Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is back. That’s the headline. That’s the story. That’s also the warning.
After ten long months of recovery and rehabilitation, RHJ will be suiting up once again for the TNT Tropang 5G, and it comes at a most opportune time in this PBA Governors’ Cup. TNT is in the midst of a winning streak and will be facing the hapless and helpless Macau Giant Pandas when their super import returns to action. With the way the Tropa manhandled the Terrafirma Dyip and blew out the San Miguel Beermen on consecutive days, Macau should be easy pickings—even if Chot Reyes trotted out an all-local lineup.
In other words, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his Tropang 5G crew can use tonight’s matchup pretty much as a practice game, as a way to ease in the three-time PBA champion without him having to go full tilt right away. RHJ can just survey the land, reintegrate himself to the speed of an actual game, and regain chemistry with his teammates (as if that was lost).
Why Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s Return Should Be a Warning
Put simply, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is the new king of the PBA Governors’ Cup, having led TNT to the championship in each of the last two editions—in 2023 with Mikey Williams as his chief running mate and again in 2024 with the core of this current lineup. He is also the reigning, two-time Best Import of this conference, after averaging 30.4 points, 13.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.1 steals in his debut, and 28.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.9 steals a year later.
Those are gaudy numbers. But RHJ’s impact on TNT goes beyond the box scores. He takes the Tropa to another level. He emboldens the entire team. He supercharges what is a formidable defense and turns it unforgiving and unrelenting. He fills in the gaps, allows the locals to shine, and takes over when absolutely necessary. Think of what Justin Brownlee does for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel—that’s the exact same effect Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has for TNT.
What’s scary is the Tropa are peaking at the right time. RR Pogoy continues to be stellar. Calvin Oftana appears refreshed. Jayson Castro is back fit and healthy. Rey Nambatac has rediscovered his form, and Jordan Heading is playing well. Sure, the bigs are still out, but TNT is in championship form again.
Now, they’re adding Rondae Hollis-Jefferson back into the mix. Suddenly, the geometry of this PBA Governors’ Cup is tilting heavily in TNT’s way.
