MANILA, Philippines — TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is gunning for his second PBA championship when the Tropang Giga face off with the Barangay Ginebra Kings begin their Governors' Cup Finals this Sunday in Antipolo City.
But standing in the 29-year-old Hollis-Jefferson's championship quest is Ginebra's resident import Justin Brownlee.
The former Brooklyn Nets forward handed the Gin Kings and Brownlee a 4-2 Finals defeat during the 2023 Governors' Cup title series, with Hollis-Jefferson earning the Best Player award as well.
A few months later, Hollis-Jefferson reinforced Jordan as its naturalized player in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
In that International stage, Brownlee, serving as Gilas Pilipinas' naturalized player, led the Philippines to the victory over Jordan in the gold medal game, marking the end of the country's 61-year Asian Games men's basketball title drought.
"I'm still not over with that loss with Jordan," Hollis-Jefferson said, with a smile.
Their two tournament skirmishes already left the TNT import in awe of Brownlee, reserving nothing but glowing words on the well-loved Ginebra import.
"He's phenomenal and a better person I'm sure for his teammates, his coaches, and to anyone who he's been around could attest to that," Hollis-Jefferson said on Brownlee.
The 6-foot-6 former Arizona standout said the Tropang Giga won't cower in the face of their Finals opposition.
"I'm a competitor at end of the day, and I look forward, every time we match up," shared Hollis-Jefferson, who averaged 28 points, 12.89 rebounds, 6.39 assists, 2.89 steals and 1.89 blocks. "We're gonna give our all. We will work hard and make it exciting."
Meanwhile, the 6-foot-4 Brownlee had nothing but respect, too for Hollis-Jefferson, noting how the TNT import has been a proven winner since his amateur days.
"The feeling is mutual, said Brownlee, who at 36, continues to play at a high level. "He's an incredible competitor. He's a great player throughout his amateur career and (as a ) pro."
However, Brownlee also vowed to leave everything on the court, knowing the Gin Kings will have its hands full against the Tropang Giga.
"With the series, we don't come in. We try to work hard," said Brownlee, who averaged do-it-all numbers of 28.32 points, 9.21 rebounds, 5.79 assists, 1.58 steals and 1.47 blocks this conference.
"I'm excited with what the younger guys have been doing. We know it's gonna be tough with TNT and coach Chot (Reyes). He's gonna have his guys ready, and have a hard fought series. We hope we can come out on top."
Read The Rest at :
