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Justin Brownlee pays tribute to PBA rival Allan Durham who has announced his retirement from playing in Asia’s premier professional basketball league
MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee has tipped his hat to longtime Meralco booster Alan Durham, who retired from the PBA on Wednesday, October 30, after almost a decade in the league.
“Congratulations AD on an amazing career. You know, he was an amazing player, a great player here in the Philippines and all over Asia,” Brownlee told reporters after Ginebra lost in Game 2 of the Governors Cup championship series.
“Just congratulations on your success. It was always a fun fight against him. I appreciate the player you are and, more importantly, the person you are,” Brownlee added.
The two will forever be intertwined as their respective teams battled in the playoffs four times – the 2016, 2017 and 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals and the most recent Governors’ Cup Quarterfinals.
Brownlee emerged victorious in the playoffs each time, even if Durham took home three awards for the conference’s best import at the expense of the first.
In an exclusive interview with Rappler, Durham said he will play abroad until 2025 as he looks to end his legendary 13-year international playing career.
Right after Ginebra’s 3-0 win over Meralco in the quarterfinals, Brownlee said Durham is capable of winning the elusive PBA crown.
“I can’t say I feel bad because we are competitors and that comes with the game. I’d say his effort is definitely not a losing effort,” Brownlee said on September 30 last year.
“If he keeps doing what he’s doing, I think at some point he’s going to break through and have success in this league and maybe win a championship.”
Durham said his most memorable moment in the PBA was playing against Brownlee in Game 7 of the 2017 Governors Cup Finals. in Bulacan in front of over 54,000 spectators – a former league record.
Leading by as many as 20 points, Ginebra fended off a late run by Meralco to win the winner-take-all game, 101-96. — Rappler.com