Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (center): “I need to be more focused.” –AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is aware of how Filipino fans view him – he’s a true role model for the late Kobe Bryant – sharing the same heated two-way game with the NBA and LA Lakers.
The TNT import is also aware of the record and clutch performances that Barangay Ginebra’s counterpart Justin Brownlee has in the PBA, which even led to a national team highlighting him compared to Michael Jordan.
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The flattering comparisons, however, don’t distract Hollis-Jefferson from what he has to do Sunday at 7:30 p.m. when the Tropang Giga and the Gin Kings open their best-of-seven title series for the Governors. Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“I think this narrative is for the fans,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “This has nothing to do with me or Justin. Justin is Justin, I’m Rondae. But here too it gives the fans something to talk about, it gives the media something to talk about.
“Do we like the comparison? Of course, who wouldn’t? But in the end we let everyone else talk about it and just play along.”
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How they play in the series opener will likely determine the course of the series as TNT and Ginebra look to jump-start their quest to add another championship to their respective trophy cases.
Brownlee went undefeated in his first six title series with the Kings and has a penchant for hitting the game-winning shot, something he did on his tour with the national team, for which center Kai Sotto declared him the “Michael Jordan of the Philippines.” “
Big role for locals
But not both imports will have to do everything as the locals will be just as important.
Poy Erram is one of those TNT needs to step up as he enters the series dubbed proverbial public enemy No. 1 by the Ginebra faithful.
Before Erram returned to this conference after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury, he was last seen expressing his displeasure at what he felt were below-the-belt catcalls at the last conference
TNT-Ginebra final duel.
For Erram, the mental aspect will also be crucial as to how he can be effective for his team.
“I need to focus more on my teammates and myself,” Erram said. “And I feel like I’m more prepared mentally because I know how important I’m going to be in this series.”
However, Hollis-Jefferson provided his own comparison when describing Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos.
“He’s like an Asian Steph Curry,” said Hollis-Jefferson, who saw Abarrientos play firsthand during his one-year stint in the Korean Basketball League, where the Ginebra guard also played.
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“I love his game because he does some fancy dribbling and pulls up from deep. That’s why I always love his game and he gives (Ginebra) a kind of flair and makes a lot of his teammates better.” INQ