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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
“Try to play basketball any chance you get — even when it’s raining.” This is one of the things that former NBA player and three-time PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ) shared with children and teen basketball players who participated in the RHJ on Tour, a free basketball clinic organized by TNT Tropang 5G to train and inspire young athletes from different communities in the Philippines.
RHJ on Tour is a weekend training series held in various locations nationwide featuring RHJ alongside TNT Tropang 5G coaches and PBA legends Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Bong Ravena, and team manager Jojo Lastimosa. They are also joined by Coach Austin Huettl, Ralph Penuela, and member of Puerto Rico National Team Claudia Ledesma. And even while playing in the semi-finals of the PBA Philippine Cup, TNT’s “Tropang Bisdak” — RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Glenn Khobuntin, Kevin Barkley Eboña, Brian Heruela, Poy Erram, and Rey Nambatac have also extended their appreciation and support by sending a video message to inspire athletes and fans in the Visayas to support the event. The program offers hands-on coaching, mentorship, and life lessons for aspiring players. At the heart of RHJ on Tour is Hollis-Jefferson’s belief that basketball is more than just a sport — it’s a tool for growth. He told participants, “Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s good to work hard, but don’t get discouraged. We’ve all been blessed by God to have this opportunity to be here. So don’t take it for granted. Seize every day, enjoy every day.” RHJ also emphasized the importance of education and family, urging kids to stay curious and listen to those guiding them. He said, “You’ve taken a lot of knowledge and understand that everyone around you is trying to help you. They want better for you. They want you to do better than them. Respect, listen, love — that’s what we need to do for our parents.”
Andre, a young baller from Manila, shared how proud he was to be part of this basketball clinic. “Nagiging confident po ako sa paglalaro ko. Marami po akong natutunan sa kanila at alam ko po na yung mga natutunan ko ngayon, magagamit ko kung gusto kong habulin ang aking mga pangarap.” Beyond the court, RHJ on Tour is making a tangible impact. The program donated basketball equipment in Dasmariñas City, partnered with the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City and Toyota Iloilo for the free use of basketball courts, as well as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Region 6, ensuring access to proper facilities for local youth. “The RHJ on Tour is also a way for us to engage with our KaTropas and their communities, build meaningful connections, and encourage young athletes to become not only better basketball players, but more importantly, model citizens in and out of the court. We hope that through the lessons that they learn from RHJ and the coaches, they leave a lasting value of hard work, dedication, discipline, and love for the country,” said TNT Tropang 5G Governor and PLDT Chief Leadership Transition Officer Ricky Vargas. The tour kicked off last June 7 in Quezon City and continues every weekend until the end of July. TNT is bringing the RHJ on Tour to Lapu-Lapu City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and Baguio City. To make the experience more special for fans of the basketball star, Hollis-Jefferson also visited some of the Smart Stores in select stops to meet and greet his Filipino fans and elevate the experience of Smart and TNT customers.
For Smart Communications Inc. Chief Operating Officer Anastacio “Boy” R. Martirez, the initiative reflects a deep commitment to sports and nation-building. He said, “TNT and Smart have always championed youth basketball, a sport that’s ingrained in our Filipino DNA. For the first time ever, we have a former NBA player visiting different parts of the Philippines. This program allows us to go around the country, support young athletes, and maybe even discover future stars.” RHJ on Tour also coincides with Smart value brand TNT’s 25th anniversary, celebrated through exclusive promos and experiences for subscribers. Powered by TNT 5G, the tour encourages KaTropas to stay connected, inspired, and continuously improve their game. For updates and full clinic schedules, visit TNT Tropang 5G’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/TNTTropang5G.
