Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings import Justin Brownlee will not be playing for the San Miguel Beermen in the upcoming East Asian Super League (EASL), which starts on October 2.
Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone explained that Brownlee is too busy with Barangay Ginebra to participate in the EASL’s home-and-away format.
Cone also noted that San Miguel Corporation is focused on Gilas Pilipinas, and they want to keep Brownlee fresh for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup window in November.
“No, Justin is busy. You know, he is busy with us; I don’t see how he can play with anybody else at this point,” Cone said in an interview with DWAR Abante Radyo’s SPORTSNOW program.
“Justin is our main guy (in Gilas Pilipinas), especially now that Benny Boatwright is injured,” the winningest PBA mentor added. “It’s crucial that we keep him healthy for the upcoming FIBA window.”
Cone further said that, unlike Brownlee, the Meralco Bolts were able to tap the services of another Gilas naturalized center, Angelo Kouame, for the EASL since he is currently available.
“Ange, I think is available and can work, so I think that makes sense for them (Meralco) to bring Ange,” Cone said.
The Beermen will parade Jordan Adams and Quincy Miller as their reinforcements when they open their EASL campaign against the Suwon KT Sonic Boom of South Korea on October 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bolts and the Beermen were tapped to represent the country in the EASL following their top-two finish in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.
