After suffering cramps in his debut game in the PBA Governors’ Cup, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel import Justin Brownlee was allowed to join the Kings’ practice session yesterday at the Green Meadows gym in Ortigas, Quezon City.
Brownlee played more than 29 minutes and finished with 31 points on 13-of-25 shooting from the field, while adding 13 rebounds. But severe cramps forced the former St. John’s stalwart to spend time on the bench in the extra period in Ginebra’s 109-100 overtime defeat to Alaska last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Brownlee was brought to The Medical City where he spent several hours on IV.
“Na-dehydrate e, but he’s doing fine,” said Ginebra official Alfrancis Chua yesterday. “Inubos na lang yung nasa dextrose nya, almost 2 (a.m.) na-discharge na din naman siya. Nothing serious, he’s ready to go, he’s ready to play.”
Brownlee, who arrived last Thursday as replacement to the injured Paul Harris (right thumb), gave Ginebra a big lift during the game with his ability to post down low, shoot from the perimeter and attack the basket.
Fatigue and jet lag following his long flight from the US to Manila took its toll on the veteran NBA Developmental League campaigner. Ginebra personnel tried their best to keep him in game shape by massaging his legs, but Brownlee – after playing more than a minute in OT – was helped by members of the coaching staff as he walked back to the bench.
“Nag-cramps yung buong katawan niya e, kaya dinala na din siya sa hospital,” said Chua.
Ginebra will next play NLEX where Brownlee will matched up against an offense- minded reinforcement in Henry Walker, who in two games has averaged 38.50 points and six rebounds for the Road Warriors.