Their connection goes beyond the looks.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson looks like the late great Kobe Bryant and plays like the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar. Only he is lefty and dons the Jordan national team jersey in the ongoing 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
But the former PBA Best Import for TNT Tropang Giga definitely feels giddy whenever the comparison is brought up, including this one time on Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After the 91-72 loss to the Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s Greece, Hollis-Jefferson was asked about the uncanny similarities with Bryant and he couldn’t help but flash a smile.
“It’s an honor for people to say that but at the end of the day, Kobe is Kobe. I’m Rondae,” Hollis Jefferson, who finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, said politely.
But the two did share a moment some time in 2016. The former Brooklyn Net asked for advice that changed his game forever.
“He told me to fall in love with the elbow. And ever since then I have been working on my midrange and getting better at it every year,” he said, adding he gave Bryant a poetry book and varsity jacket as farewell gifts.
Hollis-Jefferson shared another memory with Bryant, one he can be proud of for the rest of his life.
“I played against him one time. I guarded him once. It was a great memory for me. He passed the ball, so I would say he didn’t score on me,” he said.
He needs to channel his inner Kobe Bryant again when Jordan takes on New Zealand on Monday, 4:40 p.m. at the same venue.
(GM)