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| Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will likely miss the FIBA Asia Cup to attend to family matters. PBA Images (file photo) |
MANILA--The likelihood of Jordanian fans seeing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in action in the FIBA Asia Cup is very likely to be dim.
The TNT resident import told Dugout Philippines that he is likely to miss the continental event in Jeddah next month, confirming speculations from Jordan.
"I don't think I'm gonna play in FIBA Asia because I wanted to be with my family and my kids. My mom is not feeling well, so I have to be there for my family," the native of Chester, Pennsylvania said, adding that he might fly back home after he is done with his ongoing basketball clinic series.
If ever, Hollis-Jefferson may not suit up as well for Jordan when it faces Gilas Pilipinas in a tune-up game on Aug. 2, once both teams arrive in the Saudi Arabian city.
"It's a little tough, definitely because of the presence, and the camaraderie that I built with those guys is really special. It will definitely be tough not to play, but my guys will make sure we win," he further said.
With Hollis-Jefferson's probable absence, Jordan will bank more on naturalized guard Dar Tucker, who played for the national team in its last four FIBA ACQ games, and Fadi Ibrahim, who led the locals in scoring during the entire qualifying phase.
Hollis-Jefferson, though, said to watch out too for the likes of Ahmad Dwairi and Amin Abu Hawwas.
"I think we still have a lot of weapons to be able to go far, so it's just a matter of making sure everyone's healthy and in the right state of mind, and the rest is history," Hollis-Jefferson continued.
The six-foot-six forward is back in Luzon after wrapping up the Visayas leg of the RHJ On Tour basketball clinic and is supporting the Tropang 5G from the sidelines as they look to complete the PBA Season 49 grand slam against the San Miguel Beermen.
Albeit in a controversial manner, TNT drew first blood in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, moving them three wins away from the all-Filipino conference title that would complete the rare treble.
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