Best Import award will be sweeter with a championship, says Justin Brownlee

Despite having the inside track on the Best Import award for the PBA Season 46 Governors’ Cup, Brgy. Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee admitted that he is not thinking of that at the moment as he is completely focused on the ongoing Finals duel between the Gin Kings and the Meralco Bolts.

The defending champs are currently behind in the best-of-seven series, 1-2, going into pivotal Game 4 which is scheduled on Wednesday, April 13, 6:00pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Definitely it would be great, but I’m not thinking about it. Right now, I just try to watch films and focus on the game and see what we can do better,” said the well-loved American.

The 33-year old Brownlee emerged as the top contender for the highest individual award for reinforcements after topping the statistical race at the end of the semifinal round. He accumulated a total of 53.7 SPs built on solid averages of 30.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks.

Coming up in 2nd place is Magnolia import Mike Harris who tallied 49.2 SPs on averages of 26.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. The 38-year old former Alaska import, however, is already out of the running as the Hotshots are already out of contention.

Bolts import Tony Bishop remains as the only other contender as his team is currently battling Brownlee and the Gin Kings in the championship round. The 32-year old American-Panamanian has amassed a total of 49.2 SPs after averaging 26.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.5 steals through the semis.

If and when Brownlee wins the award, it would only be the second in his PBA career and first in the season-ending conference, he would want nothing else than to top it off with another championship trophy.

“I never won it, yeah. It would be great. But it will definitely be way sweeter with a championship.”