THERE is no sibling rivalry between Rahlir Hollis Jefferson and his brother, Rondae.
Mainly because Rahlir had always played second fiddle to Rondae who turned out to be more accomplished, more talented and more sought-after as a basketball player.
But all these may change soon. And if it ever does, Rahlir may have to thank his brother.
Rahlir replaces Rondae
It's because Rahlir has inherited Rondae's job as import for the TNT Tropang Giga, the team which will play the No. 1 seed Magnolia Chicken Timplados in the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Rondae was ruled out as TNT import after suffering an injury and quite unabashedly, recommended his older brother to take his place. With no time to hire a new import from the US, TNT practically had no choice and will now be taking its chances on Rahlir against Magnolia.
The elder Hollis-Jefferson has been impressive so far, averaging 42.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 2.5 steals,1.0 block in two games with TNT.
But he needs to do more as TNT must survive its game against Magnolia to force a sudden death as the Chicken Timplados hold twice-to-beat edge.
Rahlir, called 'RHJ 2.0' by some, has proven to be a worthy replacement for his brother, according to TNT officials.
Jolas praises Rahlir
“He is not so bad. He’s not so bad as his brother,” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa in jest when asked about Rahlir’s performance so far.
Rahlir was initially signed up by TNT as the team’s second import for its EASL campaign. But after Rondae suffered a neck injury in the EASL, the Tropang Giga decided to deploy Rahlir in the PBA.
To no one’s surprise, it’s actually the 29-year-old Rondae who was responsible for the Rahlir’s stay in the Philippines after doing a lot of convincing to the TNT coaching staff.
“Kuwento ni Rondae sa akin, all his life, he is always going to be compared with Rondae,” said Lastimosa of Rahlir, who is three years older than Rondae.
“They never played together because four years ang gap nila. He never gets his due. Walang nagbibigay ng chance sa kanya. This is the time that we were able to give him a chance, with actually Rondae’s prodding. ‘Check out my brother, check out my brother.’”
Unlike Rondae who had six-year NBA experience and stints in Puerto Rico, Turkey, and Korea, Rahlir played a few seasons in the G League, as well as in Finland and Hungary, not exactly top destinations for American ball players.
Lastimosa admitted that initially, TNT was hesitant to bring Rondae’s brother due to the Rahlir’s limited games that can be found online.
“In the beginning, we were reluctant but we saw a video dahil wala kang masyadong makitang video ni Rahlir. But he turns out to be a decent, all-around player,” said Lastimosa.
Rahlir said his commitment to the team is to perform the best way possible, and is under no pressure to do the same, or even do more than what his brother brought to the team.
“No pressure. Just go out there and do my best to get a win. That’s all I can do,” said Rahlir.
Rahlir is glad that he has joined his brother on the same team for the first time ever in his career.
“It feels amazing to be part of it having that brotherly connection and being with the same team. It feels amazing,” said Rahlir.
Lastimosa said Rahlir will definitely be key to TNT’s chances of upsetting top-seed Magnolia in the quarterfinals.
“Definitely, he can contribute,” said Lastimosa.
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