Brownlee torn with the possibility of playing PBA team in BCL Asia

MANILA, Philippines: Justin Brownlee admitted he feels torn with the possibility of playing against a PBA squad after helping his current Indonesian club team Pelita Jaya move to the second round of the Basketball Champions League Asia.

“I would be torn in a tough place,” said the many-time Barangay Ginebra reinforcement in an interview that was posted at FIBA’s website.

Justin Brownlee TMT PHOTO 

“I got a lot of love for everyone in the Philippines and also (to play) the Filipino team outside of the PBA, oh man, it will be tough for me,” said the 35-year-old Brownlee, the well-loved Philippine naturalized player, who led Gilas to the gold medal in last year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Brownlee led Pelita Jaya’s three-game sweep of the group stage in the Basketball Champons League Asia on Saturday after routing Adroit Club Singapore, 82-64 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The Indonesia club already secured a spot in the second round with the Brownlee-led Pelita Jaya side eyeing to snare a spot in the tournament proper alongside champions from the Chinese Basketball Association, Japan B.League along with a local squad from the PBA.

Brownlee, who led Pelita Jaya with 18 markers and six boards, sees the potential of clashing with a PBA team as “fun” and “great.”

“At the same time, you got to compete, no matter who the opponent is. But I definitely wouldn’t want to. But I think it will be fun. It will be great,” shared Brownlee, who has led Barangay Ginebra to six PBA championships along with winning three Best Import awards.

Brownlee spoke highly of his latest stint with Pelita Jaya in the BCL Asia, noting how fans have been receptive and warm during the games.

“I definitely enjoy being in the atmosphere where the fans love basketball and they’re passionate about it and with the team, it’s just been all great. Everybody’s definitely welcomed me, a great welcome. I just enjoy being around basketball and I feel that from my team as well,” Brownlee stressed.

“I think (BCL Asia) is great for Asia, just seeing other countries come together. I enjoy it and it’s a plus to play other countries and see what other teams got and see the best play the best. I did play in the FIBA Europe Cup and I played when I was in France so you’re not just playing local teams, you’re facing international teams as well and that was fun. It was great, man,” he added.