PBA: Justin Brownlee expects Ginebra to have hands full in first face-off vs TNT's Bol Bol

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is set to step into unfamiliar territory as it squares off for the first time against former NBA big man Bol Bol and TNT next Sunday.

Known for his rare blend of height and skill, the 7-foot-3 Bol presents a unique challenge that Ginebra import Justin Brownlee believes will test the Gin Kings on both ends of the floor.

But it's a task the resident import welcomes, especially with Japeth Aguilar still recovering from a previous injury.

"Yeah, man, to be honest, it's an honor to be playing against him. You know, obviously, he's a very popular in basketball not only here, not only in the US, but also around the world," Brownlee said on Sunday after Ginebra routed Rain or Shine, 114-90.

"So it's just an honor to be able to play against a player like him. He’s a former NBA player."

Stats-wise, Bol holds the advantage over Brownlee.

Bol, a former second round pick in the NBA, is averaging a league-high 37.20 points alongside 15.30 rebounds and 1.60 assists to help the Tropang 5G rack up six wins so far against four losses.

These numbers, along with Bol’s imposing presence on the court, even led Brownlee to wonder why the big man isn’t currently showcasing his talents in the NBA.

"In my opinion, I don't see how he's not in the NBA, he's a very talented guy. And we’ll definitely got our hands full, just like everybody else in the league has," Brownlee, who is norming 31.55 markers, 7.91 boards, and 4.73 dimes, added.

That’s why Brownlee emphasized that containing the 26-year-old Bol should not fall on a single defender, stressing the need for a full-team effort on defense.

"Like always, I just try my best, but he's the type of guy that even if you try your best, he's shooting the ball where you can't even jump to get to, and then his length on the defense again, he's getting a lot of blocks," Brownlee said.

"So I think it definitely ain't gonna be a one-man thing trying to guard him. It's gonna be a team effort."

"And I think we can just hope he’ll have an off night against us."

—JMB, GMA News