RHJ to skip Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines, April 19 ------ It appears that three-time PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson won’t reprise his role as Jordan’s naturalized player in the coming FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah. “RHJ has no intention of playing anymore this year,” said TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa. “He has no plans of playing anywhere else. We already committed to him (for the next Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cups). In fact, he’s coming back during the Philippine Cup to do some clinics nationwide which is part of the deal he signed with TNT while not playing.” 

RHJ, 30, was at the forefront of TNT’s double victories this season. He has now won championships in three of four conferences with the Tropa. RHJ led Jordan to a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou and also played for the country at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. It’s uncertain if he’ll continue to play for Jordan. 

RHJ was surrounded by loved ones in his recent crusade to capture the Commissioner’s Cup crown. His mother Rylanda, brother Rahlir, friend TJ Mann and partner Claudia were in the stands celebrating TNT’s OT win over Ginebra in the Finals last Friday. “Claudia was in town from the very start,” said Lastimosa. “Rahlir was here in the semis, left and came back before the start of the Finals. They all left last Sunday.” Rylanda, a single mother who worked two jobs as a dietary supervisor and bartender, arrived for the last four games of the Finals. RHJ grew up with older brother Rahlir virtually without a father who served jail time. 

Lastimosa said winning the Commissioner’s Cup was tough. “Hard championship is an understatement,” he said. “We were running on fumes and just pure guts without Jayson (Castro). It was one of the most improbable championships in my memory because of the situation we were in and having to go up against a stacked line-up. The three things that led to our win were first, Rey Nambatac, second, contributions from different players and third, coach Chot (Reyes) and the whole staff and trainers.” 

Source: philstar.com