RONDAE Hollis-Jefferson broke his fasting during Ramadan during TNT’s campaign in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine.
Hollis-Jefferson has been religiously observing Ramadan with prayers and fasting since it began on March 1 (Philippines time) until the final two games of the Tropang Giga series against the Elasto Painters.
“I broke it because as you get older, your body needs a lot more. I’m not that old, I turned 30. I needed to eat something. I need to hydrate, more importantly.”
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“Game Four and Five,” said Hollis-Jefferson, a devout Muslim, on Monday. “I only do it on the game day [break fasting]. So like, right now, I’m fasting. But on game day, it’s a lot harder because I don’t know what day Chot [Reyes] is going to play me 48 minutes.
"So I needed to drink some fluids and eat some food to have the proper energy to play 48 minutes,” said Hollis-Jefferson.
The two-time Best Import helped TNT closed out the series in Game 5 by hitting 42 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in its 97-92 win over Rain or Shine.
It came as a follow-up to the all-around performance of ‘RHJ’ in Game 4 where he had 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks.
The 6-foot-6 Hollis-Jefferson made it clear he can make up for the days that he didn’t fast after Ramadan.
“The thing about Islam is you can make up the days. After Ramadan, if you do so happen to break your fast or (you have) a medical condition, you can make up the days,” said Hollis-Jefferson.
With the Game 5 victory, Hollis-Jefferson is slated to play another finals against Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra which starts on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The former Arizona Wildcat said he plans to break fasting again in the finals.
Ramadan ends on March 31, three days after Game 7 was scheduled by the league.
“Probably so. I think the finals is more important. So if my body calls for it, I’ll probably hydrate up,” Hollis-Jefferson said.
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Though he practices Ramadan, Hollis-Jefferson still feels he needs to exert more effort in relation to his faith.
“I think my faith could be a lot better, to be honest. I think not just during Ramadan but 365 days of the year when I’m just hanging out at home, not praying or something. I feel like I could be learning more and I could be growing closer to God,” he said.
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