RONDAE Hollis-Jefferson is receiving a lot of support from his family in his bid to win his third PBA crown with TNT.
Hollis-Jefferson’s older brother Rahlir is currently in town and has been watching the entire Commissioner’s Cup finals against Barangay Ginebra. Rahlir is a familiar face to Filipino fans, having been the Tropang Giga's import in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup when Rondae got hurt.
Hollis-Jefferson noted the importance of having his brother around.
“Being able to see my brother in the crowd, looking at him, we don’t even have to say words, but we know what we’re saying,” said Rondae of Rahlir, whose most recent basketball stint was in Taiwan.
“I could tell by looking at his eyes, he is like, ‘Hey, just take (a) one dribble pull-up.’ I could tell he’s like, ‘Calm down.’ I know what he’s saying without (him) saying it. So it’s an amazing feeling to have him.”
READ: TNT escapes with Game 3 win as Ginebra loses Brownlee to injury
Even better, RHJ is about to get more fans to help tune out the Gin Kings' diehards, as he revealed that his mother is flying from Philadelphia to the Philippines just in time for Game 4.
“My mom’s coming Friday,” said Hollis-Jefferson with a smile. “It’s her first time coming to see me play abroad. So I’m looking forward to that. I’m really excited.”
Hollis-Jefferson said his mother will make a stopover in San Francisco before heading to Manila, but will make it just in time for Game 4 at the Ynares Center.
“She lands at six in the morning, Friday. So it will be a long travel day and then a long travel day to Antipolo. We didn’t tell her that yet, so hopefully she doesn’t see this (interview),” said a still-beaming Hollis-Jefferson, referring to the long trip up the hills to Antipolo City.
“But I’m looking forward to having her here and just seeing me compete,” he added.
Best Import RHJ, still?
Incidentally, Hollis-Jefferson’s mother could also witness the possible crowning of her son as a three-time Best Import of the Conference, as individual awards for the Commissioner’s Cup will be given on Friday before Game 4.
But to be clear, Hollis-Jefferson would rather win the contest afterwards, as after the last time he received the Best Import award, TNT lost Game 4 of the 2024 Governors’ Cup.
At the same time, he would also rather his mother witness a championship for him and the Tropang Giga.
“It will make the moment more special. It’s not about individual accolades. It’s about the team win. Because last year, I won it and we lost. So I would prefer to win the game,” said RHJ.
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