Barangay Ginebra reinforcement Justin Brownlee doesn’t see the absence of injured TNT Tropang Giga guard Jayson Castro as an edge for them in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals beginning Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Although the Tropang Giga are coming into the best-of-seven championship series rematch missing a vital cog in the grizzled veteran, the Kings are still in for a tough grind against a familiar rival.

Castro went down with a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon in Game 2 of the semifinals against Rain or Shine.

Despite losing a stabilizing figure, TNT subdued the Elasto Painters in five games to forge a second straight title showdown against Ginebra this season and third overall in the past five conferences.

“We’re not looking at it as an advantage for us, but it is a big blow for them, though, with him not being able to play,” Brownlee said.

The 38-year-old Castro was instrumental in TNT’s repeat championship in the season-opening Governors’ Cup at the expense of Brownlee and the Kings. Castro was eventually named Finals Most Valuable Player after sealing the series in six games — mirroring the same result of the 2023 edition of the finals over the same counterpart.

He also played a big role in TNT’s 91-86 win over Ginebra in the eliminations where Castro submitted nine points and six assists.

“Of course, that’s a big blow for their team. What he means now for their team, the league and the entire country when it comes to basketball. So that was a big blow for the entire country, in my opinion,” Brownlee added.

“What he means to their team is he’s a leader — a vocal leader. He leads by example. He makes tough plays for them.”

The three-time Best Import winner knows TNT has a lot of capable players ready to step up.

The likes of guard Rey Nambatac and Roger Pogoy can fill Castro’s role while import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Calvin Oftana, JP Erram, Glenn Khobuntin and ageless Kelly Williams pose huge threats.

“I think that (Castro’s) leadership definitely will be missing but they’ve got some guys who can step in to fill that role,” Brownlee said.

Castro underwent surgery and is now in the long process of rehabilitation and recovery which could take at least a year.

“I just want to wish him to get well soon. Hopefully, he can have a great recovery,” Brownlee added.