It looks like Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Justin Brownlee will have to break up for the time being.
After testing positive for a prohibited substance in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the three-time PBA Best Import will likely face a suspension that will get him sidelined for the upcoming Commissioner's Cup.
In light of this development, the PBA's glamor team has been searching for a replacement worthy of standing in for the 35-year-old Brownlee, who was defended by Jared Dillinger and Sol Mercado on the controversy.
According to veteran sports journalist Quinito Henson on Saturday, Ginebra may have found its guy.
"May balita ako that Barangay Ginebra has already zeroed in on a possible interim import. They have asked, however, that the name will not be disclosed at this point," Henson said on One PH's Power & Play.
ALSO READ: Justin Brownlee was supposed to play for Gilas in FIBA World Cup, claims Quinito Henson
Honoring Ginebra's request, the longtime PBA analyst kept his lips sealed. He, however, gave a few hints.
"'Yung last name, ang first initial is also the same as Brownlee's. Number two, naglaro na 'yan sa PBA. I think that's the most that I can disclose," Henson divulged.
So, who is it? For sure, PBA and Ginebra geeks are already hitting the archives based on The Dean's clues.
Well, whoever it is, the fact remains that Tim Cone and his squad will have to defend their crown without their resident import.
In last season's PBA Commissioner's Cup, Brownlee went ham, concluding Ginebra's campaign with 34 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists, and a Game 7 finals win over the Bay Area Dragons.
(PM)