By Jan Carlo Anolin
Justin Brownlee just finished answering queries from the press outside the dugout and was headed to the South Gate exit of the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Ginebra fans surround Kings’ import Justin Brownlee and take photos after Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night. (Carlo Anolin)
While it is normal for fans to wait outside the gates where the games are held, this was a little different.
After the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings crushed the Meralco Bolts 94-72 in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup, Brownlee found himself mobbed by Ginebra faithful asking for selfies and autographs.
Brownlee did not hesitate.
The three-time Ginebra import, clad in post-game attire — white shirt, black shorts, a golden necklace with a yellow towel hanging on his left shoulders — was all smiles while signing shirts and props.
Nothing but love for Justin Brownlee as fans surround him after post-game interviews. Brownlee finished with 27 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals and 4 blocks in tonight's Game 4 #PBAFinals | via @carloanolinMB pic.twitter.com/eM15q6snaf
— Manila Bulletin Sports (@mbsportsonline) January 15, 2020
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At one point, Brownlee voluntarily walked towards the left side of the hallway, where PBA vehicles were parked, stopped, and resumed sharing light moments with the fans.
The crowd followed him until he reached the gates and the guards stationed that night started to intervene.
Justin Brownlee and Ginebra fans share a light moment after Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night. (Carlo Anolin)
Right after Game 4, Brownlee sat down for a television interview after being named Best Player of the Game.
He mentioned the Ginebra fans at least thrice in the interview. And for every shout out Brownlee gave , the crowd followed through.
“First of all, I want to thank the crowd, you guys gives us great energy. Thank you,” he said. “We just gotta come out and keep fighting hard and get some energy from this great crowd.”
When asked if there was someone he wanted to greet aside from the Ginebra supporters, Brownlee again answered: “Always the fans. I don’t know — just the fans. I love you, guys. Thank you.”
Brownlee could not find a reason to be down with the fan support he had been receiving despite losing for the third straight time to Meralco’s Allen Durham in the Best Import race.
He, however, admitted that ‘it would’ve been great’ to win the elusive award
Source: Manila Bulletin
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