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| GSM's Justin Brownlee and TNT's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson team up for Meralco in EASL. Photo: PBA Images. |
Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, two of the PBA’s most dominant imports and longtime rivals, are about to join forces for Meralco in the upcoming East Asia Super League (EASL) season. Yes, you read that right — Brownlee in orange, teaming up with RHJ, is happening.
Between them, the two have racked up nine PBA championships, six Best Import awards, and even international medals (thanks to Brownlee’s heroics with Gilas). Now, they’ll be wearing the same jersey, chasing international glory for the Bolts.
Dream Duo: Justin Brownlee teams up with rival Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in Meralco’s EASL run
— Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (@brgyginebraphl) August 23, 2025
Our resident import Justin Brownlee is set to join forces with longtime rival Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as Meralco’s reinforcements in the East Asia Super League, which tips off its… pic.twitter.com/RZtzYY316O
If that doesn’t give you flashbacks to the legendary Hackett-Bates tandem of the ’80s, nothing will.
Meralco hasn’t exactly had the smoothest run in their first two EASL campaigns. But with Brownlee’s clutch shooting and RHJ’s all-around game, this could finally be the lineup that takes the Bolts over the hump. Just imagine Brownlee knocking down daggers while Hollis-Jefferson crashes the boards and attacks the rim — opponents are going to have a nightmare matching up with that.
Update straight from Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo on the possibility of Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson teaming up for the EASL:https://t.co/l1ZzSogzwa
— Miguel Caramoan (@miguelcaramoan) August 23, 2025
The Bolts are set to open their EASL journey on November 8 against Taiwan’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots. They’re in a tough Group B alongside the Ryukyu Golden Kings of Japan and the Macau Black Bears, but this time, Meralco is bringing serious firepower.
And let’s not forget the local core — Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Chris Banchero, Raymond Almazan, and Cliff Hodge are all there to back up the imports. With this much talent, the Bolts might just turn from underdogs into dark horse contenders.
Meralco set for third #EASL stint as #PBA50's lone rep#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/oMNZIUJ12i pic.twitter.com/QlD0XMwRjT
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 4, 2025
The PBA may have to wait until October for its 50th season, but for Meralco, all eyes are now on their EASL run. Fans are already buzzing: Brownlee and Hollis-Jefferson on the same team? That’s must-watch basketball.
Mark your calendars, Bolts Nation. The dream duo is here. And they’re ready to light up Asia.