Depends on Shane – LA
If Edwards does well in 2nd conf., Brownlee need not come in – Tenorio
Former Cleveland Cavalier Shane Edwards is suiting up for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and Kings playmaker LA Tenorio believes it is possible the ex-Alaska Aces import could be with them longer than one can say the words: Justin Brownlee.
Tenorio has played under Ginebra coach Tim Cone for nearly a decade now, and knowing the multi-titled mentor, he sees Edwards staying with the Kings as long as he has the right attitude once the second conference gets going.
“From my experience, hindi ganun si coach Tim eh. Basta maayos yung import, coachable, hindi basta-basta siya nagpapalit,” said Tenorio yesterday when contacted by the Bulletin on the probability of Ginebra’s resident import Justin Brownlee coming in mid-conference to replace Edwards.
Ginebra signed Edwards due to the unavailability of Brownlee, who has played for the franchise in the last three import-flavored conferences, helping the team win backto-back titles in the previous two Governors’ Cup.
Accord ing to reports, the 6-foot-8 Edwards is of the belief his stint with the Kings is only temporary.
However, according to Tenorio, if Edwards plays well, it’s likely Brownlee, who is playing for the SMC Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League, will be rested in time for a three-peat attempt in the third conference.
“Kung maganda ang ilalaro niya, why not? Sa tingin ko kailangan din naman magpahinga ni Justin; dito din naman siya base eh,” said Tenorio.
“Ang advantage lang namin on having Justin, alam na niya yung system namin, anytime pwede siyang pumasok sa team. So parang ganun nga, may backup kami in Justin,” added Tenorio.
In last season’s Commissioner’s Cup where teams are allowed to field in reinforcements no taller than 6-foot10, Ginebra tabbed the 6-foot-5 Brownlee since the team already has 6-foot10 forward Japeth Aguilar and 7-foot center Greg Slaughter.
However, Slaughter got injured and Ginebra lost to TNT Ka TaTropa in the semifinal series, 3-1. In this season’s Commissioner’s Cup, which opens April 22, reports said management’s plan to field Brownlee again had to be shelved due to his commitment with Alab.
The ABL playoffs is currently raging and should Alab make it all the way to the championship round, Brownlee’s stint with the team could be extended all the way up to May 2, necessitating the call to Edwards.
Edwards, 30, who suited up for the Cavaliers on a 10-day contract in 2014, is set to join Ginebra next week at the resumption of training, having wrapped up his obligation with the CLS Knights Indonesia in the ABL.
As a member of the Aces four years ago, Edwards averaged 22.11 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while Brownlee in comparison has career averages of nearly 30 points, 12 rebounds and five assists per game.