Ginebra Kings add Brown to lineup, miss Tubid vs Texters

Jong Uichico has long been searching for an energetic player, somebody who can match up with Gabe Freeman of the defending champion San Miguel Beermen.

The mild-mannered coach hopes Denham Brown, a standout from the National Basketball Developmental Legaue squad Iowa Energy, could provide it for the on-and-off Ginebra Kings.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound all-around forward arrives Friday in time for Saturday’s game against the streaking Talk N Text Tropang Texters in Batangas City.

“More than his energy, I think he’s an all-around import capable of playing different positions in our team," Uichico told GMANews.TV in a text message.

Brown will be the Gin Kings' third import this conference after NBA veteran Awvee Storey and Mildon Ambres.

Brown presents impressive credentials.

He was a member of the 2004 US NCAA champion University of Connecticut Huskies team and was a key figure, especially during his senior year where he made a reputation as a clutch performer.

The former Canadian national team member in the FIBA Americas League averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in his senior year with the Huskies.

In 2006, he was selected in the second round (40th overall) by the Seattle Supersonics in the National Basketball Association and saw action in the Summer League. After playing there for few more games, he was waived but earned a spot for the NBDL team Tulsa 66ers where he became a resident star.



He also saw action with the Dakota Wizards and played overseas in the Turkish League and the tough Venezuelan League.

Last April, Brown got a call from the Iowa Energy camp and made a good account of himself.

But while Barangay Ginebra is excited to have a new import, the team will certainly miss a spark plug from its wing position with the suspension of Ronald Tubid.

Tubid was suspended after being called for a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 for elbowing Jireh Ibanes of Rain or Shine last time around. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV