RHJ back as TNT gears up for quarters

MANILA, Philippines — Talk about the cavalry coming for TNT in time for the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs.

Shortly after the return of locals Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro from injuries, the Tropang 5G get their heart and soul in import-flavored conferences – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – back in the fold for the homestretch of the elimination stage.

Hollis-Jefferson, who spent most of the year recovering from the Achilles injury he sustained last December in his stint with Meralco in the East Asia Super League, was activated yesterday in lieu of temporary reinforcement Nick Hornsby.

RHJ’s long-awaited comeback is set for today as quarterfinals-bound TNT (6-4) battles also-ran Macau (2-8) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Rondae is ready to make his return against Macau,” the team announced.

With the 5:15 p.m. match having zero bearing on Group A’s playoffs cast, the Tropang 5G might as well use it as an opportunity for the three-time Best Import to warm up and get his rhythm back.

Same with Oftana and Castro, who have returned just last week.

“Whoever it is na makakalaban namin sa kabila (crossover quarterfinals), it’s going to be a tough match-up. So we really have to take advantage of these games to sharpen,” said coach Chot Reyes after a 116-98 romp over San Miguel Beer Saturday that sealed their Last-8 entry with two games to spare in group play.

Meanwhile, it’s essentially everything to play for in Group B with five squads still in hot pursuit of three available quarters tickets.

Only Magnolia, the league’s hottest with a five-game streak, is safely inside the Magic 4 at 6-3.