Rondae Hollis-Jefferson ready to share spotlight with Brownlee, eyes facilitator role for Meralco in EASL debut

After years of thrilling PBA fans as TNT’s all-around import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is taking on a new challenge — this time wearing Meralco orange and teaming up with none other than his old rival, Justin Brownlee.

The 29-year-old former NBA forward arrived in Manila earlier this week, alongside fellow import Ismael Romero, to start training with the Bolts ahead of their East Asia Super League (EASL) opener against the Ryukyu Golden Kings on October 22 in Okinawa, Japan.

While expectations are sky-high for a team featuring two of the best imports in Philippine basketball, Hollis-Jefferson welcomes the pressure.

“I agree with them,” said Hollis-Jefferson, when asked about the expectations from fans. “I agree with us being really excited and us being ready for the EASL. I think that the amount of time I’ve watched the guys on Meralco, I think that’s what it boils down to, being a student of the game. And I tend to look at myself like that.”

“So understanding where guys thrive and how to put them in the best situations to be successful, I think, will help us in the EASL,” he added. 

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Excited si Rondae Hollis-Jefferson na makapareha si Justin Brownlee para sa kanilang kampanya sa EASL, at itinuturing niyang isang karangalan na maging kakampi ito. pic.twitter.com/SfxhArqSoU

— Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (@brgyginebraphl) October 14, 2025

Hollis-Jefferson’s approach marks a shift from his TNT days, when he carried a heavy scoring load en route to two championships in the 49th PBA season — both against Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra. Averaging 27.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks, RHJ was the very definition of dominance.

Now, however, he’s embracing a more balanced role.

“JB’s not here yet, but I look forward to when he comes and joins us,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “It’s an honor to be able to play alongside him. One of the best talents abroad, overseas, and I look forward to it.”

With Brownlee on board, Hollis-Jefferson said he plans to be more of a playmaker than a scorer, focusing on creating opportunities for his teammates.

“I’m sure you guys will see a different side of me versus, ‘Oh, I got to go get 35 or something’ to help us win when it’s like, ‘JB can get 35,’” he said with a grin. “It’s more so about setting guys up, putting guys in the right position to make sure it’s the easiest two points or the easiest three points they’ve ever gotten.”

Even Meralco’s local players are already anticipating what that chemistry could bring.

“It’s funny. Bong (Quinto), when I came, he was like, I can’t wait to sit in the corner because he’s like, they know that I’m going to find them, I’m going to put you in that position,” Hollis-Jefferson shared.

Adding to Meralco’s depth is Ismael Romero, the 6-foot-9 Puerto Rican national team forward who once shared the floor with Hollis-Jefferson in their domestic league.

“That’s my guy,” said Hollis-Jefferson. “He is a workhorse. He plays extremely hard. He is driven. I’m sure you guys seen his physique. He is a monster. He is going to leave it all out there. You couldn’t ask for anything more when you’re looking for someone to fit a role.”

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