Ginebra Gin Kings looking for Brownlee replacement

There’s no official word yet on the fate of three-time PBA Best Import Justin Brownlee if he is going to play in the coming 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, which opens on Nov. 5 at the Araneta Coliseum.

But PBA governor and team manager Al Francis of Ginebra said they will let Brownlee stay on and play when he gets the green light.

Brownlee tested positive for doping as traces of 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC—a substance linked to cannabis use, was found in his system during the recent Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Brownlee has until October 19 to submit his B-sample to anti-doping authorities of the Asiad.

“We will just go with the flow. Tingnan natin. Dahil pagod pa si Justin, pagpapahingahin muna namin. At kung papayagan, paglalaruin namin, bakit hindi?” said Chua during Tuesday’s launch of the 2023-2024 Commissioner’s Cup at the Diamond Hotel.

The 35-year-old Brownlee, who went back to the United States after he led Gilas Pilipinas to the gold medal in the Asian Games, will be coming back to the country after completing his 10-day vacation.

He remains listed in the Gin Kings’ preliminary lineup for the Commissioner’s Cup.

While waiting for the result of his appeal and after meetings with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Chua said they may have to utilize a replacement import when the Gin Kings play their opening game on Nov. 5 against Terrafirma Dyip.

If found guilty of doping, Brownlee will be suspended for two years in all FIBA-sanctioned leagues, including the PBA.

Ginebra is set to see action with new recruit Maverick Ahanmisi, who signed up as an unrestricted free agent a couple of months ago.

Ahanmisi joins the Gin Kings’ star-studded squad that is bannered by Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, and Stanley Pringle.

Meanwhile, the PBA is slated to return to the schedule that they usually had before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman Ricky Vargas said that the game’s schedules will have the 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. timetable back after four years.

“Let’s bring back PBA to normalcy. Iyun ang gusto namin na mangyari. Back to the pre-pandemic, to being able to reinvigorate the PBA,” said Vargas.