RHJ brothers, TNT in must-win mode
TNT Tropang Giga's fate in the East Asia Super League Home and Away season now depends on the hands of the Hollis-Jeffersons.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson teams up with his brother, Rahlir, for the first time in their playing careers as they reinforce the Tropang Giga in a do-or-die match with the Taipei Fubon Braves Wednesday night at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
Rahlir, four years older than Rondae and who previously played in Europe, Canada, and the National Basketball Association G League, was tapped to fill in the shoes left behind by Quincy Miller.
His entry with the Tropang Giga comes at a time when the team faces a dire situation of winning over the Fubon Braves in the 7 p.m. encounter in order to keep its semifinal hopes alive.
TNT is the only team still winless in the regional meet after fellow Philippine Basketball Association team Meralco punched its way to the win column a week ago behind a gutsy 97-88 overtime win over reigning B. League champion Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Studio City Event Center in Macau.
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The Tropang Giga are at the bottom of Group A with a 0-4 record.
The 32-year-old Rahlir was at courtside of the Smart Araneta Coliseum last week and watched TNT score a 105-96 win over Blackwater.
"I'm just showing him (Rahlir) what he is going to have to do when he comes out here, be aggressive, be a team player, play really good defense, and be a leader," Rondae said.
"I'm just trying to show him when he steps in, that this is what we lead."
"This is really big. So I appreciate (coach) Jolas (Jojo Lastimosa) and MVP (owner Manny V. Pangilinan) and all of those guys for allowing this to happen. Definitely, a dream come true for us," added the former NBA player about teaming up with his brother for the first time ever.
Rondae was not around when the Tropang Giga lost their first home game at the same Laguna venue, 75-66, courtesy of the Chiba Jets.
Meanwhile, the visiting side from the P.League+ of Taipei is just above TNT in the Group A standings at 1-2, its lone victory coming at the expense of the Tropang Giga, 106-97, a month ago at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
