THE worst fear came true for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
The three-time PBA Best Import went down with a torn Achilles and could be out for a period of up to one year, a top official of the MVP group confirmed to Spin.ph on Monday.
A statement on the official MRI test conducted on the 30-year-old former NBA player will be made shortly, but initial doctors’ findings suggest Hollis-Jefferson suffered the same injury that once befell the late Kobe Bryant.
READ: EASL: Meralco bucks RHJ injury to repel Macau in a thriller
The unfortunate incident happened when Hollis-Jefferson landed on the massive foot of Macau Black Bears’ import Sam Deguara while driving to the basket in the third quarter during the Meralco-Macau game in the EASL Home and Away Season 3 last Saturday in Ilagan, Isabela.
The import was immediately brought to the dugout and never returned to the game won by the Bolts by the skin of their teeth, 93-91.
Hollis-Jefferson was in pain and needed crutches to be able to walk.
He was immediately flown out of the province to Manila by the PLDT plane early Sunday morning to have an MRI test on the injured right foot.
Arrangements have been made for Hollis-Jefferson to depart for the US also on Monday where he will seek medical treatment.
The injury couldn't have come at a worse time as Meralco is on the upswing in its EASL campaign, having just recorded its most number of wins in league history at 3-2 for solo second place in Group B.
The Bolts wouldn't have their next game in the regional tournament until February against the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
But the incident is an even bigger blow to TNT, which is certain not to have Hollis-Jefferso for the PBA Commissioner's Cup and Governors' Cup, respectively, where the Tropang 5G are the defending champions.
The team signed up Hollis-Jefferson to a year-long contract to lock up his services for the two title defenses.
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