By Argie Paul Candare
After the recent 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, teams have now centered their attention on reinforcement choices for the approaching Governors’ Cup set to open in November.
The second conference will feature imports with a height limit of 6-foot-6, as well as full-vaccination imposed by the league.
Justin Brownlee heads the class for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The four-time champion will play in his eighth conference after a stint with the Al Sharjah team from the United Arab Emirates in the National Basketball League.
Other notable returning imports include Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Paul Harris, NLEX’s KJ McDaniels, Magnolia’s Mark Harris, Rain Or Shine’s Henry Walker, Alaska’s Olu Ashaolu and San Miguel’s Brandon Brown.
The remaining four teams will parade “fresh faces” in their rosters — Shabazz Muhammad, an NBA veteran will suit up for Meralco; while Mckenzie Moore will reinforce All-Filipino Champion TNT.
Blackwater will parade Jaylen Bond, while Terrafirma Dyip have Antonio Hester.
Previously, the 2019 PBA Governor’s Cup saw Allen Durham win Best Import honors, but the championship was captured by Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra against Meralco Bolts in five games.
Magnolia’s Harris used to play for Alaska in the 2017-18 Governors Cup, while Phoenix’s own Harris suited for TNT in the 2011, 2012, 2014 Governors’ Cup and Barangay Ginebra in the 2016 Governors’ Cup.
Rain Or Shine’s Walker reinforced Alaska in the 2014 Governors’ Cup; NLEX in the 2016 Governors’ Cup and Blackwater in the 2017 Governors’ Cup and 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, while San Miguel Beer’s Brown led Phoenix in the 2017 Governors’ Cup.
NLEX’s McDaniels played for TNT in the 2019 Governors’ Cup, while Alaska’s Ashaolu spearheaded NLEX in the 2017-18 Commissioner’s Cup and 2019 Governors’ Cup.