PBA: RHJ will 'find his way' back to top shape, says Trillo

TNT resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –MARLO CUETI/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson isn’t expected to return to the PBA until the latter part of the Governors’ Cup.

Hollis-Jefferson is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury that has kept many players sidelined for extended periods.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: PBA: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson nearing return from Achilles injury

FEATURED STORIES

SPORTS

SPORTS

SPORTS

As someone who has coached and gone up against him, Meralco tactician Luigi Trillo believes RHJ will “find his way” back to form once he returns.

“Rondae’s Rondae. He’ll find a way to get back in shape and the thing is, when you hurt your Achilles when you’re not in your prime, it’s harder to come back from,” Trillo told Inquirer in a phone call.

“But, Rondae’s still in his prime. He’s not 36 or 37. I’ve seen him put work in his videos, I know what kind of dog he is.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Many players have struggled to regain their form after suffering an Achilles injury.

But Hollis-Jefferson, who is only 31, is expected to buck that trend.

Despite serving as TNT’s resident import, RHJ had a brief stint with Meralco during last season’s East Asia Super League (EASL) while the Tropang 5G competed in the PBA’s all-Filipino conference.

Article continues after this advertisement

Unfortunately, it was during that tournament that the former Best Import of the Conference suffered the injury.

Still, Hollis-Jefferson has made steady progress in his recovery, and that came as no surprise to Trillo as well.

“I’m sure he’ll find a way to be productive. More than anything, he’s a vocal leader on the court and when you have that, they have the respect of the locker room. I saw that firsthand,” he said.

“I think he’s going to be back.he’ll still be productive. Some of these guys, they just find ways.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

While Hollis-Jefferson continues his recovery, TNT will open the Governors’ Cup with former NBA player Darius Days as its import.