BOCAUE, Bulacan — In his very first game as a Filipino, Justin Brownlee turned emotional and paid homage to the person responsible for bringing him to the country to spark his fabled career — the late Sheryl Reyes.
Speaking after helping Gilas Pilipinas secure a 107-96 victory over Lebanon in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers late Friday at the Philippine Arena, Brownlee said his success in the Philippines will not be possible if not for Reyes.
It was Reyes who took a gamble on the then unknown former St. John’s University star when he tapped him as a replacement for injured import Paul Harris of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Governors’ Cup in 2016.
Brownlee’s entry was a blessing in disguise as the Kings were looking at hiring journeyman Drew Crawford as Harris’ replacement.
But Crawford backed out at the last minute, paving the way for the Kings to call Reyes who brought in Brownlee, who was then fresh from a campaign in the French League.
Now, Brownlee has emerged into a six-time PBA champion with Ginebra with three PBA Best Import awards.
More than that, he earned the love and respect of the Filipinos when he agreed to undergo the tedious naturalization process just to represent them in major international tournaments.
Bronwlee said everything will not be possible if not for Reyes.
“I truly wish that she was here,” Brownlee told Daily Tribune after torching Lebanon for 17 points, four rebounds and five assists.
“Sheryl will always be a huge part, not just of my basketball career but of my life, because of what she did. I can never be more appreciative with all the things she has done to me and with all the things that are going on with me — with the national team, with Ginebra and with everything here in the Philippines.”
Brownlee said Reyes was more than just an agent — she was also a friend.
“Even outside, with my family, she was always there,” he said, turning emotional as he remembered Reyes who passed away in 2019 after a bout with cervical cancer. She was 39.
“Sheryl Reyes, I know you’re there in heaven. I know you’re watching down on me. I just want to say thank you and I love you.”
Brownlee said he could only be proud having the Philippine flag on his chest
“It’s very special. Having played with Gilas gave me so much joy,” Brownlee said.
“I’m just very blessed and lucky to be a part of the team. It’s just an honor putting the Philippines in front of my chest and playing for the flag.”
“The Philippines gave me so much love and I just want to do my best, do everything I can.”
Brownlee is no stranger to having winning moments in front of a huge crowd inside the massive 55,000-seater arena in Bulacan.
This time around, fans were no longer divided as everybody was cheering for the Filipinos.
“I made a shot and the crowd got going,” Brownlee said.
“Filipino fans are really appreciative and that’s what I appreciate well, too. Coach told me to be aggressive and being one of the older guys, I just feel it’s so important to set an example to be aggressive.”
“We just want to stay aggressive and make the fans happy and have something to cheer about.”
