Rondae Hollis-Jefferson shines with triple-double on idol Kobe Bryant’s death anniversary

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson picked a good day to honor his idol.

The resident TNT import detonated for a rare triple-double against no less than defending champion San Miguel on Sunday, which also marked the five-year anniversary of the passing of his hero, Kobe Bryant.

Hollis-Jefferson delivered a masterful outing with his 35 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Tropang Giga torched the Beermen, 115-97, on the way to an 8-3 card. They also sent San Miguel to the brink of elimination with a 5-7 slate.

"We all know how I feel about Kobe and how much I admire his game," Hollis-Jefferson said.

"Like I said during the World Cup, he’s definitely with me. I watched him, studied his game, and he was just a workhorse."

Hollis-Jefferson shared he has been trying to embody Bryant's love of the game as well as his work ethic, which led the latter to five championships and a number of individual accolades during his colorful 20-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.

And with Bryant in his heart and mind, Hollis-Jefferson hopes to lead TNT to another crown.

"At the end of the day, he really cared about the game, he cared about winning and that’s what I try to do every time I get on the court—trying to help my teammates be successful whether before you even come to the game or practice, things like that," Hollis-Jefferson added.

"Just trying to be a leader and I think that’s why we’re successful."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News