The love for Justin Brownlee is no longer exclusive to the Philippines. After a winning stint with Pelita Jaya in the IBL, fans in Indonesia are going crazy for the Ginebra and Gilas star too.
Justin Brownlee has long been loved in Philippine basketball—an icon for Barangay Ginebra and a hero for Gilas Pilipinas. His fanbase doesn’t end here, though. In fact, he’s just admired in Indonesia.
Brownlee suited up for Pelita Jaya in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) in 2024, where he became just as beloved as he is in the Philippines.
Pelita Jaya’s Indonesian coach Fredy can vouch for that.
In an interview with One Sports during the inaugural Champions Class led by Richard del Rosario, Fredy shared how much fans—and even officials—appreciate Brownlee all the way in Indonesia.
Having the opportunity to coach the Gilas and Ginebra star, Fredy saw firsthand how great of a person Brownlee truly is.
"I already coached him. He’s a great person, a great basketball player, and always has a positive energy. He doesn’t talk a lot but he always gives something to the team. He’s an amazing player,” he said.
That same humble energy is what Filipino fans have come to love about Brownlee. Not just by Ginebra die-hards, but also by casual stans and supporters of Gilas Pilipinas.
But what makes Brownlee even more remarkable, according to Fredy, is his character.
There are layers as to why Fredy thinks Justin Brownlee is a great person overall, and it comes with the idea that high-caliber imports often ask for too much.
It’s a different case for Brownlee.
“He’s very low profile. He talks to everyone, even the officials who cannot speak English. He also jokes with them. He talks a lot with our local players, he helps them with the skills and knowledge in basketball,” Fredy said.
“That’s why in my eyes, he’s an amazing person and an amazing basketball player.”
Despite being a star player, Brownlee remains grounded, something the Filipino basketball community can also vouch for.
To Fredy, that humility is what makes Brownlee unforgettable.
"I know he’s a star player, also in the Philippines,” he said.
“When he comes to Indonesia, he says hi to everyone, shakes everyone’s hand, this guy is very, very grounded. Very popular but very down to earth. That’s really amazing."
Much like he’s done in the Philippines, Brownlee also left a lasting legacy on the court in Indonesia.
He led Pelita Jaya to an IBL championship—another title to add to the six he's already won in the PBA. And that winning touch is something fans in Indonesia will never forget.
"Yeah, [fans go crazy about him in Indonesia]. This season, it’s a management decision [to choose someone else as import]. But everyone is like, ‘where’s Justin Brownlee?’” Fredy said.
“He helped us win a championship last year. So, many fans hope that he can play in Indonesia again.”
From the Philippines to Indonesia, Brownlee has not only brought success to the teams he’s played for—but also warmth, leadership, and kindness.
That’s why wherever he goes, the love follows.
Fredy, who experienced the positive aura of Justin Brownlee, now has a a message to his former player:
"Justin Brownlee, man, you are being amazing. Many people in Indonesia hope that you play again there, so hopefully we see you soon, man.”