MANILA, Philippines – A regular lineup of well-known and fresh immigrants will compete in the PBA Governors’ Cup, which opens the season.

Teams have started signing and settling with their respective reinforcements as Season 49 approaches.

Three years after leaving the freshly crowned Philippine Cup winners, longtime rival Allen Durham returns to Meralco, while resident immigrant Justine Brownlee returns for another tour of duty with Barangay Ginebra.

As he reunites with old coach Yeng Guiao, Rain or Shine has chosen the proven Aaron Fuller.

The former Trojan from USC played twice for Guiao at NLEX before spending time with TNT and Blackwater.

The 34-year-old Fuller recently finished playing for Fuerza Regia de Monterrey, a former Mexican soccer team.

NBA veteran Glenn Robinson III of Magnolia and Blackwater’s Ricky Ledo are two of the new faces.

The son of former NBA player Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, who is well-known for his vertical leaping abilities, was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2014 draft. He then played for Sacramento, Golden State, Philadelphia, Indiana, and Detroit.

The Michigan native Robinson, 30, won the title of NBA slam dunk champion in 2017.

Conversely, Ledo was a 2013 second-round pick of Milwaukee.

Nevertheless, he was traded to Dallas and spent two seasons splitting time between the Mavs and their NBA G League member, the Texas Legends. He was never able to play for the Bucks.

Aaron Fuller – Team History

Blackwater Elite (2019)

Fuller joined Blackwater Elite of the Philippine Basketball Association in August 2019 in preparation for the PBA Governors’ Cup and the East Asia Super League Terrific 12. Due to an ankle ailment, he was replaced for the Terrific 12 event by Marqus Blakely. In the Governors’ Cup, he made his team debut; however, because of his injury, Blakely took his position once more.

Malvín and Fuerza Regia (2019–2021)

Fuller participated in the LNBP as a player with Fuerza Regia from November 2019 until November 2020.

Fuller joined Malvín of the Liga Uruguaya de Básquetbol in March 2021.

In September and November of 2021, Fuller performed for Fuerza Regia once more.

Giga TNT Tropang (2021–2022)

In lieu of the injured McKenzie Moore, Fuller joined the TNT Tropang Giga on December 25, 2021, for the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup. He had a calf injury and was released in March 2022. He finished each game with an average of 17.4 points, 16.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.6 blocks.

Fuerza Regia’s seventh season (2022)

For a seventh season, Fuller returned to Fuerza Regia in July 2022.

Gigantes de Guayana and Urunday Universitario (2023)

Fuller joined Urunday Universitario of the Liga Uruguaya de Básquetbol (LUB) in February 2023.

Fuller became a member of Gigantes de Guayana of the Venezuelan SuperLiga in March 2023.

Fuerza Regia’s eighth season (2023–present)

For an eighth season, Fuller returned to Fuerza Regia in August 2023.

Justin Brownlee – Team History

San Miguel’s Barangay Ginebra (2019–2020)

Ginebra has selected Brownlee once more for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in 2019. On May 24, 2019, he made his Ginebra debut against the Blackwater Elite. Despite his career-high 44 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, his team lost in overtime against the Elite. In the following game, Brownlee led the Meralco Bolts to a 110-95 victory with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (2021–2023)

Brownlee dressed for the Governors’ Cup in 2021 with Ginebra. In order to prolong the first-round series against the TNT Tropang Giga, he finished with 38 points and 12 rebounds. In addition, he passed previous import Larry McNeil for sixth position on the PBA All-Time Import Scoring List with 38 points. With him on the squad, his side made it to the fifth finals and, eventually, their eighth semi-final appearance in eight attempts.

PH National Team

Brownlee participated in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in May 2023, representing the Philippines. In both the gold medal victory against the host country, Cambodia, and the semi-final matchup with Indonesia, he led the squad in points, rebounds, and assists.