TNT assembles RHJ-RHJ pairing for remainder of EASL

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.–PBA IMAGES

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s upcoming team-up with his older brother for TNT in the East Asia Super League (EASL) has a lot more meaning than what everyone thinks.

“I’ve never played with him,” Rondae said when asked of Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson being signed up by the Tropang Giga for the remainder of the continental competition, replacing Quincy Miller.

“We’ve played in rec leagues (recreational leagues) and pro-ams (professional-amateur tournaments), but never professionally. He was a year removed from high school when I became freshman at high school so we’ve never got to play together and this will be our first time.”

That first time happens on Wednesday when the Tropang Giga host the Taipei Fubon Braves in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, in a bid to finally win their first EASL game after dropping the previous four games in Group A.

Rahlir, 32 and four years older than Rondae, never got to play in the NBA. He did see action in the G-League, and in Luxembourg, Canada and Finland before being tapped by TNT for the EASL.

He was in the stands on Friday when the younger Hollis-Jefferson put up another dominant performance of 42 points as TNT downed Blackwater, 105-96, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.

“It’s not only big for our family, but [also] for our community and for all these young kids that have siblings playing basketball together,” said Rondae, whose family is from Chester, Pennsylvania.

“I really appreciate Jolas (TNT coach/team manager Jojo Lastimosa), MVP (PLDT/Smart chair Manny V. Pangilinan) and all those guys for allowing this to happen. It’s definitely a dream come true for us,” he added.