Meralco’s EASL import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson aims to turn his Achilles injury setback into an opportunity to sharpen his mind and game in what is expected to be a long recovery period.
Even in the face of adversity, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s spirit remains unbroken.
The three-time PBA champion scored 15 points, grabbed four rebounds, and added seven assists before suffering a right Achilles tendon rupture in Meralco’s 93-91 EASL win over Macau.
Addressing the unfortunate incident for the first time, the 30-year-old acknowledged the setback but said it only strengthened his resolve.
"It doesn't sideline my mind. It doesn't sideline my purpose. It doesn't sideline the fire that's been building for years. So this moment—this setback—has only made my vision sharper," Hollis-Jefferson wrote on Instagram.
He added that he plans to use his time off to develop mentally as well as physically.
"During this time away from the court, I'm going to work my mind the same way I've worked my game… to build something that represents the person first, and the athlete second. This is not the end. This is the incubation phase," he said.
In a statement, Meralco assured that the team will support RHJ’s recovery “every step of the way.”
[ALSO READ: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson suffers Achilles injury in Meralco's latest EASL win]
Although no return date has been set, the do-it-all winger faces a lengthy recovery, with an Achilles injury similar to those that sidelined his idol Kobe Bryant, as well as NBA stars Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton in the past.
Hollis-Jefferson has been a key contributor in Meralco’s EASL campaign, averaging 22.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in five games.
The Bolts currently sit at 3-2 and will return to EASL action on Feb. 11, 2026, when it hosts the Ryukyu Golden Kings in its group-stage finale.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.