MANILA, Philippines — Coming off his first finals loss in the PBA, expect Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee to be extra motivated in helping Gilas Pilipinas reclaim the lost gold in the coming Southeast Asian Games.
Gilas’ redemption in Cambodia after the letdown silver harvest in the Vietnam edition, after all, can also soothe the pain from the Gin Kings’ fall from the Governors’ Cup throne and bring Brownlee the winning feeling back.
“Not just from losing (the PBA crown) but getting motivation from the past SEA Games,” Brownlee said after falling short of his seventh title in seven PBA finals appearances.
“Obviously we lost last year and that’s where the motivation comes. Traditionally I understand the Philippines has always won the gold so to reclaim the gold and bring it back to the Philippines is enough motivation there,” he said.
Brownlee admitted conqueror TNT deserved to succeed Ginebra as champs after its master-class performance in the series.
“It’s a tough loss but give a lot of credit to TNT, they played great. Well-deserved. I have brothers from Gilas on their team so I’m happy for them,” the three-time Best Import said.
“I’m also proud of the way we fought. We played our hearts out even with the adversity of losing LA (Tenorio) and Japeth (Aguilar) and the food poisoning in Game 5. But no excuses, though. The best team in the finals won and that was TNT.”
Like Brownlee, coach Tim Cone is hurt with the setback but is quick to push forward. Cone will assist Chot Reyes, and Gin Kings Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger and Jamie Malonzo brace for a more intense buildup for Gilas now that the PBA season is done.