RHJ joining Gilas Pilipinas?
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson leaves reporters intrigued after shouting ‘Pinoy ako’ during a post-game interview following TNT’s 98-87 win over Magnolia on Saturday in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
photograph courtesy of PBA
TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson closed his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals postgame interview on Sports5 broadcast by shouting, “Pinoy ako!,” sparking curiosity about him joining Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player.
There was cheering in the background before the broadcast shifted to the press room as Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes couldn’t help but chuckle after hearing his prized reinforcement’s interview from the court.
“Hindi puwede naglaro na siya sa Jordan eh. Ah pwede pa?” Reyes commented before the formal presser began, following defending champion TNT’s 98-87 Game 3 win over top-seeded Magnolia to book a semifinals ticket in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Naturally, the media asked Hollis-Jefferson to expound on his playful declaration.
He, however, eluded the question and just laughed it off.
“We appreciate you guys. Thank you,” quipped Hollis-Jefferson, who finished with 38 points and nine rebounds to anchor the Tropang 5G’s sweep of the best-of-five quarterfinals series.
Hollis-Jefferson is currently a naturalized citizen of Jordan and has played for his adoptive country’s national basketball team.
He led the Jordanians during the pandemic-delayed Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago, where they lost to the Justin Brownlee-bannered Gilas in the gold medal match.
The three-time PBA Best Import can switch nationality a second time and play for Gilas if the Jordanian basketball federation approves of the transfer and FIBA allows Hollis-Jefferson “to play for a developing national program,” according to sports columnist Quinito Henson.
Hollis-Jefferson, however, cleared that he just wanted to express his love to the Philippines and the Filipino fans for the support and appreciation he has received in all his years playing in the PBA.
“One of my friends taught me that word and what it meant,” he explained.
“He said I had to say it with some gusto. I really mean it. I don’t know, man. I think I just, I’ve been here going on four years. And you guys accepted me, been there, supported me highs and lows, especially my TNT family.”
It has been a trying past year for the three-time PBA champion.
Hollis-Jefferson just recovered from a ruptured right Achilles tendon he sustained late last year while playing for Meralco as an import in the East Asia Super League. He was sidelined for about 10 months.
The 23rd overall pick in the 2015 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft also had to deal with personal issues during the stretch.
“You know, this past year has been really tough for me. My mother not being able to walk, my grandmother passing away, me tearing my acuities, all this happening,” he said.
Hollis-Jefferson found comfort and support from his teammates and the Filipino fans.
“In one year, it’s definitely been a lot. So, I leaned on my teammates and these guys in the Philippines a lot in terms of love and support. That’s why you guys see me so much,” the 31-year-old TNT star said.
“So, I just really appreciate it. And that was just a big shout out to you guys.”
Hollis-Jefferson and TNT will face in the semis the winner between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer.