TNT hopes another Hollis-Jefferson will be able to save its campaign again.
The Tropang Giga unveil Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson as he teams up with his prominent brother Rondae Hollis-Jefferson when the team battles Taipei Fubon Braves in a must-win situation in the EASL Home and Away season at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna on Wednesday.
Game time is at 7 p.m. with TNT needing no less than a win stay in contention for a semifinals berth.
And the Tropang Giga hope the entry of Rahlir will give them the needed boost in the same manner that his brother he powered the franchise to the PBA Governors Cup championship as a replacement import for Jalen Hudson.
Rahlir will be replacing big man Quincy Miller.
TNT yet to get a win
TNT is the only team without a win in the regional meet after fellow PBA team Meralco punched its way to the win column a week ago behind a gutsy 97-88 overtime win over reigning B.League champion Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Studio City Event Center in Macau.
The Tropang Giga are at the bottom of Group A with a 0-4 record.
The 32-year-old Rahlir was at courtside of the Smart Araneta Coliseum last week and watched TNT score a 105-96 win over Blackwater.
“I’m just showing him (Rahlir) what he has going to have to do when he comes out here, be aggressive, be a team player, playing really good defense, and be a leader,” said Rondae. “I’m just trying to show him when he steps in, that this is what we need.”
“This is really big. So I appreciate (coach) Jolas and MVP (owner Manny V. Pangilinan) and all of those guys for allowing this to happen. Definitely, a dream come true for us,” added the former NBA player about his first-ever team-up with his brother.
Rondae was not around when the Tropang Giga lost their first home game at the same Laguna venue, 75-66, courtesy of the Chiba Jets.
Meanwhile, the visiting side from the P.League+ of Taipeh is just above TNT in the Group A standings at 1-2, its lone victory coming at the expense of the Tropang Giga, 106-97, a month ago at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
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