Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered a monster performance to lead TNT Tropang Giga to a 115-97 win over San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup late Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
But his sizzling all-around performance of 35 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists wasn’t just to help the Tropang Giga boost their bid for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals of this midseason tournament.
It was also his way of honoring his late idol, basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, who died in a tragic helicopter crash on the same day five years ago.
Hollis-Jefferson, who debuted in the National Basketball Association in 2015, a year before Bryant closed his legendary career, said the will to win and fierce determination of the late cage superstar serve as his inspiration every time he steps on the court.
“He really cared about the game and he cared about winning, and that’s what I try to do every time I get on the court, try to help my teammates be successful before we come to the game and practice,” said Hollis-Jefferson, whose hometown of Chester in Pennsylvania is just a mere 20 minutes away from where Bryant was born in Philadelphia.
“Things like that. You know, trying to be really a leader, and I think that’s why we’re successful.”
Hollis-Jefferson share a lot of similarities.
Aside from their looks, jersey number and playing style, Hollis-Jefferson had also absorbed Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” or the determination a mindset that involves the pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement.
That’s why Hollis-Jefferson came up with a very successful professional career.
The 30-year-old lefty forward led the Tropang Giga to back to back PBA Governors’ Cup titles in 2023 and 2024 while securing a silver medal for Jordan in the 18th Asian Games in China in 2023. He also campaigned in various leagues around the world like those in Turkey, Puerto Rico and South Korea.
Now, he is looking at having another feather in his cap as the Tropang Giga aim to formalize their claim for a playoff bonus against a dangerous Rain or Shine squad.