By REYNALD MAGALLON
Barangay Ginebra is wary of its own expectations of new import Tony Bishop especially that the Kings have been used to playing with Justin Brownlee.
The defending Commissioner’s Cup champions have tapped the services of the former Meralco import – a solid import on his own right, having also towed the Bolts to the Finals of 2021 Governors’ Cup.
That being said, however, the Kings knew full well that it would be unfair for Bishop to be repeatedly compared to Brownlee.
“Coach Richard told us that we cannot compare. Justin is Justin but we have a new import. We’ll welcome him and do our best to include him on our offense and figure it out this conference,” said Ginebra big man Christian Standhardinger.
The verdict on Brownlee’s doping case during the Asian Games remains up in the air, prompting Ginebra to tap Bishop to step in. Ginebra coach Tim Cone already sees Bishop a good fit, especially with the familiarity brought by the experience playing against the 6-foot-8 journeyman.
While it will be a big adjustment for the team especially having Brownlee as its only import for the last five seasons, the Kings stressed that the new Ginebra import should be given enough chance to make his own mark in the team
“I think it will be a huge adjustment for us. It’s gonna be tough as a team whoever comes in JB is so good, it wouldn’t be fair to compare anyone who we get,” said Jamie Malonzo.
“Whoever we get we’re gonna try to incorporate him into the team as quickly and as nicely as possible for the sake of the team for sure but losing JB is a pretty big loss,” he added.
Malonzo’s sentiments were echoed by Scottie Thompson since Brownlee had given the team six titles in seven Finals appearances. The reigning MVP, however, said that the players should take the situation personally and continue to move forward for their title defense.
“I think para sa amin sobrang hirap we all know si Justin nakasama na namin for how many years especially ako personally ang dami na naming ups and down sa team to be honest ako ngayon di ko pa alam kung anong magiging movement,” said Thompson.
“We are all professionals kung ano nasa harap namin ihandle namin we just have to keep moving forward no matter what happens para sa Ginebra,” he added.
