
One more run.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson declared readiness to run it back when the TNT Tropang Giga competes in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
The 30-year-old reinforcement said he will spend his time with his family following a grueling campaign that ended with them raising the Commissioner’s Cup trophy following a grueling seven-game series with Barangay Ginebra last week.
He said a long break is what he needs after playing with hamstring and groin injuries in their 87-83 win over the Kings in Game 7 last Friday.
“I’ll get it checked just to make sure everything is good and then, I’ll get it checked out again when I get back home and I’ll take care of my body and be ready,” Hollis-Jefferson said.
“I’m going home to rest. I’m going home to play with my kids and pick them up from school, coach them in soccer, and I’ll see you guys again, soon.”
Getting Hollis-Jefferson back for next season should be a no-brainer for TNT.
The former Brooklyn Net averaged 23.71 points, 12.57 rebounds, and 4.86 assists during the best-of-seven championship series with TNT.
In Game 7, Hollis-Jefferson scored 25 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block to clinch his third PBA with the Tropang Giga.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes praised the three-time Best Import’s resilience as he rallied the Tropang Giga to another PBA title.
“He just told me, ‘just manage my minutes.’ He said, ‘if they take out Justin, take me out as well,’ which is a miracle he never subbed out,” Reyes said.
“But that’s why you knew he was in pain, because he told me, ‘just manage my minutes’ because he’s not a hundred percent.”
“But he helps us in so many other ways — defensively, rebounding, and, I think, most importantly, the spirit. Just his warrior spirit, the mentality that he just absolutely refuses to lose, and it rubs off on his teammates.” Ivan Suing