This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
‘When we analyzed it, we thought we would have our best chances of winning with him,’ says TNT coach Chot Reyes of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who’s expected to be one of the smallest imports in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup
MANILA, Philippines – As the old adage says, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Fresh from the PBA Governors’ Cup championship, the TNT Tropang Giga will continue to put their trust in import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, retaining his services for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup, despite its no height limit rule.
Head coach Chot Reyes disclosed the decision during his launch as Daily Fantasy’s brand ambassador at the SM Southmall Events Place in Las Piñas on Saturday, November 16.
According to Reyes, the team is banking on the built-in chemistry with Hollis-Jefferson, as evidenced by his two title runs with TNT.
“We just won a championship with him, so the chemistry is already there,” the 10-time PBA champion coach said.
“When we analyzed it, we thought we would have our best chances of winning with him,” Reyes added.
Hollis-Jefferson has been TNT’s resident import since 2023, playing in two Governors’ Cup conferences and last season’s Commissioner’s Cup, but was sidelined midway through the tournament due to a back injury he sustained in an EASL game.
RHJ also won two Best Import of the Conference awards to pair with his two PBA titles, all of which against Barangay Ginebra’s marquee import Justin Brownlee.
In the last Governors’ Cup, Hollis-Jefferson averaged 28.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.9 steals, and 1.9 blocks through the semifinals.
The 29-year-old former NBA journeyman then put up 25.8 points, 12 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1 block in over 44 minutes of playing time in the finals.
At 6-foot-6, RHJ is expected to be one of the smallest imports in the Commissioner’s Cup, but Reyes believes his quality of play and their frontcourt personnel will offset the height disadvantage.
“If we can find a really good 6-10 or 6-11 guy, we’ll definitely consider him. But for now, with the options that we’ve seen, we have some really good 6-foot-8 or 6-foot-9 prospects. If that’s the only heights that are out there, it’s best to stick with Rondae,” Reyes said.
According to Reyes, RHJ is still in the US and will return to the Philippines on December 1, just in time to prepare for their first game.
The Commissioner’s Cup will start on November 27 at the PhilSports Arena, and will feature guest team Hong Kong Eastern alongside the regular 12 teams in the PBA. – Rappler.com
