Tirrell Brown II was the Titan Ultra Giant Risers’ first choice as import for the PBA Governors’ Cup. And yet he very nearly couldn’t play. In fact, the Giant Risers already flew in a replacement—James Milton—even before Brown could play a single game.
But, in a seeming twist of fate, Milton couldn’t secure his FIBA clearance in time for Titan Ultra’s conference debut against the Terrafirma Dyip. One thing led to another, and the Giant Risers had to go back to their original choice: Tirrell Brown II.
Personal Challenge Derails Tirrell Brown II
It turns out, fate itself nearly got the 32-year-old veteran replaced. According to Titan Ultra coach Rensy Bajar, a fire razed Brown’s home, dealing the soft-spoken American an unexpected challenge and delaying his flight to the Philippines. Then, as he got here, it took him a few more days to secure his FIBA clearance, resulting in him being unable to play right away.
Brown finally made his PBA debut in Titan Ultra’s third game of the conference, this time against the NLEX Road Warriors. The 6-foot-6 American finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds but couldn’t save the Giant Risers from a 135-100 dismantling.
Tirrell Brown II Leads Titan Ultra to First Win
On Wednesday, the Giant Risers took the court again, and this time, they walked out as winners. With Brown’s 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists leading the way, Titan Ultra authored a 103-87 rout of the undermanned TNT Tropang 5G. Afterward, the veteran internationalist didn’t hide the fact that this win meant something more than usual for him.
“It was very important for this win, for me personally, just to prove to everybody that I belong here, and also for the team, they were looking for their first win and I’m happy that I can help. I feel good,” Brown told reporters in the postgame presser.
A veteran of South and Latin American leagues, Brown should feel good. He’s averaging 28.5 points and 10.0 rebounds and has looked like a solid reinforcement. He has also helped Titan Ultra break what had been a 10-game losing streak. That he has done that after facing a personal crisis shows character and an iron will.
Ready to Keep Going
While Brown has transitioned quite well to PBA hoops, he nonetheless acknowledged that it was a challenge at first. However, it appears he has settled in quite nicely.
“It was a little difficult, just starting out,” he admitted. “But the team, they welcomed me real good, and coach helped me catch up fast with the team, the plays, and everything. At this point, I feel good. I feel like we got good chemistry, and we’re ready to keep going.”
Tirrell Brown and his Titan Ultra teammates can keep it going on Saturday, July 25, when they take on the winless Macau Giant Pandas.
