MANILA, Philippines – These are lucky times for the PBA to have two prolific imports go head-to-head in another title clash.
That is according to Tim Cone as Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson add a new chapter to their rivalry when Barangay Ginebra and TNT tangle in the best-of-seven Commissioner’s Cup finals starting on Friday, March 14.
It will be the third PBA championship series featuring Brownlee and Hollis-Jefferson after their encounters in the last two editions of the Governors’ Cup.
“Just two special players. We’re lucky…to be able to witness these two guys go at each other. These are momentous times,” said Cone during the finals press conference on Monday, March 10.
Brownlee, 36, and Hollis-Jefferson, 30, have sustained excellence since they joined the league.
Playing in his 12th conference with the Gin Kings, Brownlee reached the finals for the ninth time as he seeks to capture a seventh title, which would make him the winningest import in PBA history.
Brownlee is currently tied with Alaska legend Sean Chambers for the record of most PBA championships won by an import.
“For Justin, it’s that comfortability that we have with him, the confidence that we have in him, knowing he’s going to show up in big moments, just being a great teammate, and just being one of the guys — never asking for special treatment, never asking really for anything,” said Cone.
Meanwhile, Hollis-Jefferson looks to go 3-of-3 in the finals after steering the Tropang Giga to a pair of Governors’ Cup crowns, beating Brownlee and Ginebra on both occasions.
Hollis-Jefferson is also on track for a third Best Import plum.
“RHJ just brought a tremendous mentality to the Talk ‘N Text team. He shows up every game, he shows up every quarter, every possession. He just inspires his teammates. You see it on the floor every time,” Cone said.
Hollis-Jefferson enters the finals on a high after a dominant showing in the semifinals that saw him average 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 1.0 steal in the five-game conquest of Rain or Shine.
While Brownlee produced less to the tune of 18.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in the final four, he remains a dangerous force when there is more at stake.
“I think when we look back 10 years from now, we’re going to be remembering this time when the rivalry was big between Justin and RHJ,” said Cone. – Rappler.com