Justin Brownlee is finally set to make his EASL debut for the Meralco Bolts—over two months since it was reported that he would be teaming up with fellow PBA super import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero, a veteran of the Puerto Rican national team.
Brownlee, who played in Gilas Pilipinas’ opening two games for the FIBA Asia World Cup Qualifiers, missed the Bolts’ first four EASL games as he battled pneumonia. Now, he is finally here, and not a moment too soon, as Meralco is riding high with back-to-back wins and appears to be finding its stride.
That should not be a surprise. Hollis-Jefferson, Romero, and Sina Vahedi have been ballin’ out for the Bolts, with RHJ averaging 24.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.5 blocks. Romero, meanwhile, is putting up 21.5 points and 17.5 rebounds, while Vahedi, in two games, has delivered 16.0 points and 5.5 assists.
Justin Brownlee Can Only Elevate Meralco
Meralco’s three imports have no doubt made the Bolts a force in the EASL. Now, with Justin Brownlee finally in the mix, there is a case to be made that Meralco is a legitimate contender. Brownlee is a proven winner, and he will be bringing in championship pedigree, high-level playmaking, and clutch shooting to a team that seems to be finding its rhythm already.
Crucially, Brownlee will not have to be the main guy for Meralco in the EASL. That distinction belongs to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who has done a masterful job so far. In fact, it is not much of a stretch to say that the EASL has not seen a two-way demon like RHJ, and he will continue to be Meralco’s go-to guy. Romero will take care of the interior, as he has done over the course of four games, anchoring the Bolts’ frontline composed of Brandon Bates, Ange Kouame, Raymund Almazan, Cliff Hodge, Raymar Jose, and Kyle Pascual. Vahedi, meanwhile, will likely continue his role as a second or third playmaker.
Thus, expect Justin Brownlee to blend in and fill the gaps—just as he does for Gilas Pilipinas. He will likely be Meralco’s main gunner from downtown and take on some playmaking duties as well. Then, when games go down the wire, Brownlee gives the Bolts a proven closer who can deliver in the clutch, whether it is a basket or a well-placed dime.
Needless to say, Justin Brownlee will likely elevate the Bolts to greater heights this season.
Justin Brownlee Makes His Debut vs. Macau Black Bears
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s resident import will make his EASL debut for the Meralco Bolts on Saturday, December 6, against the Macau Black Bears, who are playing only for the second time this season. The Bolts versus Black Bears showdown will take place at The Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.
