Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s biography, net worth, fact, career, awards and life story

Rondae Jaquan Hollis-Jefferson (born January 3, 1995) is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats team from 2013 to 2015.

Early life and high school career

Hollis-Jefferson grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of Rylanda Hollis, who worked two jobs as a dietary supervisor and bartender. He has a brother, Rahlir, who played at Temple and now plays professionally in Canada. Their father was frequently absent and spent some time in jail. Rondae Hollis Jefferson began honing his game when he was 12. At a young age he took a strong interest in defense and acknowledged that he scored only because he was taller than his peers.

He attended Chester High School where he would begin an outstanding basketball career under head coach Larry Yarbray. The small forward became the first player to ever be named Delaware County Player of the Year for multiple seasons. He was also instrumental in Chester’s first-ever undefeated season. The Clippers finished 91-5 in his last three years at the school and won two state titles. In his senior year, he lost in the state title game to Lower Merion. He finished his career with more than 1,000 points and a school-record 780 rebounds.

Hollis-Jefferson participated in the 2013 McDonald’s All-American Game against future Arizona teammate, Aaron Gordon. Following the event, he took part in the Jordan Brand Classic with some of the most highly-recruited high school stars in the nation such as Julius Randle. At the conclusion of Hollis-Jefferson’s years with the Clippers, he was tabbed the 6th best small forward of his class by 247Sports.com and the fifth best by Rivals.com. He eventually chose to attend the University of Arizona and represent the school through their successful basketball program over other possibilities such as Florida and Syracuse.

College career

In his freshman season with Arizona, Hollis-Jefferson became known as fierce scorer, rebounder, and shot-blocker despite his relatively small size. The start of his season was marked with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists against Cal Poly off the bench. He posted his first double-double in a game against Oregon. He improved on his free throw shooting as his freshman year progressed. Throughout the season, Hollis-Jefferson mainly functioned as the team’s sixth man, but became a starter after Brandon Ashley was lost for the season with a foot injury in the Wildcats’ 60-58 upset loss to California on February 1. Hollis-Jefferson ended up starting 6 of 38 games played due to the roster that was dominated by the likes of Aaron Gordon, but still got his name on the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team. In his freshman year, Hollis-Jefferson averaged 9.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. “It’s a lot different than just waking up, going to school and playing basketball for Chester,” said Hollis-Jefferson of his freshman year. “In the beginning of the season, I was lost. But it’s not about who’s starting, it’s about who finishes. It stuck with me for about a month or so, playing behind people. I went along with it and kept playing. I need to make people respect my shot. I know I can shoot it. I have to stay in attack mode.”

As a sophomore, Hollis-Jefferson increased his averages to 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He improved in his leadership and offense. As a sophomore, he was voted first-team All-Pac-12, and was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. He helped lead the Wildcats to two consecutive Elite Eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament, losing to Wisconsin on both occasions. On April 7, 2015, Hollis-Jefferson declared for the 2015 NBA draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility. “I don’t know if I’ve enjoyed coaching a player more than I’ve enjoyed coaching Rondae,” coach Sean Miller said.

College statistics

Awards and honors

• NCAA Tournament West Region All-Tournament Team (2015)
• First-team All-Pac-12 (2015)
• Pac-12 All-Tournament Team (2015)
• Pac-12 All-Defensive Team (2015)
• Pac-12 Player of the Week (2015)
• Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2014)
• Maui Invitational All-Tournament Team (2014)

Professional career

Brooklyn Nets (2015–present)

On June 25, 2015, Hollis-Jefferson was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. His draft rights, along with Steve Blake, were subsequently traded to the Brooklyn Nets for Mason Plumlee and the draft rights to the 41st overall pick, Pat Connaughton. On July 6, 2015, he signed his rookie scale contract with the Nets. He made his debut for the Nets in the team’s season opener against the Chicago Bulls on October 28, recording 8 points and 5 rebounds off the bench in a 115–100 loss. On November 20, he had a season-best game with 13 points and 11 rebounds as a starter in a loss to the Boston Celtics. On December 7, he was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the posterior talus in his right ankle, an injury requiring surgery and eight to ten weeks of rehabilitation. He returned to action on March 22, 2016 against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring five points in 15 minutes off the bench.

On November 12, 2016, Hollis-Jefferson scored a career-high 20 points and tied a career high with 13 rebounds in a 122–104 win over the Phoenix Suns.

NBA career statistics

Regular season