Following the 2015 NBA Draft, the Nets will add some new, young talent to its roster for the 2015-16 season. In a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn acquired the No. 23 overall pick, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, out of the University of Arizona. In his two seasons with the Wildcats, Hollis-Jefferson helped lead his team to two Elite Eight appearances and a 66-9 regular season record.
In selecting Hollis-Jefferson, Nets General Manager Billy King expressed his confidence in the rookie’s skills as a defender. “We are very excited to add Rondae to our roster,” King said. “He is the type of athletic wing we were looking for, and we felt he was the best defensive player in the draft.”
But athleticism isn’t the only thing Hollis-Jefferson will bring to Brooklyn: When it comes to personality, the six-foot-eight guard is no shrinking violet. Brooklynnets.com sat down with the 20-year-old to get to know the new rookie.
First reactions on coming to Brooklyn: First I was shocked, because I thought they were joking about it. I didn’t know what to expect. I was excited to be closer to home and to have my family, who wasn’t able to see me on Draft Night, watch me play in person.
Player who inspires him: Kobe Bryant
Favorite TV Shows: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. Will Smith is my guy. And “Martin.”
Musical ability: I like to sing and play the piano. I’m working on a song. Chris [McCullough] is going to rap and I’m going to sing on the Nets rookie mixtape.
Other interests: Golf
Favorite movies: “He Got Game” and “Space Jam”.
Taste in music: I’m not a big concert guy, but it’s cool to listen to tunes on my headphones. Concerts for me are too loud. I’ve probably been to one concert my whole life, Meek Mill. But I do like singing and R&B.
Origin of his name: I knew there was something I needed to ask my Mom …
One thing to share with Nets fans: Just get ready for two great rookies with me and Chris.