Brownlee, Durham, RHJ lead exciting mix

MANILA, Philippines — A triumvirate of certified achievers – Justin Brownlee, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Allen Durham – banner the mix of old and new faces reinforcing the 12 teams in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup that tips off Sunday.

Three-time Best Import Brownlee returns to the Barangay Ginebra fold after sitting out the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup while serving suspension for his doping case post-Asian Games.

Hollis-Jefferson, who beat Brownlee for both the crown and the Best Import accolade in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup, reunites with TNT in seeking a title repeat.

Back after a long absence for Meralco is the burly Durham, whose first three tours resulted in Best Import awards but bridesmaid finishes each time, all at the hands of the Brownlee-led Gin Kings.

JB, AD and RHJ along with Aaron Fuller, who is reinforcing Rain or Shine after previous stints with NLEX, Blackwater and TNT, and Antonio Hester of Terrafirma make up the returning cast among the imports in the season-opening conference.

Former NBA players Glenn Robinson III (Magnolia), Jordan Lavell Adams (San Miguel Beer), Myke Henry (NLEX), Brian Sotty Hopson (Converge) and Ricky Ledo (Blackwater) as well as fellow debutants Taylor Johns (NorthPort) and Jayveous McKinnis (Phoenix) are out for a Cinderella finish in Asia’s first pro league.