PRIZED imports Justin Brownlee of Ginebra and Meralco’s Allen Durham have proven their worth in the past.
Whether the newcomers can steal the thunder from the would be known when the season-opening PBA Governors’ Cup kicks off on Aug. 18.
The 6-foot-5 Brownlee is set to backstop the Kings anew, while the bull-strong Durham will be back for the Bolts for the first time since the same edition of the tourney in 2019.
Ditto with Aaron Fuller, who was tapped by Rain or Shine after he previously saw action for NLEX when it was still Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao calling the shots for the Road Warriors. He also had stops with Blackwater and TNT.
Among the new faces slated to prove their worth in the pro league include NBA veteran Glenn Robinson III for Magnolia and Blackwater’s Ricky Ledo.
Known for his high-flying act, the son of former NBA player Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson was a second-round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 Draft. He also suited up for Philadelphia, Indiana, Detroit, Golden State, and Sacramento.
A product of Michigan, Robinson, 30, bagged the NBA slam dunk title in 2017.
Ledo was a second-round choice of Milwaukee in 2013.
He did not get to play for the Bucks and instead was acquired in a trade by Dallas, where he played two seasons, splitting his time with the Mavs and their NBA G League affiliate Texas Legends.
Ledo also briefly showcased his wares for the New York Knicks.
With reigning best import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson still honoring commitments in Puerto Rico, the defending champion Tropang Giga opted to bring in former Houston Rocket Darius Days.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone said Brownlee is still plying his trade in the Indonesian Basketball League but will join the Kings early next month.
“Justin’s last game (in the IBL) is around Aug. 4. Then he will come back to us and start working with us,” Cone said. “We need him back as soon as possible because we have new guys. Hopefully, we’ll be able to teach the new guys the system before he comes back, and then mix them with Justin.
“We’re excited about having him back. I know the players are super excited and we all know the quality of his game. Looking at Gilas and the way he played there and his history with us, I think it’s exciting for the fans to have him back to the country.”
The Governors’ Cup is usually Brownlee and Ginebra’s pet conference but the first-time reinforcements in Asia’s first play-for-pay league are out to give them a run for their money.
