Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Hollis-Jefferson with the Brooklyn Nets in 2018
No. 24 – TNT Tropang Giga
PositionPower forward / small forward
LeaguePBA
Personal information
Born (1995-01-03) January 3, 1995 (age 29)
Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
NationalityAmerican / Jordanian
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight217 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High schoolChester (Chester, Pennsylvania)
CollegeArizona (2013–2015)
NBA draft2015: 1st round, 23rd overall pick
Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
Playing career2015–present
Career history
2015–2019Brooklyn Nets
2019–2020Toronto Raptors
2021Portland Trail Blazers
2021–2022Beşiktaş Icrypex
2022Atléticos de San Germán
2022–2023Jeonju KCC Egis
2023TNT Tropang Giga
2023Atléticos de San Germán
2023–2024TNT Tropang Giga
2024Mets de Guaynabo
2024–presentTNT Tropang Giga
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  Jordan
Asian Games
Silver medal – second place 2022 Hangzhou Team

Rondae Jaquan Hollis-Jefferson (born January 3, 1995) is an American-Jordanian professional basketball player for the TNT Tropang Giga of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He spent six seasons in the NBA, and played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats.

Early life

[edit]
Hollis-Jefferson in the 2013 McDonald's All-American Boys Game

Hollis-Jefferson was born and raised in Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of Rylanda Hollis, a single mother who worked two jobs as a dietary supervisor and bartender. He grew up with older brother Rahlir, who also became a professional basketball player. Their father was frequently absent and spent some time in jail.[1] Hollis-Jefferson began honing his game when he was 12.[2] At a young age he took a strong interest in defense and acknowledged that he scored only because he was taller than his peers.[1]

He attended Chester High School where he began an outstanding basketball career under head coach Larry Yarbray. The small forward became the first player to ever be named Delaware County Player of the Year for multiple seasons.[3] He was also instrumental in Chester's first-ever undefeated season. The Clippers finished 91–5 in his last three years at the school and won two state titles.[4] In his senior year, he lost in the state title game to Lower Merion.[2] He finished his career with more than 1,000 points and a school-record 780 rebounds.[4]

Hollis-Jefferson participated in the 2013 McDonald's All-American Game against future Arizona teammate, Aaron Gordon.[5] Following the event, he took part in the Jordan Brand Classic with some of the most highly recruited high school stars in the nation such as Julius Randle.[6] At the conclusion of Hollis-Jefferson's years with the Clippers, he was tabbed the sixth-best small forward of his class by 247Sports.com and the fifth best by Rivals.com. He eventually chose to attend the University of Arizona and represent the school through their successful basketball program over other possibilities such as Florida and Syracuse.[7]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
SF 		Chester, PA Chester High School 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 212 lb (96 kg) Sep 13, 2012 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN:5/5 stars

College career

[edit]
Hollis-Jefferson playing for Arizona in March 2014

In his freshman season with Arizona, Hollis-Jefferson became known as fierce scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker despite his relatively small size. The start of his season was marked with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists against Cal Poly off the bench. He posted his first double-double in a game against Oregon.[8] He improved on his free throw shooting as his freshman year progressed. Throughout the season, Hollis-Jefferson mainly functioned as the team's sixth man, but became a starter after Brandon Ashley was lost for the season with a foot injury in the Wildcats' 60–58 upset loss to California on February 1.[2] Hollis-Jefferson ended up starting 6 of 38 games played due to the roster that was dominated by the likes of Aaron Gordon, but still got his name on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team.[8] In his freshman year, Hollis-Jefferson averaged 9.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.[4] "It's a lot different than just waking up, going to school and playing basketball for Chester," said Hollis-Jefferson of his freshman year. "In the beginning of the season, I was lost. But it's not about who's starting, it's about who finishes. It stuck with me for about a month or so, playing behind people. I went along with it and kept playing. I need to make people respect my shot. I know I can shoot it. I have to stay in attack mode."[2]

