Brownlee, RHJ, to reinforce Meralco for EASL season

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Dream lineup turned into reality.

Who would’ve thought that two of the greatest imports to ever grace the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) would be teaming up in the same squad?

Rivals no more.

From battling countless PBA Finals series, Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee and TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will don the same jersey colors for the first time as they are ready to beef up the Meralco Bolts for the upcoming new season of the East Asia Super League (EASL).

The development was confirmed on Sept.11, 2025, when the Meralco Bolts proudly announced the duo’s inclusion in their official lineup via a social media post in their Facebook page.

“The lineup you can’t miss,” Meralco posted.

Brownlee, a six-time PBA champion, is fresh off a FIBA stint with the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team while RHJ, a three-time Best Import of the PBA, is yet to return inside the hardwood.

After successive failed campaigns in the EASL, Meralco is determined to rewrite their fate on the international stage, and adding Brownlee and RHJ became their biggest investment in ensuring the country a sure slot in the playoffs.

Bill Pamintuan, Meralco’s team governor, stated that they wanted to halt their drought and win the EASL not only for the PBA’s pride, but also for the country.

The team’s rotation is yet to be known, as Brownlee and RHJ will be playing in the same team for the first time since becoming PBA rivals.

Both players fill entirely different roles in their PBA teams, as Brownlee is more of an offensive centerpiece for the Gin Kings, while RHJ is the glue guy that does all the intangibles for the Tropang 5G.

Nevertheless, it will still be a luxury to watch Brownlee and RHJ become a 1-2 punch, backstopping the local crew of Meralco who are yet to taste EASL glory.

Aside from them, the Bolts will also field BCL Americas champion hooper Ismael Romero in the pool, as well as the newly-drafted steady floor general Jason Brickman.

“6x PBA champion Justin Brownlee, 3x PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and BCL Americas champion Ismael Romero will suit up for the Meralco Bolts in the upcoming EASL season! As the lone team representing the Philippines this season, we’re going all in to make the Filipino basketball community proud!” Meralco added.