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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Hollis-Jefferson determined to win first pro title

Hollis-Jefferson determined to win first pro title

Published Apr 4, 2023 06:08 am
TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has never been this close in achieving his very first professional title, that’s why he’s making sure that he’ll be locked in for their best-of-seven Finals duel against Ginebra. *TNT's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gets his shot at winning his first-ever professional title. (Mark Balmores)*

The eight-year pro, who has never tasted a championship despite stints in the NBA and top leagues around the globe, is not letting the rare chance of winning one slip away from his hands. “I’m definitely passionate about it, extremely locked in. I feel like this is my dream my whole life to win a professional championship,” said Hollis-Jefferson who added that winning a championship in the PBA will also be a realization of the dreams he has had ever since he was just a kid. “The work didn’t start coming into the PBA, it started when I’m five years old so I feel like I’m well prepared. My mindset and everything that I've been through has shaped me to be in this position and to be ready for whatever is thrown at us,” he added. Hollis-Jefferson has been a force to be reckoned with for TNT, steering the team to a top-seed finish in the eliminations before dispatching Phoenix and Meralco on their way to the Finals.  The 28-year-old forward has also been the frontrunner for the Best Import award after averaging 30.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.0 block through 10 games this conference. However, out to put the clamps on him is the defending champion Ginebra which has been known to be a very good defensive team especially in the Finals. Also eager to deny him from winning his first professional title is Justin Brownlee who, on the other hand, is looking for his seventh championship which would further solidify his case as the greatest import to have played in the PBA. Hollis-Jefferson, the confident man that he is, is hardly bothered as he also trusts the rest of Tropang Giga to back him up “ I feel like we got a great group of guys who are willing to go the distance to make sure that we accomplish what we came here to accomplish and at the end of the day that’s all we can do. To give our all,” said Hollis-Jefferson. “The outcome will be the outcome no matter what but as long as we leave everything on the floor I’m okay leaving the Philippines with that,” he added.

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TNT Tropang Giga PBA Finals Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
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