As a sophomore, Hollis-Jefferson increased his averages to 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He improved in his leadership and offense.[4] As a sophomore, he was voted first-team All-Pac-12, and was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team.[9] He helped lead the Wildcats to two consecutive Elite Eight appearances in the NCAA tournament, losing to Wisconsin on both occasions. On April 7, 2015, Hollis-Jefferson declared for the 2015 NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility. "I don't know if I've enjoyed coaching a player more than I've enjoyed coaching Rondae," coach Sean Miller said.[10]

Awards and honors

[edit]
  • NCAA Tournament West Region All-Tournament Team (2015)
  • First-team All-Pac-12 (2015)
  • Pac-12 All-Tournament Team (2015)
  • Pac-12 All-Defensive Team (2015)
  • Pac-12 Player of the Week (2015)
  • Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2014)
  • Maui Invitational All-Tournament Team (2014)[11]

Professional career

[edit]

Brooklyn Nets (2015–2019)

[edit]

On June 25, 2015, Hollis-Jefferson was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. His draft rights, along with Steve Blake, were subsequently traded to the Brooklyn Nets for Mason Plumlee and the draft rights to the 41st overall pick, Pat Connaughton.[12] On July 6, 2015, he signed his rookie-scale contract with the Nets.[13] He made his debut for the Nets in their season opener on October 28, 2015, recording eight points and five rebounds off the bench in a 115–100 loss to the Chicago Bulls.[14] On November 20, he had a season-best game with 13 points and 11 rebounds as a starter in a loss to the Boston Celtics.[15] On December 7, he was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the posterior talus in his right ankle, an injury requiring surgery[16] and eight to ten weeks of rehabilitation.[17] He returned to action in late March.[18]

On November 12, 2016, Hollis-Jefferson scored a then career-high 20 points and tied a career high with 13 rebounds in a 122–104 win over the Phoenix Suns.[19]

On December 14, 2017, Hollis-Jefferson scored a career-high 25 points on 10-for-16 shooting in a 111–104 loss to the New York Knicks.[20] He strained his right groin during a 116–91 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on January 26, returning to action on February 26 against the Chicago Bulls after missing the Nets' previous 11 games.[21]

Hollis-Jefferson missed the first three games of the 2018–19 season with a hip injury and the birth of his first child.[22] On November 28, 2018, in a 101–91 loss to the Utah Jazz, Hollis-Jefferson had 14 points and a season-high 11 rebounds for his first double-double.[23] On March 19, 2019, he made a layup with eight-tenths of a second remaining to lift the Nets to a 123–121 win over the Sacramento Kings.[24][25]

On June 17, the Nets opted not to make Hollis-Jefferson a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Toronto Raptors (2019–2020)

[edit]

On July 18, 2019, Hollis-Jefferson signed with the defending champion, Toronto Raptors.[26]

On December 3, 2020, Hollis-Jefferson signed a non-guaranteed preseason contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.[27] He was waived by the Timberwolves shortly after he signed on December 19, 2020.[28]

Portland Trail Blazers (2021)

[edit]

On April 8, 2021, Hollis-Jefferson signed a 10-day contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.[29] On April 18, he signed a second 10-day contract[30] and 10 days later, he signed for the rest of the season after appearing in six games.[31]

Beşiktaş (2021–2022)

[edit]

On September 28, 2021, Hollis-Jefferson signed with Beşiktaş Icrypex of the Basketbol Süper Ligi.[32] He scored a career-high 26 points in a 69–82 loss over the Rytas.[33]

Atléticos de San Germán (2022)

[edit]

On April 11, 2022, Hollis-Jefferson signed with Atléticos de San Germán of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional.[34] He played 31 games and averaged 19.7 points per game. On May 16, 2023 Hollis-Jefferson was brought back by Atléticos de San Germán.[35] He played 22 games and averaged 21.7 points per game.

