CALL it a fitting encore.
Reigning best import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of defending champion TNT and Ginebra star reinforcement Justin Brownlee tangle anew in what is expected to be a riveting finals showdown in the PBA Governor’s Cup.
Hollis-Jefferson guided the Tropang Giga to a 4-2 win over the Kings in the Big Dance of the same edition of the tourney last year.
The 6-foot-5 Brownlee said he is not entertaining ideas of payback—just a tough titular showdown with TNT.
“I have a lot of respect for him (Hollis-Jefferson) and his game. We’ve got some recent history, Asian Games, PBA finals. Playing against a guy like that who has been very decorated his whole amateur and professional career,” Brownlee said. “Playing in the NBA, having an incredible professional career overseas as well.
“I guess you can say we will try to avenge the finals (loss) from last year, but we are just looking to take one step at a time and not try to be ahead of ourselves. Just expecting a hard-fought, tough series against TNT,” he added.
Ginebra showed the door on San Miguel Beer with a thrilling 102-99 victory in Game 6 of their semifinals duel to arrange a second go against the Tropang Giga for all the marbles.
TNT trekked a road that appeared easier after it eliminated Rain or Shine in the semis in just five matches.
Game 1 of the race-to-4 title series is set this Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Brownlee, who played the hero’s role in Gilas Pilipinas’ historic gold medal triumph at the expense of Hollis-Jefferson and Jordan in the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, is convinced the Tim Cone-mentored Kings will have their hands full against the Tropang Giga.
“It’s going to be tough. It’s going to be a little different. I was talking to somebody in the locker room. Obviously, San Miguel, they have June Mar, they go a lot to the post,” Brownlee said.
“TNT has a different offense as far as the dribble drive. It’s going to be a lot different but it’s still not going to be easy. It’s going to be very tough.”
In his keenly awaited rematch with Hollis-Jefferson, Brownlee has nothing but glowing words for his rival.
“I think I said this the last time when we played them. I’ve been following him ever since amateur, high school, college, he has been playing at a high level, NBA. For me, he should be in the NBA,” he said.
“Real good. It’s going to be good for the fans. Hopefully, it’s entertaining. Hopefully, we can do what we have to do to come out and win the championship.”
Two endeared reinforcements but only one will emerge with the shining trophy next month.