PBA: These players became Ginebra import options amid Justin Brownlee's injury scare

Justin Brownlee was on the verge of being replaced before putting up solid numbers despite his injured right hand. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Coach Tim Cone bared on Friday night that Ginebra came close to signing up another foreign player for the rest of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals following Justin Brownlee's dislocated thumb injury.

The first option Cone came to mind was Ange Kouame.

Kouame has been part of Gilas Pilipinas under Cone but mainly as Brownlee's backup in the naturalized player spot, although both imports played together in the national team's 2023 Asian Games gold medal conquest.

"We called in Ange Kouame to see if he could replace Justin," Cone said, adding that the 6-foot-11 center, who last played for the Meralco Bolts in the EASL, was asked to drop by the Gin Kings' practice the day before.

"I had spoken to Ange personally and asked him to come in case, but he had a little bit of a knee issue so we weren't sure that he'd be able to play," Cone added, further revealing that Ginebra was ready to play all-Filipino in Game 4 and just activate Kouame in time for Sunday's Game 5.

A surprise second option, though, was Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's older brother.

"We were exploring options. We were making phone calls. There was some talk about getting RHJ's brother as well," Cone further said.

Had the Gin Kings been successful in signing up Rahlir, it would have been fun seeing the Hollis-Jefferson Brothers go at it for the rest of the championship series especially with their mother Raylanda watching live.

Raylanda Hollis personally witnessed Rondae winning the Best Import of the Conference award and playing in Game 4 of the finals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

However, Ginebra eventually deferred an import change when Brownlee himself wanted to play on despite his injured right hand.

"Justin said, 'I think I can play,'" Cone bared that Brownlee told him.

Indeed, Brownlee got the start and did not even get a minutes restriction, playing 45 and a half minutes in Game 4 all with a sore shooting hand.

While relegated to shooting mid-range jumpers and some floaters, Brownlee still played as if there was no dislocated finger, finishing 9-of-17 from the field for 23 points with 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.

While Jamie Malonzo had a late three-point barrage to get top scorer honors, Brownlee was named Best Player for Game 4 in the Gin Kings' 95-78 win against the TNT Tropang Giga.

"I still didn't think he was going to play, and then what does he do? He gets Player of the Game. Amazing! He's not only just a great player, but he's such a warrior," Cone further said.

Both Cone and Brownlee revealed that the latter will undergo surgery to repair the dislocated thumb after the finals.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno