Rondae Hollis-Jefferson reacts to Kobe chants, clarifies his future status / News - Basketnews.com

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's 39-point performance and a miraculous 4-point play to force overtime provoked 'Kobe' chants in the FIBA World Cup.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the Mall of Asia Arena crowd brought back the spirit of Kobe Bryant for a brief yet unforgettable play in the FIBA World Cup 2023.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Izayah Le'Afa Points 23 Accuracy 7-14 Rebounds 5 Assists 5

With just 15 seconds left on the clock and Jordan trailing New Zealand 81-85, Hollis-Jefferson received the ball, raced down the court, launched a three-pointer, and even managed to draw a foul.

"You can't be serious!" shouted the FIBA commentator as Jordan's leader cut into what seemed like an impossible lead, and soon after, he earned a chance to tie the game with a free throw, forcing a shocking overtime.

The Mall of Asia Arena erupted in cheers, and the wave of excitement reached even the arena's entrances.

"Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!" the crowd chanted.

"It means a lot, it's an honor. There's only one Kobe, for sure. But to feel that love and energy down the stretch, and to hit those big shots, God was with me, and Kobe was with me, for sure," a 28-year-old forward said after the game.

"I grew up playing like all-around. I didn't care about scoring. It was about winning. I tried to get triple-doubles. But some clicked to me I just knew I could put the ball in the basket. I knew if I could do that a little bit better, I could help my team tremendously. And I knew the coaches would want the ball in my hands. And I knew I was a great decision-maker. So the rest was just history, it just started to connect everything," Hollis-Jefferson added.

Looks, mechanics, jersey number, and the overall performance of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson reminded us of the greatness of Kobe.

He had a World Cup 2023 high of 39 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, but despite the hard-fought overtime and his monumental efforts, Jordan ultimately fell to New Zealand in extra time, 87-95.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Position:SFAge:28Height:201 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:Pennsylvania, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

"Really? Wow," Hollis-Jefferson reacted after being clarified that nobody has scored more points in the FIBA World Cup 2023 so far.

"Who would have thought it? Coming from Chester, Pennsylvania, I never dreamed of being in the World Cup. To have this accomplishment on my belt is an honor."

"I heard a lot of people doubted my offensive ability. This is one of the highest stages. The best players in the world are here. I'm able to play on offense, defense and show everything I can do. I let my game speak for myself," Hollis-Jefferson responded with noise.

Hollis-Jefferson confirmed that he will be playing in the Philippines for the Tropang Giga team next season, and his contract will conclude in February.

"The season ends in February, so I'm open to anyone who wants to call," he shared.

He also clarified to BasketNews that his agreement includes an NBA-out clause.

Hollis-Jefferson has had a six-year stint in the NBA, during which he averaged 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 305 NBA games (with 154 starts) while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Following his departure from the NBA with Portland, he ventured beyond the league and showcased his skills with teams like Besiktas Istanbul and Atleticos de San German in Puerto Rico, he won the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor's Cup with Tropang Giga.

"Once I was out of the league, I had to reevaluate myself. When I came out of high school, I was in the top 25. I was in the Green Room, a lottery. I thought I was on the pedestal. I thought I could do anything I wanted. Not being in the NBA and not having a roster spot kind of woke me up to humble myself," Hollis-Jefferson admitted to BasketNews.

"I doubted myself. I thought I wasn't good enough. I wanted to give up. But I had one son at the time, and he kept me alive, he kept the hope alive to keep going and pushing. I went through a lot of ups and downs, but he kept my head up."

"My first year in Puerto Rico, that's when I took an incline. Coach Eddie Cassiano let me play my game. We had a father-son, brother-brother relationship where we could communicate. When you let a talented player be comfortable, he will be able to do a lot of things," Hollis-Jefferson added.

Despite joining the Jordan national team on the eve of the trip to Manila, Hollis-Jefferson quickly felt comfortable in a new group too.

In the first game against Greece, Hollis-Jefferson put up 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, but it wasn’t enough to beat Greece.

Jordan has a chance to clinch an Olympic berth, even if they won't manage to advance to the next group phase.

All the eliminated teams will play in the Classification Round for places 17-32.

"It’s been an honor to be in the World Cup to get this experience. We're playing in an extremely tough group. But I want to give credit to my teammates. Them being in this bracket and sticking with it, working hard, being confident to stick with any team, has been phenomenal," Hollis-Jefferson concluded.

Jordan will face Team USA on Wednesday.

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