RHJ open to naturalization

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is open to explore the option of joining Gilas as a naturalized player but before even entertaining the idea, SBP has to check with FIBA if he’s eligible to switch countries. RHJ saw action for the US 3x3 team that finished eighth in the 36-team 2011 Youth World Championships in Italy but never for the 5x5 national squad. He was the US’ leading scorer with 6.3 point average in 12 games. His teammates were Malik Prince Martin, Jordan Swopshire and Shaqquan Aaron.

RHJ left yesterday morning for Lisbon to watch some Euroleague games for a week then will head to Boston to be reunited with his two children. His agent Adie von Gontard, CEO of Dallas-based Young Money APAA Sports and Entertainment, is in process of booking camps which may lead to an NBA comeback next season. Young Money has negotiated over $1 billion worth of contracts through the years and represents NBA players like Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro and San Antonio’s Charles Bassey. RHJ has earned over $9 million in six NBA seasons playing for three teams with standouts like Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Fred Van Vleet, Kyle Lowry, Luis Scola and Carmelo Anthony.

RHJ described his PBA stint as an unforgettable experience and winning the PBA Governors’ Cup title was mission accomplished. He set out to do a job and got it done but said the feat wouldn’t have been possible without support from management, the TNT organization, fans and the hard work of the coaches, players and team staff. RHJ said he’s come to love the Philippines and if the opportunity comes again, he’ll return to play in the PBA in a heartbeat.

One thing he’ll always remember was when coach Jojo Lastimosa invited him to travel with the team to Japan for the EASL Champions Week last month even if he couldn’t play. RHJ’s working visa couldn’t be released on time and he went as a tourist. The trip cemented his bond with the Tropa. Asked if he played and teamed up with Justin Brownlee, RHJ said it would’ve been a breeze in the EASL competition. “Nobody can guard me and nobody can guard JB,” he said. “With Roger (Pogoy), Mikey (Williams) and the rest of the guys, it would’ve been no problem to win.”

RHJ said he withstood the physicality in the Finals because his father taught him to be strong and resilient at an early age. He was 11 when his father, also his coach, lined him up to play in an U19 outdoor league on cement where he was banged up, bullied and pushed to the ground. “I kept getting up and I wouldn’t back down,” he said. But RHJ admitted if Ginebra extended the Finals to a Game 7, it would’ve been a heckuva challenge.

RHJ said the turning point in the Finals was winning Game Four. “I usually share a quote before a game but when we went down 1-2 in the series, I told the guys no more quotes, just remember this, win by all means necessary,” he said. “If we had lost Game Four, we would’ve gone down 1-3. We couldn’t afford to lose.” As it turned out, TNT won not only Game Four but also Games Five and Six to clinch it. TNT swept the last three outings in a stunning surge to dethrone the back-to-back defending champion. Although RHJ had won two state championships with Chester High School in Philadelphia, it was the PBA Best Import awardee’s first title as a pro.