Justin Brownlee open to Meralco return after bittersweet EASL stint

Justin Brownlee’s short stint in orange and blue may have ended quietly, but the door remains wide open.

Meralco’s East Asia Super League campaign closed with an 88-79 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, marking another near-miss in the Bolts’ third straight attempt to crack the postseason. Yet even before the sting of elimination could settle, Brownlee made one thing clear — he is willing to run it back.

“Hopefully I get the chance to come here again,” Brownlee said.

“One hundred percent,” Meralco coach Luigi Trillo quickly added when asked about the possibility of another tour of duty.

For Brownlee, the campaign was a case of what could have been.

Expectations were sky-high when Meralco announced the blockbuster signings of Brownlee and longtime PBA rival Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. On paper, the Bolts suddenly looked like legitimate contenders in the home-and-away tournament.

Reality unfolded differently.

Brownlee fell ill and missed the first four games, forcing Meralco to navigate the early stretch without one of its cornerstones. Asian import Sina Vahedi also arrived late, only suiting up in the third game. By then, the Bolts were already digging out of an 0-2 hole.

When Brownlee finally debuted in early December, the potential flashed immediately. He joined forces with Hollis-Jefferson, Vahedi, and Ismael Romero in a thrilling 93-91 win over the Macau Black Bears — a glimpse of what the fully assembled squad might have achieved.

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Justin Brownlee shared his happiness about playing for the Meralco Bolts in the EASL. He also mentioned that he’s open to representing another PBA team in the league, emphasizing that he always takes pride in playing for the Philippines. | via Aivan Episcope/One Sports pic.twitter.com/OF0sUT4gVx

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 12, 2026

But momentum proved fragile.

Hollis-Jefferson suffered an ACL injury in that very game, abruptly ending his season. Brownlee did not hide his disappointment.

“Rondae is an absolutely very special player. Just like myself and the rest of the guys, we would love for him to be here. You can see the rhythm he had with the team will only get better,” he said.

Cady Lalanne was brought in on short notice, blending as best he could alongside Brownlee and Romero. The effort was there, but chemistry takes time — something Meralco did not have.

By the end of the campaign, the Bolts finished 3-3 — their best record in EASL play and the strongest showing by any PBA team in the tournament’s history. Still, it wasn’t enough to reach the next stage.

Brownlee’s own numbers reflected both impact and limitation: averages of 12.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block in just two games. In the finale, he tallied 12 points, four rebounds, and six assists but shot 3-of-13 from the field.

“I personally think I didn’t play too well (tonight),” he admitted. “But I hope I get another opportunity.”

At 37, Brownlee remains one of the region’s most dependable imports, a player whose presence alone reshapes expectations. His willingness to return — pending Barangay Ginebra’s consent — signals unfinished business more than farewell.

“I really enjoyed the EASL and I definitely would go and play for Meralco,” he said.

For a team that came closer than ever yet still fell short, that possibility might be the most promising development of all.

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