PBA: Brownlee, Japeth savor what could be their last Ginebra title

Japeth Aguilar and Justin Brownlee during a Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ huddle in Game 7 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals vs TNT Tropang 5G. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Justin Brownlee and Japeth Aguilar shared a hug amid the euphoria of Barangay Ginebra’s Game 7 triumph over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals that ended a three-year title drought.

But the warm embrace seemed to carry a deeper meaning for both players, given the long chase for another championship at the tail end of their respective careers.

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”Justin told me that ‘this might be our last [chance to win a title],” Aguilar said. “My response was ‘Yeah, let’s give it our all.’”

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Aguilar captured his ninth PBA championship, eight of which were as a member of the league’s most popular ballclub. But the title has eluded Ginebra the past eight conferences before Wednesday’s 88-76 triumph over his former team.

FILE– Barangay Ginebra veterans Justin Brownlee and Japeth Aguilar during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Brownlee became the winningest PBA import ever with his seventh championship. But like Aguilar, it has been a struggle for the beloved naturalized player of Gilas Pilipinas since Ginebra ruled the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup.

“I was just telling him like you never know,” said Brownlee from his own perspective. “Hopefully not, but at our age, you just never know. It could be our last run or last title.

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“But hopefully, like I said, hopefully not. I hope I don’t jinx myself. But I think we got a lot left in the tank,” he added.

While Brownlee proved that he can still be at his best even at 38, especially after claiming his fourth Best Import award, Aguilar endured a sore knee and hospitalization due to a lung problem caused by an on-court collision.

But Aguilar made sure he would keep himself a key contributor for the Gin Kings despite those early issues. That has made the 39-year-old Aguilar a bit teary-eyed.

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“I don’t want to be sentimental,” said Aguilar. “But this might be our last chance. We’re getting old. That is why this one of the most difficult championships that we had.”

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