TNT Tropang Giga have made a significant change to their roster just four games into the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, bringing back familiar reinforcement Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson in an effort to strengthen their campaign after an inconsistent start to the conference.
The Tropang Giga have opened the tournament with a 2-2 win-loss record, a performance that has shown flashes of their championship pedigree but also exposed areas that require immediate improvement. While the team managed to grind out a dramatic 110-107 comeback victory over the Converge FiberXers on Tuesday, July 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, management wasted little time in making a change at the import position.
Team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed after the victory that the franchise has decided to replace Darius Days with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, who has already arrived in the Philippines.
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“He is already in town,” Lastimosa told reporters after the game, confirming the move that had been widely anticipated following TNT’s uneven performances in the opening stretch of the conference.
Rahlir’s return gives TNT a familiar face who already understands the team’s system and the demands of playing in the PBA. The older brother of former TNT star import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Rahlir previously suited up for the Tropang Giga during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup after stepping in as an injury replacement for his younger brother.
Although his stint with TNT was relatively brief, Rahlir quickly demonstrated his versatility, defensive intensity, and willingness to embrace the team’s culture. Those qualities made him a logical choice as the organization searched for a proven replacement capable of making an immediate impact.
Rahir Hollis Jefferson as the import replacement! Thank God it’s not Rondae I need him to rest more! And at the same time solid rin naman eto si Kuya! A knockdown shooter that can play both the forward position. Oh Athletic too so yeah hope for the best!!
— CAP JIMMY IS BACK!! (@Jimmy4THREE) July 28, 2026
The decision to part ways with Days comes after a disappointing four-game spell in which the American import struggled to meet expectations. Despite arriving with an impressive basketball résumé, Days failed to consistently provide the production TNT expected from its primary reinforcement.
His most difficult outing came against Converge, where he was limited to just 10 points while shooting 10-of-19 from the field, a performance that highlighted concerns about his conditioning and mobility. Throughout TNT’s opening games, Days often looked a step behind on both ends of the floor, making it difficult for the Tropang Giga to establish their preferred pace and offensive rhythm.
Head coach Chot Reyes did not mince words when discussing the reasons behind the decision.
“Darius is not the Darius Days that we had a couple of years ago. He is completely overweight, out of shape and I think it shows in the game and affects the play of our locals,” Reyes said.
The veteran coach emphasized that an import’s role extends beyond scoring, noting that the team’s overall execution and chemistry had suffered because Days was unable to provide the energy and consistency expected from a foreign reinforcement.
With Rahlir now back in the fold, TNT hopes to inject new life into a squad looking to establish momentum in a highly competitive Governors’ Cup. His familiarity with Reyes’ system should ease the transition, allowing him to contribute immediately on both offense and defense.
The timing of the move is also crucial, as the Tropang Giga face one of the conference’s biggest challenges in their next assignment against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, August 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With Rahlir expected to be available for selection, TNT will be banking on his experience, versatility, and defensive presence to help the team build on its comeback victory over Converge and climb further up the standings.
For TNT, the change represents more than simply replacing one import with another. It is an early statement that the organization remains committed to competing for another championship and is willing to make decisive moves to keep its title aspirations firmly on track.
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