Being compared to Kobe ‘is just for the fans,’ says Hollis-Jefferson as he tries to lead TNT past Brownlee and Ginebra Trending Global News

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is aware of how Filipino fans view him – a dead ringer for the late Kobe Bryant – who shares the same kind of two-way game with the NBA and LA Laker great.

TNT Imports is also aware of the records and clutch performances of his Barangay Ginebra counterpart Justin Brownlee in the PBA, which forced a national team to compare him to Michael Jordan.

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However, the flattering comparison failed to distract Hollis-Jefferson from the task at hand beginning Sunday at 7:30 p.m., when the Tropang Giga and Gin Kings open their best-of-seven title series at the Governors. Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

“I think this narrative is for the fans,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “This has nothing to do with me or Justin. Justin’s Justin, I’m Rondae. But again, it gives the fans something to talk about, it gives the media something to talk about.

“Do we like comparisons? Of course, who wouldn’t? But at the end of the day, we’ll let everyone talk about it and we’ll just play ball.

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How they play the ball in the series opener will likely determine how the series plays out as TNT and Ginebra look to accelerate their quest to add another championship to their respective trophy cases.

Brownlee went undefeated in his first six title series with the Kings and has a penchant for making game-winning shots, something he has also done in his tour with the national team, with center Kai Soto declaring him “Michael Jordan”. . Philippines.”

Big role of local people

But the two imports will not be asked to do it all, as the locals will be just as important.

Poy Arum is one of those guys that TNT needs to step up, as he comes into the series labeled as the proverbial Public Enemy No. 1 by the Ginebra faithful.

Before returning to this conference after a long absence due to a knee injury, Arum was last seen expressing his displeasure over what he felt was the last time he was talked down to below the belt.

TNT-Ginebra final face-off.

The mental aspect will also be important for Arum in how he can be effective for his team.

“I need to focus more on my teammates and myself,” Erum said. “And I think I’m more prepared mentally knowing how important I’m going to be in this series.”

However, Hollis-Jefferson made a comparison of his own when he described Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos.

“He’s like an Asian Steph Curry,” said Hollis-Jefferson, who saw Abarrientos play firsthand during his one-year stint in the Korean Basketball League, where the Ginebra guard also played.

“I love his game because he makes some fancy dribbles and pulls from deep. He further said, that’s why I always like his game [a] one type of temperament [to Ginebra] And makes many of his teammates better.” inquiry