The wait is almost over for Meralco as Justin Brownlee met with team officials, a strong indication that his long-awaited EASL debut is finally on the cards.
Justin Brownlee’s long-awaited EASL debut with Meralco appears to be only a matter of time.
The six-time PBA champion import met with Bolts general manager Luigi Trillo and team officials this week, signaling that he is poised to finally suit up for the squad in the tournament.
A photo posted on Meralco’s official social media page showed Brownlee with team governor Bill Pamintuan, alternate governor Malu Alvendia and Barangay Ginebra assistant coach Richard Del Rosario.
With the latest development, the long-awaited dream pairing of Justin Brownlee and fellow PBA import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is finally edging closer to reality.
[ALSO READ: Meralco grateful for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Justin Brownlee additions for EASL campaign]
Meralco had earlier tapped the 37-year-old Brownlee for its EASL campaign, but he was a no-show for the team's first four games in the tournament.
The speculations eased when the SBP confirmed he would play for Gilas in the opening window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, shortly after he returned to the country last week.
[ALSO READ: Brownlee en route to PH, to play for Gilas in FIBA WC Asian Qualifiers Window 1]
Meralco started the EASL with two losses but bounced back behind Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero, who helped the former Philippine Cup champions to secure home wins in Isabela and Cebu.
[ALSO READ: EASL: Meralco treats Cebuanos to 2nd straight win vs Macau]
In Brownlee’s continued absence, the Bolts turned to naturalized player Ange Kouame in their most recent outing against the Macau Black Bears.
[ALSO READ: RHJ on Meralco's win in EASL Cebu charity game: 'I hope it inspires them']
Now at 2–2 and sitting in second place in Group B, Meralco will meet the Black Bears anew on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Isabela — a matchup that could finally see Brownlee make his EASL debut.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.