PBA Import Highlights: TNT bring back RHJ!

 

The TNT Tropang 5G are sending a very clear, very expensive message to the rest of the PBA: they are willing to spend whatever it takes to secure a championship this season.

By officially activating Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for their upcoming game against the Macau Giant Pandas, TNT has now cycled through four different imports in a single tournament. Between the early stint of Darius Days, the interim duties of Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, the short-term stopgap of Nick Hornsby, and the highly anticipated return of RHJ, the financial output from the MVP Group is staggering. Most PBA franchises hesitate to make a single import change due to operational costs and budget constraints. TNT’s willingness to constantly pivot and keep their roster afloat—especially after the Hollis-Jefferson brothers had to abruptly return to the US due to the passing of their grandmother—proves they are heavily financially invested in maximizing this current championship window.

🔥 Check Out This Article

Loading recommendation...

Currently sitting at a 6-4 record and third in Group A, TNT has already clinched a quarterfinal berth and is utilizing RHJ’s return to solidify their playoff positioning.

But while the front office has done its part by opening the checkbook, the ultimate success of this expensive carousel hinges on one massive, unavoidable question: Is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson still the same player?

RHJ has been sidelined for nearly ten months after suffering a devastating right Achilles tendon rupture in December 2025 while playing on loan for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League. In the world of professional basketball, an Achilles tear is the ultimate wild card. It is an injury notorious for sapping a player's first step, vertical explosiveness, and lateral quickness.

Before the injury, Hollis-Jefferson was an absolute force of nature—a three-time Best Import who famously out-dueled Justin Brownlee in Game 7 of the Commissioner's Cup to secure the title. He spent the months leading up to this return ramping up his conditioning, even participating in a tune-up game against the Jordan national team before his family emergency. However, simulated scrimmages and national team tune-ups are entirely different from the grueling, nightly physicality of the PBA playoffs.

TNT has spent the money, navigated a chaotic import rotation, and finally secured their resident star. Now, the entire league waits to see if the RHJ that steps onto the court against Macau still possesses the elite, game-changing athleticism that justified this massive financial commitment.

Related Article: PBA Import Highlights: Converge wasted an NBA TALENT?