COLUMN: TNT'S PBA AMBITIONS TAKE A MAJOR HIT AFTER RHJ INJURY

CHICAGO - This past April, the TNT Tropang Giga 5G announced the signing of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as their resident import.

Putting together the "exclusive" one-year contract, TNT said in a statement was to "ensure his return to the team for its defense of the Governors' Cup and Commissioner's Cup championships for Season 50 of the PBA."

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A naturalized player for the Jordanian national team, RHJ used to hoop in Korea and Puerto Rico since his services were not needed in the Philippine Cup. But his TNT deal was designed for him "to stay away from playing with other teams so he can rest."

Unfortunately last Saturday, the 23rd pick of the 2015 NBA draft was not resting. He played for Meralco which is currently competing in the East Asia Super League (EASL).

In a freak accident, RHJ ruptured his Achilles after landing on the foot of Macau Black Bears' 7-foot-6, 288-lb import Sam Deguara who has the shoe size of a fishing boat.

It was a tragedy. It was also avoidable.

'SAGIP KAPAMILYA.'

So, why was RHJ allowed to suit up with the Bolts?

"It was a (Meralco) management to (TNT) management request. Mahirap tanggihan kasi kapatid," a TNT official described the sister-team stint in a telephone interview on Monday night.

The Tropang 5G wanted to help a corporate sibling shine on the international stage and get a decent chance of winning the Tournament of Champions grand prize of $1 million cash.

Sometimes, though, the good you do doesn't do you any good.

Although RHJ's contract, which is worth "at least $50,000 a month," is believed to be guaranteed, the pain, the trauma, the fear, and the anxiety of navigating this horror injury are unquantifiable.

With an excellent orthopedic surgeon planned to operate on him in New York plus the benefit of being cared for by highly-qualified therapists, RHJ should be nursed back to health within 12 months.

THE ROAD BACK.

However, he will be aged 31 next December. Would he still be good enough to resume his duties at TNT and in Jordan post-surgery?

As for the signature franchise of the MVP Group, the random, cruel snap of a tendon, suddenly jeopardized their Governors' Cup and Commissioners' Cup title defense.

With its vast resources, TNT can pluck another high-priced import. It would, however, be extremely challenging to replicate the chemistry RHJ has built with his teammates since 2023.

RHJ isn't just a basketball mercenary. He is a three-time Best Import of the Conference awardee and a three-time PBA champion. .

Off the court, RHJ is an upstanding citizen whose only vice is being a nice guy.. He's also an ambassador who spread the gospel of basketball in the provinces in the Philippines.

TNT's temporary loss is also ours.

Get well soon, RHJ.

2025-12-09T08:15:02Z