IKINASAYA ni Justin Brownlee ang pagkakataon na muling makalaro sa Mighty Sports Philippines, higit at makakasama niya sa koponan ang dating Los Angeles Lakers star na si Lamar Odom.
Bahagi ang one-time best import ng PBA sa kampanya ng Mighty sa Dubai International Basketball C h a m p i o n s h i p s a February 2019.
“It’s always a great feeling to represent the country in any way I can,” pahayag ni Brownlee sa panayam ng Manila Bulletin Sports Online.
Sa nakalipas na taon, nakasama ni Brownlee sa kopona sina Hasheem Thabeet, Marcus Douthit at D o m i n i c M c g u i r e , gayundin ang mga locals na sina Kiefer Ravena, Willie Miller, Jett Manuel, Jeron Teng, Gary David at JC Intal.
Akari Sports wala pang balak pasukin ang PBA
Ngunit, bigo ang kanilang kampanya.
N g a y o n , k u m p i y a n s a s i Brownlee na mag-iiba ang tadhana ng Mighty Sports.
“Last year we did not make it that far. But this year, I am hoping we win more games and make the country p r o u d . I l o v e t h e Philippines,” aniya.
Ang pagkakasama ni Odom, miyembro ng dalawang kampeonato ng Lakers (2009-2010), ang tapik sa balikat s a k a m p a n y a n g koponan.
“ W h e n S h e r y l (Reyes) told me that she is bringing Lamar Odom, I wasn’t even surprised because she really likes putting together a good team and helping players,” pahayag ni Brownlee.
“I am very fortunate to have this chance to play with an NBA legend. I just feel really blessed”
S a m a a y o s n a pakikipag-ugnayan at determinasyon nina player agent Sheryl Reyes at ng Mighty Sports management, naganap ang hindi inaasahan sa basketball community.
“When I was asked to recommend players to represent the country for the tournament, it was a no-brainer. Of course, I will put Justin Brownlee in it,” pahayag ni Reyes “He never wants to leave the Philippines and if he can come back, he will always do and play for the country”
Muling sasandigan ang Mighty Sports Philippines ni coach Charles Tiu. Nakatakda namang dumating sa bansa si Odom para sa ensayo sa Enero 21, habang magbabalik bansa si Brownlee mula sa bakasyon sa Enero 20.
-ERNEST HERNANDEZ