TNT Tropang Giga (2023–2024)

[edit]

In February 2023, Hollis-Jefferson signed with the TNT Tropang Giga of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to replace Jalen Hudson as the team's import for the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup.[36] He played 16 games and averaged 30.4 points per game. On May 30, 2023, it was announced that Hollis-Jefferson will return as the team's import for the 2023–24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.[37]

Mets de Guaynabo (2024)

[edit]

On February 12, 2024, Hollis-Jefferson joined the Mets de Guaynabo after a trade with San Germán.[38]

TNT Tropang Giga (2024–present)

[edit]

In August 2024, Hollis-Jefferson returns to TNT as the team's import for the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup.[39]

National team career

[edit]

On July 24, 2023, the Jordan Basketball Federation announced that Hollis-Jefferson had been contracted to play for the national side as a naturalized player.[40] On August 16, 2023, he was included in Jordan's 17-man squad for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[41] On August 28, 2023, Hollis-Jefferson drew comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant for his play with the Jordan national team during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[42]

The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas of the Philippines also offered Hollis-Jefferson to play for their national team but he eventually chose Jordan.[43]

Player profile

[edit]

Hollis-Jefferson plays both forward positions. Using his athleticism and 7-foot-2-inch (2.18 m) wingspan, he is part of the NBA trend of undersized power forwards.[44]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2015–16 Brooklyn 29 17 21.2 .457 .286 .712 5.3 1.5 1.3 .6 5.8
2016–17 Brooklyn 78 50 22.6 .434 .224 .751 5.8 2.0 1.1 .6 8.7
2017–18 Brooklyn 68 59 28.2 .472 .241 .788 6.8 2.5 1.0 .7 13.9
2018–19 Brooklyn 59 21 20.9 .411 .184 .645 5.3 1.6 .7 .5 8.9
2019–20 Toronto 60 6 18.7 .471 .130 .734 4.7 1.8 .8 .4 7.0
2020–21 Portland 11 1 9.7 .500 .000 .563 2.4 1.2 .2 .4 2.5
Career 305 154 22.2 .449 .212 .735 5.5 1.9 .9 .5 9.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2019 Brooklyn 4 0 15.5 .485 1.000 .800 3.0 1.5 .3 1.3 13.3
2020 Toronto 5 0 7.8 .400 .000 .750 2.0 .6 .4 .2 2.8
2021 Portland 5 0 7.2 .800 .000 .667 1.6 .0 .2 .2 2.0
Career 14 0 9.8 .500 .500 .778 2.1 .6 .3 .5 5.5

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2013–14 Arizona 38 6 25.3 .490 .200 .682 5.7 1.4 .7 1.1 9.1
2014–15 Arizona 38 25 28.7 .502 .207 .707 6.8 1.5 1.1 .8 11.2
Career 76 31 27.0 .496 .205 .697 6.3 1.5 .9 .9 10.2

Personal life

[edit]

