MANILA: Former PBA import Ira Brown returned to the Philippines as part of the Japanese national team that faced Gilas Pilipinas for the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena. Gilas won, 89-84.
For Brown, playing against hostile crowds is nothing new. In fact, he looks forward to playing in front of a sold-out audience.
“For me, it is not tough. I mean is just like every game. No matter how you look at it, whether we are at home or here,” Brown said. “You just block out all the noise and overcome adversity and continue to push forward.”
Brown had a short stint with the San Miguel Beermen back in 2011. Regardless, he says that the PBA experience was a memorable one.
“It is good to be back. I had a great time when I was here, it was a great experience. I have friends here that still live here. I’m not sure if the guys I played with are still playing here but it would be great to see those guys and finally run into them.”
Playing just two games, Brown still recalls the teammates that he played with and hopes to reconnect with them soon.
“I did play with Alex (Cabagnot), is he still out here? Ok, nice! In 2011, I was with Dorian Pena, Mick Penissi, and Arwind Santos. Dondon (Hontiveros) got traded that year and that sent me away because they wanted to bring in someone who could play the two-guard.”