Even after signing with Al Riyadi in Lebanon, Justin Brownlee says Barangay Ginebra remained his #1 objective.
Brownlee said his decision to join Al Riyadi, one of the best teams in the Middle East, has the blessing of Ginebra, where he will compete for the Commissioner's and Governors' Cups.
Brownlee wants to play for Ginebra after he plays for Al Riyadi. He wants to play in the Commissioner's Cup, where the Kings will defend their title.
Brownlee said, "I am delighted that Al Riyadi, a premier team from Lebanon, granted me the opportunity to take my talents there and discover a new market." "I'm also looking forward to defending the title with Ginebra.
Brownlee's contract with Al Riyadi means the popular import will be unable to play in the ASEAN Basketball League for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas (ABL). Last season, Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman paired up to lead San Miguel Alab Pilipinas to their first-ever ABL title.
Following revised ABL rules that allow three world imports to play for one team, Brownlee is eligible to play for Alab this season. Balkman and PJ Ramos are now Alab's imports for this season.
Brownlee's representative, Sheryl Reyes, confirmed that Brownlee had been offered a contract with Alab Pilipinas. They ultimately chose Al Riyadi because of the shorter warranty, as Brownlee will only be playing for a month and a half.
According to Reyes, Brownlee was given a one-year deal by Al Riyadi, but he turned it down due to his Ginebra commitment. According to Reyes, Brownlee will be able to play for Al Riyadi while still being in great shape before returning to Barangay Ginebra, according to Reyes.
Brownlee will leave Al Riyadi on May 1, according to Reyes.
Reyes explained that the major reason why he chose to play with Al Riyadi is that it's a shorter contract than with Alab. "Al Riyadi wanted Brownlee for a year, but we agreed to sign a one-and-a-half month deal because Ginebra is our primary priority."
Brownlee's time with Al Riyadi has the blessing of Barangay Ginebra, says Reyes. Reyes also thanks Alab Pilipinas for giving Brownlee another chance to play in the ABL.
"Boss Al (Chua) and coach Tim (Cone) has permitted us to travel to Lebanon before Ginebra. We did it courtesy because he had already been confirmed for two conferences. "We also notified Charlie Dy (the owner of the Alab team) that we will not be playing for Alab this year," Reyes said.
Meralco’s participation in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup has been canceled, and Al Riyadi has taken the place of the Bolts