Hollis-Jefferson is a practicing Muslim[45] and pescetarian.[46]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Boivin, Paola (March 25, 2014). "Arizona's Hollis-Jefferson knows all about sacrifice". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d Santoliquito, Joseph (March 16, 2014). "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's game is no act". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  3. ^ Chandik, Matt (March 28, 2013). "Daily Times Player of the Year: Despite setback, Chester's Rondae Jefferson should be proud". DelcoTimes.com. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d Cox, Danny (March 23, 2015). "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Brings Arizona In The Sweet 16 With Talent And Leadership". CBS. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  5. ^ Zimmerman, Kevin (April 3, 2013). "Aaron Gordon is 2013 McDonald's All-American MVP, Rondae Jefferson makes unconfirmed history". AZDesertsWarm.com. SBNation.com. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  6. ^ Breen, Matt. "Chester's Rondae Jefferson named to Jordan Brand Classic". Philly.com. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  7. ^ "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson -Yahoo! Sports". Rivals. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  8. ^ a b "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Bio". ArizonaWildcats.com. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  9. ^ "2014–15 Pac-12 Conference Men's Basketball Honors" (Press release). Pac-12. March 9, 2015. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015.
  10. ^ "Hollis-Jefferson leaving Arizona, declares for NBA Draft". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2015.
  11. ^ ARIZONA WILDCATS 2014 EA SPORTS MAUI INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS
  12. ^ Sapp, Demetris (June 25, 2015). "Nets Acquire Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Steve Blake". NBA.com. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  13. ^ Sapp, Demetris (July 6, 2015). "NETS SIGN RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON". NBA.com. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  14. ^ "Bulls beat Nets 115–100 for 2–0 start". NBA.com. October 28, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  15. ^ "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 2015–16 Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  16. ^ "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Medical Update". NBA.com. December 7, 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  17. ^ Sapp, Demetris (December 9, 2015). "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Medical Update". NBA.com. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  18. ^ "Batum scores 23 points, Hornets beat Nets 105–100". NBA.com. March 22, 2016. Retrieved March 22, 2016.
  19. ^ "Nets finish strong, beat Suns 122–104 for first road win". ESPN.com. November 12, 2016. Retrieved November 13, 2016.
  20. ^ "Knicks hold on to beat Nets after Porzingis leaves". ESPN.com. December 14, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  21. ^ "Crabbe scores 21, Nets top Bulls 104–87 to snap 8-game skid". ESPN.com. February 26, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  22. ^ "Russell, Harris lead Nets past winless Cavaliers 102–86". ESPN.com. October 24, 2018. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
  23. ^ "Mitchell returns, carries Jazz to 101–91 victory over Nets". ESPN.com. November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  24. ^ "Nets, down 25 in 4th, storm back to shock Kings". ESPN.com. March 19, 2019. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
  25. ^ Dowd, Tom (March 20, 2019). "RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON DELIVERS GAME-WINNER TO LIFT BROOKLYN NETS". NBA.com. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
  26. ^ Naje, B. (July 18, 2019). "Raptors Sign Rondae Hollis-Jefferson". NBA.com. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  27. ^ "Timberwolves sign Rondae Hollis-Jefferson". NBA.com. December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  28. ^ "Timberwolves Waive Four Players". NBA.com. December 19, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  29. ^ "Trail Blazers Sign Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to 10-Day Contract". NBA.com. April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  30. ^ "Trail Blazers Sign Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to Second 10-Day Contract". NBA.com. April 18, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  31. ^ Holdahl, Casey (April 28, 2021). "Trail Blazers Sign Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for Remainder of 2020-21 Season". NBA.com. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
  32. ^ "Beşiktaş Icrypex strengthen roster with American power forward". BJK.com.tr. September 28, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2021.
  33. ^ "Besiktas 69 – Rytas 82". EuroBasket. November 17, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  34. ^ Skerletic, Dario (April 11, 2022). "Rondae Hollis-Jefferson signs with Atleticos de San German". Sportando. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  35. ^ "Latin American basketball News, Scores, Stats, Analysis, Standings". basketball.latinbasket.com. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  36. ^ Ramos, Gerry (February 13, 2023). "Co-leader TNT replacing Jalen Hudson with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson". Spin.ph. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  37. ^ "TNT bringing back Hollis-Jefferson for PBA Comm's Cup". fastbreak.com.ph. May 30, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  38. ^ "Cambio en el BSN: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson se va de San Germán para jugar en Guaynabo con José Juan Barea". ElNuevoDia.com (in Spanish). February 12, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  39. ^ Terrado, Reuben (August 14, 2024). "RHJ return to TNT official for PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  40. ^ "تم التعاقد مع... - Jordan Basketball Federation - JBF". www.facebook.com. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  41. ^ "https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1691777065974976994?s=20". Twitter. Retrieved August 16, 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  42. ^ "Ex-NBA player Rondae Hollis-Jefferson re-emerged as a Kobe Bryant clone at the FIBA World Cup". usatoday.com. August 28, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  43. ^ Ramos, Gerry (September 22, 2023). "Why RHJ chose Jordan over SBP offer to become Gilas naturalized player". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
  44. ^ Fonseca, Bryan. "Rondae becoming a fixture at power forward". SBNation. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017.
  45. ^ "Nets' Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, practicing Muslim, calls immigration ban 'BS'". FOX Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  46. ^ "How Rondae Hollis-Jefferson reinvented himself as a Kobe clone for Jordan". ESPN.com. August 29, 2023.
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