Rondae Hollis-Jefferson won’t hesitate to break his fast again if need be, now that TNT guns for gold in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“Probably so,” he told reporters during the pre-Finals press conference held at Kamay Kainan in Quezon City, Monday. “Probably so. I think the Finals are more important so if my body calls for it, I’d probably hydrate up.”
The two-time Best Import admitted that he had already broken his ‘al-sawm’ to help the Tropang Giga finish off Rain or Shine in their best-of-7 semifinals.
He did so during Games 4 and 5, both of which the perennial contenders won to complete the gentleman’s sweep and book the first ticket to the Big Dance.
The victory also marked the franchise’s return to the conference’s finale after six years.
“Game 4 and 5. I only do it on the game day. Right now, I’m fasting. But on the game day, it is a lot harder. Because I don’t know what day Chot [Reyes] is gonna play me for 48 minutes,” said Hollis-Jefferson with a chuckle.
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He’s been logging heavy minutes ever since, and the semis were no exception. The former NBA veteran logged 42 minutes in their 93-85 Game 4 victory, then played for 46 minutes in their 93-85 series clincher.
“So I needed to drink some fluids, eat some food to have the proper energy to play 48 minutes,” said the Pennsylvania-native, who averaged 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 blocks to help oust the Elasto Painters.
Not often do people hear of a devout Muslim breaking his fast, but RHJ said that they’re actually allowed to make up for the days they do so after Ramadan.
“The thing about Islam is you can make up the days after Ramadan if you do so happen to break your fast, or a medical condition,” he said.
After all, he’s still as faithful, and a little break to his usual practice while in observance of a holy month won’t diminish that one bit. If anything, this situation has been helping him to reflect within on a much deeper level.
“I think my faith could be a lot better, to be honest,” said Hollis-Jefferson.
“Not just during Ramadan but 365 days in a year, when I’m just hanging out at home not praying or something, I feel like I could be learning more and, I could be drawing closer to God, and making a conscious effort to be that way all day.”
“But it’s mandatory that Muslims participate in Ramadan, so here I am,” he added.
