Sean Chambers, one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s greatest imports, strongly believes that TNT Tropang Giga reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has what it takes to return to the National Basketball Association.
In a conversation with Daily Tribune, the 58-year-old Chambers expressed admiration to the Hollis-Jefferson, whom he worked with when the Tropang Giga prepared for the Commissioner’s Cup at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
“I think Rondae’s skill level is phenomenal,” Chambers, who played with current Tropang Giga coach Jojo Lastimosa at Alaska, said.
“He has NBA skill level written all over him.”
“But we also know, to break into that pool again, after being out a year or two, is pretty tough, and he has that skill level and it’s phenomenal.”
Hollis-Jefferson is truly special.
After leading the Tropang Giga to the Governors’ Cup title the previous season, he underwent naturalization to play for Jordan in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Then, he powered the Jordanians to the finals of the 19th Asian Games but fell prey to a Gilas Pilipinas squad bannered by Barangay Ginebra’s resident import Justin Brownlee.
Now, he is back in the PBA and led the Tropang Giga to two wins in their first three matches.
Chambers said he would love to see Hollis-Jefferson create his own legacy, similar to what other great guest players like Bobby Parks and Norman Black had done in the past.
“If he decides to make the PBA his own like I did, the likes of Bobby Parks, Norman Black and even Justin, he would leave a legacy here,” Chambers said.
“He motivates his teammates and he plays the game the right way. I’m just so impressed with Rondae’s skill level.”
Should a return flight to the NBA doesn’t pan out, Chambers wants Hollis-Jefferson to stay in the country — for good.
“Honestly, I hope he decides to be a resident import here,” Chambers said.
“He would win a lot of championships.”
“But I know every player in America wanted to play in the NBA. I don’t know if that one is close for him, but I hope he continues to shine in the PBA.”
