Expect Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to play for a bigger purpose while helping TNT in back-to-back quest in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals.
The conference’s reigning Best Import is dedicating their upcoming best-of-7 title rematch opposite Barangay Ginebra to the victims of Typhoon Kristine, which has ravaged numerous provinces and cities most especially in Luzon.
“I know you guys are going through a lot as a country,” he said during the pre-Finals press conference on Thursday at The Atrium at Enderun in Taguig.
“And at the end of the day, it’s just basketball. It’s just a game. We want to put some smiles on people’s faces, make it a little easier for y’all, make y’all happy.”
It was in that same presser where the PBA’s powers-that-be announced that it will donate all proceeds of the championship series’ Game 1, set on Sunday, to those affected by the typhoon through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc.
That may have struck a chord within the players such as Hollis-Jefferson, inspiring the former NBA veteran to make his own pledge of sorts.
“We’re gonna give it our all,” said the 29-year-old winger. “We’re gonna work hard, we’re gonna make it exciting, something to look forward to.”
It goes without saying that Hollis-Jefferson is among those looked forward to in this series, most especially his matchup against counterpart Justin Brownlee.
The University of Arizona product has the edge over the three-time Best Import, beating him in their 2023 Governors’ Cup meeting that foiled the latter’s bid of breaking a tie with Sean Chambers for most titles for a PBA import at six.
(C) PSC-POC Media Group
Yet JB got some payback of sorts months after that, albeit on a different stage when he steered Gilas Pilipinas past Jordan in the 19th Asian Games in China to end a 61-year men’s basketball title drought in the continental meet.
“I’m still not over that loss. Gilas versus Jordan,” quipped RHJ, the Falcons’ naturalized player since the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, with a grin.
Turning serious, Hollis-Jefferson expressed respect and admiration toward Brownlee, whom he can’t wait to battle once again in the series that starts this Sunday, October 27, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“On a serious note, I think he’s a phenomenal player. I think he’s an even better person. I’m sure his teammates, his coach, anyone who’s been around can attest to that,” said the nine-year pro from Chester, Pennsylvania.
“I’m a competitor, at the end of the day, so I look forward to every time we match up against each other,” he added.
