MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee and veteran playmaker Scottie Thompson are expected to miss at first few games of the coming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup as they recover from their respective multiple injuries to his hamstring, leg and knee.
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone confirmed the development to the Manila Times as they are now scouting for Brownlee’s temporary replacement.
“Justin for sure, Scottie more than likely. We are searching for an import to temporarily play in Justin's stead,” Cone said.
The 38-year-old Brownlee sustained multiple injuries ranging from hamstring strain and peroneal tendinopathy on his right leg, along with left knee swelling and cartilage defects, as announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
His multiple injuries forced Brownlee to miss Gilas’ final game in the Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers last Monday.
Gilas suffered a humiliating 92-49 dismantling at the hands of world no. 6-ranked Australia in Perth.
The four-time PBA Best Import managed to play for the Philippines against New Zealand, engaging in a neck-and-neck battle before suffering a 106-102 double overtime setback.
Meanwhile, Thompson, who skipped the third window, continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The Governors’ Cup is set to start on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Good thing is, Ginebra won’t be seeing action till August 9 when the team kicks off its campaign against Blackwater, followed by Meralco on Aug. 14.
“He will most likely miss the first month until the PBA break,” said Cone on Brownlee.
The good news is, Brownlee will be ready and good to go by the time Gilas opens the second round of the Asian Qualifiers on Aug. 28 against Jordan, most likely at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We expect him to be good by that time,” he said.