In addition to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s basketball skills, Jordan’s head coach Wesam Al Sous hopes that their new naturalized player can also attract fans.
Al Sous expressed this sentiment during the pre-event press conference for the FIBA Basketball World Cup last Thursday, just before their entry into Group C action.
On Saturday, against the 9th-ranked team in the world, Greece, Hollis-Jefferson achieved both objectives. He led the Falcons’ offensive efforts but eventually fell short in a 71-92 defeat at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The former TNT import scored 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, in addition to grabbing nine rebounds and making three steals despite facing foul trouble. He also drew some of the loudest cheers from the packed crowd in Pasay City.
Feeling the continued support of the Filipino fans, only four months after his championship run with the Tropang Giga in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup, was a source of delight for RHJ.
“I love them. I appreciate them. I love the Philippines,” said Hollis-Jefferson moments after the match.
Hollis-Jefferson took over from Jordan’s former naturalized player, Dar Tucker, as the country decided to bring in the experience of the former, who had played in the NBA for six seasons.
Despite the loss to the higher-ranked Greece, RHJ still believed that they managed to grab attention and execute some effective plays, particularly in the third quarter, where they came within six points of the lead.
However, Greece took advantage of RHJ’s four fouls throughout the entire fourth quarter, widening their lead once again and ultimately securing a 21-point victory.
Jordan’s next match will be against New Zealand on Monday, followed by their group stage finale against the USA. RHJ hopes that the support will either continue or even grow stronger there.
“It’s an honor. Anytime you come across the world and have people cheer for you, it’s an unbelievable feeling to have [people] say, ‘Yeah! Hollis-Jefferson!’ it makes you smile.”
