Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, a former NBA player who is now representing Jordan in the FIBA World Cup, has been drawing comparisons to the late, great Kobe Bryant for his stellar performance and resemblance to the Lakers legend.
Hollis-Jefferson, who wears the number 24 jersey and has a band on his right arm, scored 39 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists in a thrilling overtime loss to New Zealand on Saturday. He also hit a miraculous four-point play with 15 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and force the extra period.
The crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines chanted “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!” as Hollis-Jefferson made his clutch shot and free throw. The 6-foot-6 forward said he was honored by the comparison and felt the presence of Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020.
“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,” he said after the game.
Hollis-Jefferson, who played six seasons in the NBA for the Nets, Raptors and Trail Blazers, is now playing overseas in various countries. He confirmed that he will join Tropang Giga in the Philippines next season, and that his contract has an NBA-out clause.
He also said he is open to any NBA team that wants to call him after his season ends in February.
