FOR Justin Brownlee, fourth time's a charm.
The resident Barangay Ginebra reinforcement finally won his very first Best Import Award in the PBA Governors Cup Wednesday night, emerging as the unanimous choice for the honor against Magnolia's Mike Harris and Meralco's Tony Bishop.
Brownlee, 33, topped the statistical race and all votes from media, players, and PBA Commissioner's Office in winning the award that has eluded him in three previous Governors Cup campaign.
He finished with 559 statistical points, garnered 493 votes from the media, 73 from players, and 150 from the PBA office for a total of 1,275 points.
In past three campaigns in the season-ending conference where the Kings emerged champions, Brownlee lost the Best Import award each time to Meralco counterpart Allen Durham.
"Definitely feels great to win the award. But it's even sweeter with a championship," said Brownlee, whose other Best Import award came in the 2018 Commissioner's Cup.
Harris, the Best Import of the 2018 season-ending meet, finished second with 795 points on 512 statistical points, 217 media votes, 41 players votes, and 25 from the PBA office, although the Hotshots failed to make the finals after losing to Meralco in the do-or-die Game 5 during the semis.
Bishop, playing in his first finals appearance, placed third with 739 points, while NLEX replacement import Cameron Clark brought up the rear with 443 points.
Commissioner Willie Marcial handed the Best Import trophy to Brownlee amid chants of Ginebra! Ginebra! Ginebra! at the Smart Araneta Coliseum just minutes before Game 4 of the finals between the Kings and Bolts.
Joining them were Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales, San Miguel's Robert Non, and Barangay Ginebra's Alfrancis Chua. (RG)(PBA)
(Photo credits to: PBA & Daily Tribune)