OTHER than trying to guide TNT to another PBA championship, Rondae Hollis Jefferson is embracing for another big challenge in the coming weeks.
The TNT import will have to play in the semifinals of the Commissioner’s Cup while observing the Ramadan or the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for all Muslims worldwide.
Ramadan begins at the end of the month, by which time the Tropang Giga are already seeing action in the best-of-seven semifinals against either Converge FiberXers or the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
READ TNT sends PBA guest team Eastern packing
That meant Hollis-Jefferson would again go to the game while fasting as Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
It’s a difficult task especially for an athlete like him, but the TNT import said it’s something that he’s already used to.
“I look forward to it. And I embrace it. And as a Muslim, that’s what we’re supposed to do. Nothing’s gonna change, it’s the same motto.”
Hollis-Jefferson actually played during Ramadan two years ago in his first stint with the telecommunication franchise, eventually leading to a championship finish in the 2023 Governors’ Cup.
“I played during Ramadan a couple of times. And I look forward to it.”
The former NBA player admitted it’s a difficult task, but his body has learned to adjust to it.
“I try to really exert myself the first week to kind of like get my body adjusted, to get acclimated and feeling how I feel. Not having much water in my system and later on the day, you took about 4 o’clock, 5 o’clock and you’re almost there and you’re almost able to drink but you can’t,” said Hollis-Jefferson of how life is for him and other Muslims around the world during Ramadan.
“Those are the moments you really want to try to see and exert yourself and push yourself to the next level.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
