PBA: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson nearing return from Achilles injury

Resident TNT import Rondae Hollis Jefferson in action during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–TNT fans may not have to wait much longer to see Rondae Hollis-Jefferson back in action in the PBA.

In a Facebook post, the Tropang 5G shared an update on Hollis-Jefferson’s recovery from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered late last year.

From the former PBA Best Import’s own account, the team’s faithful could see him back sometime during the Governors’ Cup.

“I’m at almost five months post-surgery, I’m moving a lot better, I’m able to run, jump and start to do on court stuff,” he said. “I will say, around this five-month mark is where things start to ramp up where we do more work, pool workouts and a lot of strengthening.”

“I can’t give y’all an exact date but we’re looking at somewhere between September and October.”

Hollis-Jefferson ruptured his Achilles tendon in December while playing for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League.

Seven months after his injury, he’s already looking primed for an on-court return. TNT, however, is not rushing his recovery.

While Hollis-Jefferson continues his rehabilitation, the Tropang 5G will open the Governors’ Cup with former NBA player Darius Days as their import.

The season-ending conference tips off on July 10, although TNT will not play until July 19 against guest team Macau at Smart Araneta Coliseum.