TNT import Rondae Hollis Jefferson wins his third PBA championship.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has no doubt TNT can get the job done in the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup.
After leading TNT to back-to-back title wins in the Governors’ Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup, Hollis-Jefferson believes the Tropang 5G have the pieces to pull off a rare Grand Slam.
“I believe in my guys,” said Hollis-Jefferson after their Game 7 overtime win over Ginebra to deliver the franchise’s 11th PBA crown.
READ: PBA: TNT goes for Grand Slam in PH Cup under new Tropang 5G moniker
“I believe that the energy and aura that I’ve come in with will lead them to the All-Filipino [championship].”
But it promises to be an uphill climb for TNT especially with its veteran star Jayson Castro expected to remain sidelined for an extended period of time due to a torn patellar tendon he sustained in Game 2 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals last month.
Still, the three-time Best Import has more than enough talent and manpower to achieve a feat that only four teams have been been able to accomplish. The San Miguel Beermen were the last team to win a Grand Slam in 2019.
After all, TNT ruled the Commissioner’s Cup even without Castro thanks in large part to rising playmaker Rey Nambatac. Nambatac established himself as one of the best guards in the league after bagging Finals MVP.
READ: PBA Finals: Banged up and in pain, RHJ keeps perfect title record with TNT
TNT will also have the services of big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser later in the Philippine Cup as he fully recovers from an ACL injury he suffered in May of last year.
“Sky’s the limit if everyone stays healthy and everyone works hard,” said the former NBA veteran
TNT opens its Grand Slam on April 23 against NLEX at Araneta Coliseum.
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