GINEBRA failed in its bid to retain the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title without its resident import, but Kings coach Tim Cone is convinced they have learned to play without Justin Brownlee and that could only make the team better in the Philippine Cup set this summer.
“We are so used to having a dominant Justin Brownlee, so we get into the all-Filipino, we are all kinda looking around and where’s Justin Brownlee,” Cone said after his charges dropped a 91-94 loss to the San Miguel Beermen in Game 3 of their best-of-5 semifinals clash last Sunday. “I thought everybody stepped up for this conference. We have everybody stepping up.
“I thought we developed some characters in the series, and we are going to bring that character in the all-Filipino,” he added.
Cone also refused to pin the blame on Tony Bishop, who bravely and gamely took on the yeoman’s job of beefing up Ginebra in the conference where Brownlee was expected to carry the squad.
What the pro league’s winningest strategist can take solace on was the fact his locals led by the likes of Christian Standhardinger, former MVP Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, and Maverick Ahanmisi have proven their true worth.
After his suspension, that is yet to be announced, Brownlee will likewise return for the Kings in import-spiced meets.
“Tony was a great import for us. He filled our holes, but he wasn’t a dominant import where we could constantly feed him the ball. Our local guys stepped up. That will bode well for the all-Filipino,” Cone said.
“Justin is our guy and Tony knows that. If Justin gets over the suspension, Justin is going to be our import for the foreseeable future.”
Despite the bitter end that came via a 0-3 series sweep to SMB, Cone had nothing but gratitude for Bishop.
“But we are happy with Tony. We are really happy with the character he brought to the team,” he said. “I thought because we had him, we developed a lot of character throughout the series and throughout the conference.”
