Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is seeking a potential replacement for their long-time resident import, Justin Brownlee, who has reinforced the team since 2016.
"We're still looking. But I told Justin that, 'As of now, we're hanging. I hope you understand that we have to look for a replacement'," Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua confirmed.
Regarded by some as the greatest import in PBA history, Brownlee recently became a naturalized Filipino citizen earlier this year.
The 35-year-old helped the Philippine national team claim gold medals in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games.
However, Brownlee tested positive for Carboxy-THC during their latest triumph in the Asiads in a test conducted on October 7, one day after the Philippines clinched the gold medal in men's basketball.
The substance is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency being closely linked with the use of cannabis.
Brownlee was the unquestioned leader during the gold medal run by Gilas Pilipinas, leading the team in scoring with 23.4 points per game and delivering clutch plays throughout the tournament.
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Justin Brownlee risks lengthy ban
If proven guilty, the three-time PBA Best Import awardee is at risk of being suspended for as long as two years from all basketball competitions, including the PBA.
Despite the uncertainty, Brownlee will likely continue to be seen on Ginebra's bench.
"He'll be with us whether he can play or not. But just in case his suspension stays, we'll be looking for a replacement," Chua reiterated.
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