Rondae Hollis-Jefferson tears Achilles tendon in Meralco's EASL match vs. Macau

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is expected to be sidelined for a while after suffering an injury during Meralco's game against the Macau Black Bears in the East Asia Super League (EASL) on Saturday at the Capital Arena in Ilagan City.

The resident PBA import sustained a torn Achilles on his right foot halfway through the third period as the Bolts eventually pulled off a narrow 93-91 win against the visitors. 

 

 

 

 

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Hollis-Jefferson never returned to the game and finished with 15 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and one block to help the Bolts improve to 3-2 in Group B. 

"MRI findings confirm Rondae Hollis-Jefferson sustained a right Achilles tendon rupture during our East Asia Super League (EASL) game against the Macau Black Bears last December 6, Saturday," Meralco said in a statement. 

"Rondae is a great person and has been an incredible teammate. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and our focus now is on his immediate treatment and recovery."

Hollis-Jefferson, the regular reinforcement of TNT in the PBA, is suiting up for the Bolts alongside Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra's import Justin Brownlee as they banner the club in the regional tournament. 

Before his injury, the three-time PBA Best Import was averaging 22.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists a game. 

"The Meralco Bolts are deeply grateful to Rondae for his contributions on and off the court. We believe in his resilience and are confident that he will overcome this challenge and return stronger," Meralco added.

"The Meralco organization is here to support him every step of the way."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News