RHJ open to Jordan return

MANILA, Philippines — Rondae Hollis-Jefferson isn’t closing the door on a return to Jordan as a naturalized import but if he does, it’ll be with mixed emotions playing against Gilas. RHJ has become a well-loved PBA import with TNT, winning three conference titles and is in town recovering from ACL surgery set to return to action in October.

While he’s enjoyed living in the Philippines, RHJ said getting back at Gilas is on his mind. With Justin Brownlee in harness, Gilas beat Jordan, bannered by RHJ, for the gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. “I still have my Jordan passport,” he said. “Jordan has asked me to come back and that’s a possibility in the future. We lost to Gilas in the Asian Games and it would be fun to pay them back.”

RHJ said he would’ve liked to play for Gilas but Jordan made the first move. He received his Jordanian passport in 2023 and played for the Falcons in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and Asian Games. Would he consider giving up his Jordanian citizenship to play for Gilas? “Jordan would have to renounce my naturalization and I don’t think they will,” he said. For a player to switch countries, there must be consent from both federations involved and FIBA for the transfer.

RHJ was at the MOA Arena to watch the Gilas-Jordan game last Friday and said the hometown crowd made a difference in energizing coach Tim Cone’s squad. Jordan’s naturalized player Jalen Harris had 14 points in the first half but only one in the second before finishing with 19 after OT. Gilas’ defense held Harris to 2-of-11 field goals in the second half and OT.

Harris cramped in OT and limped back to the bench after being fouled on a drive to the basket. “Jalen’s still getting used to this kind of game,” said RHJ. “He got tired down the stretch. I don’t think he’s ever played in an atmosphere like this with the home fans so engaged. Jalen’s an amazing player and he’ll bounce back. RHJ’s older brother Rahlir is now playing for TNT in the Governors’ Cup in his place. Once RHJ is cleared to play, Rahlir will step aside.