PBA: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson ‘very excited’ to lead TNT title defense

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is back for TNT.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—TNT will defend its PBA Governors’ Cup title with a very familiar face on its side in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Hollis-Jefferson, who led the Tropang Giga’s title run in last season’s Governors’ Cup, is excited to run it back with his teammates.

“Honestly, all the ones that were here [before] I miss them all. Me and Jayson (Castro) have a connection in the pick and roll which is pretty good. Reminds me of Jamal Murray and Jokic. Just kidding,” said RHJ in jest at Araneta Coliseum during the league’s Season 49 opening.

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“I love playing with Jayson, Kelly (Williams), Calvin (Oftana), Roger (Pogoy), all those guys. I look forward to getting out there.”

The former NBA veteran won Best Import of the Conference with an average of 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

There is a slight change in Hollis-Jefferson’s return to TNT with Chot Reyes now back at Tropang Giga’s helm replacing Jojo Lastimosa.

His mindset, however, remains the same.

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“That’s why I’m here. They told me to come back, defend the title. There’s a lot of high expectations but most importantly, if we just handle the things we do the best, we should be good,” Hollis-Jefferson said.

“I’m very excited. I’m looking forward to playing with my guys. They got a lot better, they matured, they grew and I’m just excited to play with them.”

Tropang Giga begin their title defense in Group A when they face Northport on Tuesday at Araneta Coliseum.