The Meralco Bolts returned to PBA Philippine Cup action on Wednesday with a convincing 120-87 thumping of the Terrafirma Dyip. Leading the way was CJ Cansino, who came alive in the second half on his way to a team-high 20 markers on top of 8 rebounds as he continued what has been a superb sophomore season.
But postgame, all Cansino had in mind was a fallen teammate: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, whom he described as a different breed of teammate.
“Si RHJ kasi as a teammate ibang klase, so we’re dedicating this game and ‘yung upcoming game namin for him dahil sobrang laking factor na nakasama namin siya sa EASL. ‘Yung pagiging teammate niya sa amin is iba, kaya siguro siya tinatawag na Lefty Kobe…,” Cansino said of Hollis-Jefferson, whom Meralco tapped as one of their reinforcements for the EASL.
Unfortunately, the three-time PBA champion suffered a torn Achilles in the Bolts’ most recent game in the EASL, likely sidelining him for at least the rest of PBA Season 50.
Cansino, Meralco Tip Hat to RHJ
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo echoed Cansino’s sentiments on Hollis-Jefferson, who helped lead the Bolts to three EASL victories—their most after winning a combined three games in their first two seasons. Trillo also emphasized that RHJ, while just on loan to the Bolts, is very much part of the Meralco family.
“Rondae has been a class act. You don’t want to see a guy like that come down. We’re also his family, his EASL family, and we believe in him. I think he’ll be back in less than a year. We’re there for him…,” Trillo added. “This game is dedicated for him, and our EASL tournament will be for him as well…”
Meralco has three games left in the PBA Philippine Cup: vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, vs. Converge FiberXers on December 14, and vs. San Miguel Beermen on December 19.
