Brown shines in return with Express

The Windsor Express put a former league MVP into the lineup on Thursday.

Forward Quinnel Brown, who won back-to-back titles with the Express and was named the NBL of Canada MVP in 2015, has rejoined the team and had a monster debut on Thursday with 21 points and nine rebounds as Windsor snapped a three-game losing skid with a 125-119 road win against the Sudbury Five.

“We’ve been in talks for about a month,” said the 36-year-old Brown, who took the roster spot of Jordan Bowling after he was placed on the inactive-reserve list after accepting an overseas playing offer. “I just want to win and get the situation back on track. It’s what I always want to do — win a championship.”

Thursday marked the first of four straight road games over an eight-day stretch for the Express, who dressed just 10 players for Thursday’s game.

Express head coach Bill Jones acknowledged the team is trying to trade guard/forward Shaquille Keith, while leading scorer Chris Jones has been placed on the inactive list and his future with the team remains uncertain.

“Hopefully, he can get himself together,” Jones said of a player that was leading the team in scoring. “He’s still part of the team, but

We’re just trying to bring people that know our winning culture around.

not part of the team.

“He’ll meet with the organization and we’ll know for sure (about his future) when we get back.”

The Express also got centre Sam Muldrow back Thursday after missing four games with a hip injury as Jones looks to reset the club.

“We’re just trying to bring people that know our winning culture around,” Jones said.

Alex Johnson led the Express (6-6) with 25 points while Ryan Anderson had 22 points. Kirk Williams Jr. finished with 18 points, Muldrow added 15 points and Kemy Osse chipped in with 14 points

“Bring me back to my old roots where it all kind of started from,” the six-foot-six, 210-pound Brown said of being back with the Express.

“Everything ’s familiar and I just have to get used to things, and that shouldn’t take long. It’s just basketball.”