TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson challenges the defense of Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson described winning the Best Import award in the PBA Governors’ Cup as a meaningful achievement, especially as he continues to chase an elusive first championship in his professional career.
“It means a lot,” Hollis-Jefferson said after the Tropang Giga tied the Finals series with Barangay Ginebra at 2-2 with a 116-104 win on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“A lot went into this. It wasn’t just I woke up and I was able to play this way. It took a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hard work, and people believing in me,” he added.
Hollis-Jefferson garnered 1,147 points to beat out Barangay Ginebra’s three-time winner Justin Brownlee, who had 966 points.
Ironically, the former NBA player became the first replacement import to win the award since Brownlee, who in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup took over from Charles Garcia midway through the eliminations.
“I’m sure it was a tough decision. It came down to me and Justin, who’s a phenomenal player. A lot of credit to him,” said Hollis-Jefferson, who got the nod after topping the stats and media votes while placing second to Brownlee in player votes.
Hollis-Jefferson replaced Jalen Hudson, despite the latter’s strong play and TNT’s 5-1 start. But his all-around performance kept the Tropang Giga in top form and made it to the Finals against Brownlee and the Gin Kings.
“I just give it my all. That’s all I can do,” he said. “I’m so focused on the tournament, being the best and giving my all every time I’m out there. I guess that just helps to be able to perform at the level that I perform at.
“I couldn’t be able to do this without my teammates, without my family sacrificing. I’m missing my kids right now. So all these little things that play a part of being able to win this award, I got to give thanks to those people.”