2019 PBA Gov. Cup Imports (Grades!): Ginebra, Meralco, Phoenix

(c) PBA Media Bureau

As we wait if majority or some of the buzzing trade discussions will happen, let us again grade three teams who decided to bring back their former imports.

Ginebra - Justin Brownlee

This is a no-brainer. Brownlee is the best reinforcement in the PBA this decade as he has shown the ability to be effective in the Commissioner's Cup and in the Governors' Cup. Even though he was the smallest import in the Commissioner's Cup, Brownlee manufactured 35.9 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.6 steals, 2.2 blocks, 55% FG and 41% 3FG per game. 

There is still a negative thing about bringing him back though. They are the most scouted team entering the final conference because they will bring back the same line-up, unless they do a trade, that they used for the majority of the Commissioner's Cup.

Grade: A

Meralco - Allen Durham

Another no-brainer because Durham has been the main competitor to Brownlee's dominance in the Governors'Cup. He produced 27.7 points, 18.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 50% FG and 29% 3FG per game last Gov. cup. 

Durham will be a great partner to Raymond Almazan who will bring three-point shooting and rim protection. Almazan's shooting should open-up the paint for Durham and Almazan's shot-blocking will fill the weakness of Allen.

Grade: A

Phoenix - Eugene Phelps

I put these three guys into one article to emphasize that they are the backbones of the Governors' Cup. Phelps has been the least successful of three but he is as impactful as the other two. Phelps averaged 29.7 points, 18.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.9 blocks and 50% FG per game.

He is not a shooter but he will surely be the best slasher during the conference. Phoenix better surrounds him with shooter to maximize his slashing.

Grade: A