THE PBA features imports in the Christmas Day games for the first time in 16 years.
The last and only time such happened, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon, was in the 2005-2006 Fiesta Conference where Barangay Ginebra, with Chris Porter, winning over Alaska, then coached by Tim Cone and with Odell Bradley as reinforcememt.
The Gin Kings won that contest, 96-89, in the game held at the Cuneta Astrodome with Porter scoring 29 and overcoming Bradley’s 34.
In a match report by the Inquirer, Rodney Santos had 18 points and converted a triple late in the game to save the Gin Kings, the victory of which allowing the team to clinch a semifinal berth.
Mark Caguioa also played in the ballgame and had 25 points, 18 coming in the second half.
Now four imports are set to play in the Christmas Games at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum with NLEX battling Phoenix Super LPG and Barangay Ginebra facing Magnolia.
Two imports who will take part in the doubleheader said it will be a special time to be part of the Christmas Day game in the PBA.
“That’s special,” said Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. “I know in the States, growing up watching Christmas games in the NBA. It’s always an honor for those guys I’m sure.”
Phoenix Super LPG import Paul Harris said he played a Christmas game once in his career when he was in the G League.
“My whole career, I think I remember playing on Christmas one time in the G League. It will be special,” said Harris. “This will be fun for the fans to come out and support us on Christmas and just everybody at thome that is going to watch. That’s a special day. I can’t wait.”
The Gin Kings eye another Christmas Day win, this time with Justin Brownlee.
But while the locals will have an opportunity to spend Christmas with their respective families prior to the game, the imports won’t. Brownlee though said he is fortunate that he now lives in an era where technology is available.
“I’m definitely going to miss my family, stuff like that, my children. It would be great to see them on Christmas Day. But you know, Facetime, thank God for technology nowadays, you can use Facetime and stuff like that. I’m sure I’ll be calling them, different time zones here and there. But I’m sure I’ll get a phone call or I’ll call them,” said Brownlee.
It’s mixed emotions on the part of Harris, who said he would have brought his family to the Philippines if not for the COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s really tough. I think my son, he wakes up early on a weekend, he can wake up early (this Christmas). It’s really tough because I always tell eveyody, this is one of my favorite place to play. This is my family [Philippines]. Of all the places that weve travelled, my family loves the Philippines but they want to be here. But it’s hard. They need to quarantine for a week. Its going to be tough,” said Harris.
Brownlee looks forward to playing in front of Barangay Ginebra fans on Christmas for the first time.
“It’s a blessing just to have an opportunity to play on Christmas,” said Brownlee.
The Christmas weekend doubleheaders are part of the two-day 'Season of Joy' special that is supported by Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte as her 'Pamaskong Handog' to the city's residents and tribute to the frontliners.
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PBA News: PBA Christmas Day games: Brownlee, Harris see action - Sports Interactive Network Philippines
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