Tony Bishop to temporarily replace Justin Brownlee as Barangay Ginebra import, says Chua

Former Meralco Bolts reinforcement Tony Bishop will temporarily replace Justin Brownlee as the import of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the upcoming PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Barangay Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua confirmed the development on Saturday after he was recognized by the NCAA for his part in Gilas Pilipinas' historic gold medal campaign in the recent Asian Games.

"Tony Bishop, siya ang replacement muna. Tingnan natin kung makakabalik si Brownlee," Chua said in an interview.

(Tony Bishop will be the replacement for now. Let's see if Brownlee can return.)

Chua said Bishop arrived in the country on Friday night, more than a week before the PBA opens on November 5.

After the Asian Games, it was revealed that Brownlee tested positive for a prohibited substance Carboxy-THC, which according to a report by Agence France-Presse was linked to cannabis use.

Brownlee, according to the Philippine Olympic Committee, also waived the opening of the B sample of his test.

Chua said they are still waiting for any sanctions, if there are any, which will be handed to the naturalized Filipino player.

However, he maintained that they are still behind Brownlee.

"Kahit sinabing suspendido siya, we'll help Brownlee in any cost kasi di namin alam kung anong magiging desisyon nila. Kung anong magiging desisyon nila, we'll be there [behind] his back. Hindi namin papabayaan si Brownlee. Sa tingin ko kahit SBP hindi siya papabayaan kapag sinuspinde."

(Even if he's suspended, we'll help Brownlee in any cost because we don't know yet what the decision will be. Whatever that is, we'll be there behind his back. We'll support him. I think even SBP will also not leave him if he's suspended.)

The Philippine Basketball Association also previously said they are waiting whatever decision will be made on Brownlee.

Going back to NCAA

During the halftime break of the match between Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Mapua University where the Cardinals won, 69-66, Chua was recognized for his part in the national team's campaign in the Asian Games.

Chua was a former player for Letran back in his high school days.

"I'm very grateful," he said. "Ngayon nabigyan ako ng ganitong pagkakataon, ite-treasure ko ito dahil malaking bagay para sa akin dahil ngayon ang NCAA, nakasuporta sa basketball ng Pilipinas."

(I'll treasure this because this is big, especially now the NCAA really supports Philippine basketball.)

During the halftime break, some fans called for his support anew for the Letran Knights.

Chua, director for sports of San Miguel Corporation, previously served as the special assistant to the rector for sports development for Letran.

"Sino bang hindi gusto sumuporta? Sa ngayon lang sobrang busy talaga. I don't want to handle a team na wala akong oras. If I want to handle a team, kailangan may oras ako. Nagkasunod-sunod lang. Mahirap naman umoo ako, nakasuporta ka tapos wala naman ako. We'll see, tingnan natin paanong tiyempo," he said.

(Who doesn't want to support. I'm just very busy right now. I don't want to handle a team if I don't have the time. If I'll handle a team, I need time. Things are just happening. It's hard if I'll give my yes then I'm not there. We'll see how we can work it out.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News