TNT Tropang Giga is looking to fast track the immersion of Rahlir
Hollis-Jefferson who will be taking over the spot of his younger brother, Rondae, for the remainder of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa said they trained during the holiday season to give Hollis-Jefferson ample time to adjust to their system.
The Tropang Giga will be facing Rain or Shine on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a crucial victory that will boost their playoff chances.
A win is very crucial as the Tropang Giga are in unfamiliar territory, sharing the seventh to eighth places with Rain or Shine with identical 4-5 win-loss slates.
“We took off, 26 and 27, but resumed practice on 28, 29, 30 December,” Lastimosa said in a Viber message. “We took another break on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but had a
twice-a-day session on 2 January.”
Rondae, the reigning Governors’ Cup Best Import who also helped the Tropang Giga in dethroning Barangay Ginebra, will be out the rest of the conference after injuring his neck during their 80-69 victory over the Fubon Braves in the East Asia League last 20 December in Sta. Rosa City.
But Rahlir is more than willing to finish off what his brother started and showed a glimpse of what he can do for the Tropang Giga when he fired 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists for the Tropang Giga in the EASL.
In a previous statement, TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa said Rahlir may not have the same offensive skill set as his brother but he can also get the job done.
TNT veteran Jayson Castro backed Lastimosa’s statement, believing that Rahlir can be an asset to the team that is making its last push for the playoffs.
“They have the same motor,” said Castro in comparing their new import to his brother.
