Kings hope Brown can help team in semis bid

Jong Uichico has long been searching for an energetic player, somebody who can match up with Gabe Freeman of the defending champion San Miguel Beermen. Barangay Ginebra's mild-mannered coach is hoping Denham Brown, a National Basketball Developmental League (NBDL) standout from the Iowa Energy, could provide it for the inconsistent Kings. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound, all-around forward arrives Friday in time for Ginebra's PBA road game against the streaking Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters on Saturday in Batangas City. "More than his energy, I think he's an all-around import capable of playing different positions in our team," Uichico told GMANews.TV in a text message. Brown will be the Gin Kings' third import this conference after NBA veteran Awvee Storey and Mildon Ambres. Brown presents impressive credentials. He was a member of the 2004 US NCAA champion University of Connecticut and was a key figure, especially during his senior year, where he made a reputation as a clutch performer for the Huskies. The former Canadian national team member in the FIBA Americas League averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in his senior year with UConn. In 2006, he was selected 40th overall in the second round by Seattle in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and played for the Supersonics in the Summer League. After playing there for a few more games, he was waived but earned a spot for the Tulsa 66ers in the NBDL where he became a resident star. He also saw action for the Dakota Wizards and played overseas in the Turkish League and the tough Venezuelan League. Last April, Brown got a call from the Iowa Energy camp and made a good account of himself. But while Barangay Ginebra is excited to have a new import, the team will certainly miss a spark plug from its wingmen with the suspension of the energetic Ronald Tubid. Tubid was suspended after being called for a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 for elbowing Jireh Ibañes in Ginebra's game against Rain or Shine last Sunday. – JVP/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV