MANILA – After leading Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings to the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup title, Justin Brownlee now sets his focus on helping his squad achieve a “three-peat” in the season-ending 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Brownlee, the Commissioner’s Cup Best Import awardee, admitted this would be easier said than done with other squads also bringing in talented imports to unseat the two-time champions Kings.
“I’m just focused on getting better every day and just trying to help the team win,” Brownlee told the media after the Kings’ 93-77 win over San Miguel Beermen in Game 6 of the finals on Wednesday night.
“I see some of the imports coming in for the Governors’ Cup, and very talented, a lot of really good imports. I’m sure it’s gonna be very tough. And if there’s a target on my back, that is what it is, that’s something I’m not gonna worry about,” he added.
Kings head coach Tim Cone admitted that their title defense will be harder this time compared to last year’s but he believes his wards are ready to accept the challenge.
“It will not be easy. Justin will have a huge target on his back and the other teams will be aiming at him,” Cone said. “But we are ready to accept the challenge. The players want to be challenged.”
The 30-year-old Brownlee said he is just grateful to achieve his third PBA championship and is hoping to continue winning more as a resident import for the crowd favorite Kings.
“It’s a blessing to be able just compete in the Finals, to be able to just compete in this league, definitely a blessing to me,” said Brownlee. “I’m just very happy, ecstatic, and I’m just gonna keep working hard. Hopefully I just continue to have success here in the Philippines.”/PN
