say anything more kay Justin," said Tenorio. "For me, he's the best import na nakasama ko sa buong career ko sa PBA."
Cone went one step further and said that Brownlee belongs in the highest echelons of imports – one that includes Norman Black, Bobby Parks, and Sean Chambers.
The reason, said Cone, is that Brownlee is special not just one the court, but also off it.
"He's that special import that's good on the court and off the court. It's really hard to find those combinations," Cone explained. "There aren't that many."
"In terms of purely being that way, I think the list is short. It's Norman Black, Bobby Parks, Sean Chambers, and Justin Brownlee."
Black, the current coach of Meralco, played nearly a decade in the PBA and was hailed as "Mr. 100%." Parks, for his part, won a record seven Best Import awards. Upon his death in 2013, the PBA re-named the award in his honor. Chambers, meanwhile, was Cone's "resident import" for Alaska in the 1990s, and helped them win a Grand Slam in 1996.
Cone believes that one day, Brownlee will be mentioned in the same breath as these legendary reinforcements, thanks to his efforts inside the court and his superb demeanor off it.
"There are a lot of guys out there that are great, great imports, talented imports," he said. "But in terms of being able to be good on and off the court, complete guys? Those four."
"I think Justin will jump into that echelon of Norman, Bobby and Sean," he added.
It speaks to Brownlee's character that he does not let such high praise get to his head, said Cone.
"He's so humble," the 21-time champion coach said of their beloved import. "You have to hit him over the head a bunch of times to get him to say anything like that."
"He is so team-oriented and teammate-oriented. I think he plays with great confidence, but it never ever goes to arrogance or cockiness. It never does that. And, again that's what makes him special," Cone said.
Indeed, Brownlee has often shrugged off the notion that he is now one of the greatest to ever wear the Ginebra uniform. The 30-year-old acknowledges it as a "great compliment," but true to form, he will immediately add that there is plenty of work left to do for him.
"I don't like to think of myself like that. I just want to keep doing good, and just keep working hard, and whatever comes with that, you know I'll take it," said Brownlee.
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