Rondae Hollis-Jefferson sure felt the love of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium crowd as the star import wrapped up his postgame interview on the heels of TNT’s sweep of Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.
“I just wanna say thank you, guys, for supporting me. Really appreciate you guys; continue to come to the games, continue to support. We love you guys,” he said after their 98-87 Game 3 win to formalize their semis entry.
“Pinoy ako!”
Asked to elaborate further, the Pennsylvania native said that the phrase was taught to him by a friend, although it actually meant something deeper.
It was his way of showing appreciation to the people he found love and support from during the toughest moments of his career—and of his life, too.
“One of my friends taught me that word and what it meant, so I had to say it with some gusto. Like, really mean it,” he said during the postgame presser.
“I don’t know, man. I think I’ve been here for four years and you guys accepted me.”
(C) PBA Images
In a moment of authenticity and vulnerability, Hollis-Jefferson admitted that it has been a trying year for him, beginning when he suffered an Achilles tear during his time with Meralco in the EASL back in December of last year.
Then came the personal matters one after the other, including the passing of their grandmother, which delayed his and his brother Rahlir’s return to Manila when the season-ending conference resumed from the international break.
“You know, this past year has really been tough for me. My mother not being able to walk, my grandmother passing away, me tearing my Achilles… all these happening in one year has definitely been a lot,” he shared.
But through the Tropang 5G, which has become his family here in the country since coming over in 2023 as a replacement import, ‘RHJ’ found solace.
“I leaned on my teammates and these guys in the Philippines a lot in terms of love and support. That’s why you guys see me so much; I just really appreciate it. And that was just a big shoutout to you guys,” he said.
“Thank you.”
Hollis-Jefferson has indeed fallen in love with the Philippines and its people even more. And so, he was asked if he’s willing to play for Gilas in the future.
“We appreciate you guys, thank you,” was his response, dodging the question playfully, which drew chuckles from Coach Chot Reyes and reporters.
New FIBA rules could make it difficult for him to switch federations after suiting up for Jordan as a naturalized player in the past, but there should no longer be any doubt whatsoever how ‘Pinoy’ the former NBA veteran has become.
