Fulfilling a dream, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is set to play alongside his older brother, Rahlir, for TNT in the East Asia Super League. Rahlir will be stepping in for Quincy Miller, who was released by the team so he can pursue an opportunity to play in the Japan B.League.
The Hollis-Jefferson siblings are uniting on the TNT team, marking the first time they've played together professionally. Rondae, who is four years younger than Rahlir, expressed excitement about this unique opportunity.
“I’ve never played with him. At rec leagues or pro-ams, but professionally, we’ve never played together,” said Rondae. “He’s a year removed from high school. When I came from my freshman year, he was a freshman in college so we never got to play together. So this is going to be our first time.”
The younger Hollis-Jefferson said his family and their peers within their community is happy that they get a chance to play together.
“It’s big for not only for my family but our community… This is really big. So I appreciate Jolas and MVP and all of those guys for allowing this to happen. Definitely, a dream come true for us,” said Hollis-Jefferson.
With his brother watching, Rondae finished with 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in TNT’s 105-96 win over Blackwater on Friday.
READ: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's 42-12-8 line lifts TNT past Blackwater
It was his best effort since posting 47 points and 12 rebounds in the Tropang Giga’s win over Meralco in their third game of the season.
Rondae said he wanted to show his brother what TNT basketball is all about.
“It doesn’t matter who is in the crowd, to be honest. I’m just showing him 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. I’m just trying to show him when he steps in that this is what we lead. I’m going to continue to do it but it will be very, unofficially, you come in, you have to do the same thing,” said Rondae.
The Hollis-Jeffersons will play together on December 20 when they face Taipei Fubon Braves in Sta. Rosa, with TNT looking to finally break into the win column.
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