Brownlee still open to playing for Meralco in EASL

Sports

IF PLANS don’t miscarry–again, a much-needed firepower is on the way for the Meralco Bolts as they enter the crucial stages of the East Asia Super League (EASL) Home and Away Season.

Naturalized Filipino player Justin Brownlee expressed willingness to still suit up for the Bolts after missing the team’s first four games due to illness.

Meralco was supposed to have a potent duo in Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferon to start their campaign. Brownlee, however, was a no-show in the Bolts’ first four games, leaving a gaping hole in the team’s offensive artillery.

Brownlee recently flew in to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. He took time to meet with Meralco officials and explained his absence.

While in the U.S., Brownlee said he had a bout with pneumonia that grounded him for almost two months.

The 37-year-old Brownlee said he still committed to play for the Bolts but time constraint is the biggest issue. Aside from the World Cup qualifiers, Brownlee is also set to play in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. Both tournaments will be held in December.

Meralco’s next game in the EASL will be against the Macau Black Bears on Dec. 6 in Isabela. The Bolts will also take on the Ryukyu Golden Kings on Feb. 11 at a still to be announced venue.

Meralco is currently 2-2 in the EASL, winning its last two games after suffering two straight losses to start the tournament.

In its last outing, Meralco nipped Macaua, 92-74, in a match that was played at the Cebu Coliseum.(CCM)