MANILA, Philippines — Comebacking import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is eager to lead TNT back into the PBA's "Mount Olympus."
And the output he showed on Tuesday in his third tour of duty was evident: 32 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and four steals en route to the Tropang Giga's 101-95 triumph over the NorthPort Batang Pier.
The left-handed Hollis-Jefferson was locked in from the get go, knowing the competition is different compared to the 2023 season when he led TNT to the Governors' Cup crown.
"I like our chances. I said the guys are locked in, guys are focused. And as long as we stay focused, and do what coach Chot (Reyes) wants us to do, sky's the limit," the 29-year-old Jordanian naturalized player said.
Adding offense for the TNT squad is Rey Nambatac, whom the team acquired in a trade with Blackwater during the offseason.
"He is shifty, quick, he plays hard, I like him a lot," said Hollis-Jefferson, the 2023 Governors' Cup Best Import.
The former Brooklyn Nets forward said he's also happy to be back and healthy following a 2023-24 Commissioner's Cup that was marred by injuries.
"I'm good. I feel good. Still semi-young, depending on who you ask. But yeah, I feel good," he said.
"They asked me to show up, I came," added Hollis-Jefferson, the 23rd overall pick by the Portland Trailblazers in the 2015 NBA Draft. "They know how I feel about TNT. The players, staff, it's a family. I appreciate everything that they do, my family being here, supporting me, welcoming us, it's amazing. It's a no-brainer whenever they call me."
Reyes, meanwhile explained that decision to replace Darius Days with Hollis-Jefferson was part of the franchise's plans.
"We had set our mind on Rondae being our import. But then, he was still playing in Puerto Rico," explained the fiery TNT coach. "We said there was no certainty when they would end. We decided to fly somebody in first but even Darius himself knew that he would be on an interim basis. In fact, he had an offer waiting for him in China."
"And credit to him (Days), he came in and he worked, he pushed the other guys, kept us afloat until, fortunately or unfortunately, his (Hollis-Jefferson's) team got eliminated early in Puerto Rico," Reyes continued.
"That opened the doors and tamang tama lang. We thought he would come in later but he ended up coming in earlier. It worked out fine," Reyes said.
Hollis-Jefferson played 28 games for Guaynabo in Puerto Rico, where he averaged 17.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals.
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