MANILA, Philippines – Stephen Holt faces a formidable challenge during his first-ever appearance in the PBA Finals.

In the Kings’ best-of-seven final series against the reigning Governors Cup winner TNT, which starts Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the Rookie of the Year from the previous season will most likely be paired with Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

A 2015 NBA draft first-round selection, Hollis-Jefferson is back to playing well with the Tropang Giga, averaging 28 points, 12.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game across the conference.

The University of Arizona produced nearly triple-doubles in the semifinals against Rain or Shine, averaging 26.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 3.8 steals, and 2.2 blocks as the Tropang Giga defeated the Elast Painters 4-1 in their best-of-seven series.

Holt will now be actively working to curb the raging influx of TNT.

As his team competes against TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals, Jeremiah Gray, a rising star for Barangay Ginebra, is preparing for a difficult task. Gray recognizes the difficulty of the task ahead, especially in defending two of the league’s most formidable imports, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Justin Brownlee, as a best-of-seven series is about to start. Even though it’s still unclear who will initially be tasked with protecting these top players, Gray is willing to do his share, understanding that the entire Ginebra team will need to work together to accomplish this.

Gray displayed his versatility in the semifinals versus San Miguel Beer, averaging 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in six games. His versatility and significance to Ginebra’s campaign are highlighted by these outstanding stats. But with Hollis-Jefferson, who played a key role in helping the Tropang Giga win the Governors’ Cup last year, the forthcoming series versus TNT will offer a different kind of challenge.

Despite only being in his second season with Ginebra, Gray has a great deal of admiration for Hollis-Jefferson’s skills. He characterizes the TNT import as a “great player” whose influence may be curbed by shrewd defense and calculated moves, but who cannot be entirely stopped. According to Gray, the intention is to compel Hollis-Jefferson to take difficult shots and make his touches challenging. This strategy reflects the knowledge that protecting a player of his caliber calls for a coordinated team effort rather than just individual defensive skill.

However, Gray stresses that the goal of the finals series is for Ginebra to function as a team in order to contain TNT’s offensive arsenal, not for him and Hollis-Jefferson to face off individually. He admits that Ginebra will need to modify its approach and mentality because TNT is a totally different team from San Miguel. Due to their dynamic import, the Tropang Giga’s style of play will demand that Ginebra be quick and unified on both ends of the floor. Although Gray and his teammates are aware that the endeavor would not be simple, they are eager to take on the challenge.

The 32-year-old Gray has been a vital member of the Gin Kings since joining Ginebra at the beginning of the season in a trade with Terrafirma Dyip. He is a useful player in coach Tim Cone’s system because of his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Gray’s role will become even more crucial as Ginebra gets ready to compete against TNT for the Governors’ Cup crown. He appears prepared to step up and support his team in their highest-level competition based on his performance in the semifinals.

Ginebra is aware that defeating the defending champs will require a complete team effort once the finals get underway. Although it will be a tough fight against Hollis-Jefferson, Brownlee, and the rest of TNT’s squad, players like Gray are committed to doing their best. As the series progresses, everyone will be watching to see how Gray and Ginebra’s defense handle the task of containing one of the league’s most formidable scoring units.

Although Jeremiah Gray won a championship in his final season playing in Europe with CEZ Nymburk in the Czech National Basketball League (NBL), this is his first time participating in the PBA finals. Thinking back to his previous championship in 2017, Gray highlighted the importance of this PBA opportunity.