Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Foundation - Kobe Bryant Player Exclusive Giveaway

Giving back to the community has always been our main core values. This year we will be taking part in making a difference in the lives of others by raising funds for the Rondae Hollis Jefferson: Together We Can Foundation. Raffle tickets will be $10.00 and 100% of the proceeds will go to the foundation. Kobe’s are one of the best sneakers to play basketball in and also wear casually. We wanted to give you all the opportunity to win this 1 of 1 Kobe Bryant Player Exclusive sneaker (size 14.5) made specifically for Rondae. To keep these limited edition sneakers clean, we will also be sending you a Reshoevn8r Signature Kit & a limited edition designed Kobe Bryant shirt from one of RHJ’s favorite clothing brands. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a GRAIL! Don’t miss out! To enter the raffle, for your chance to win click here. 

We were lucky enough to interview Rondae, learn more about the Toronto Raptors Forward, below: 

R8: Tell us about yourself. 

RHJ: I'm 25 years old and proudly born and raised in Chester PA. I love my city, hence my passion for giving back to the community that helped raise me and always looked out for me. I learned what hard work was at an extremely young age as I watched my mother work multiple jobs to make sure we had everything that we needed #blessed. Additionally, I fell in love with the game of basketball early on and became a fierce competitor as I had numerous 1 on 1 battles on the court with my older brother, which helped make me the man I am today! Aside from basketball, I love to read (the latest book was Shoe Dog by Phil Knight), play video games (Madden or NBA2k), watch movies (anything with Kevin Hart), and collect sneakers. Lastly, meditation is big for me and helps me get set for the day or before a game.

R8: What year did you enter the NBA?

RHJ: I was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NBA draft and was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 23rd overall pick but was quickly traded to the Brooklyn Nets. What a wild night it was but I couldn't have been more happy as I finally got to live out my dream which was to become an NBA player and get paid to do what I love.

R8: What position do you currently play?

RHJ: All of them lol but mainly small and power forward. I say all positions as I truly think basketball has come positionless, that said, I'm an extremely fierce competitor with a high motor so whatever the team needs me to do, I'll go make it happen.

R8: What was it like as a rookie in the NBA?

RHJ: Being a rookie in the NBA is truly a one of a kind experience that goes by so fast, that said, I'd recommend trying to enjoy every single moment because it's over before you know it. One minute I'm playing for the University of Arizona in Tucson and the next minute I'm flying to Brooklyn to play for the Nets (it's certainly life changing). Luckily I was blessed to have a great group of veteran players around me to help with getting acclimated to the NBA lifestyle. They taught me how important it was to get your sleep, eat right, and take care of your body as it's a very long season.

R8: What is the most memorable basketball game that you have played in?

RHJ: Nets vs Kings March 2019, we were down 28 points going into the 4th quarter. We ended up winning the game and I hit the game winning shot at the buzzer. What an amazing moment it was, the rush I felt at the time was incredible and it truly reminded me how much I love the game of basketball.

R8: What is your favorite sneaker to play in?

RHJ: Kyrie’s- super comfortable, great ankle support, and they are stylish as well.

R8: How many sneakers in your collection?

RHJ: I seriously lost count a long time ago lol, once I got to the UofA my sneaker collection really started to grow and get out of hand. It's crazy to see how sneaker fashion has become such a big part of the NBA, from pre-game to on court looks, sneakers have now become such a hot topic when it comes to the game. At some point I want to do a sneaker collection video.

R8: What sneaker are you currently searching for?

RHJ: There isn't a specific sneaker I'm currently searching for but I tend to lean towards player exclusives and shoes that are more limited. That said, I wouldn't mind a pair of Jordan 1 Diors.

R8: Any memorable sneaker story or purchase?

RHJ: My most memorable sneaker stories revolve around all my personal PE's I've gotten over the years as each sneaker tells a unique story about me during a specific moment in time. 

R8: When was your foundation founded and what was your motivation behind starting it?

RHJ: The RHJ Foundation was founded in 2018 with the sole purpose being to impact the youth, provide support, and give hope to my community. Too many kids where I grew up don't get the types of opportunities I've had so I started the foundation in order to use my platform and resources to bring communities together and create change. My supporters and I are working to provide students in Chester and all the communities that I have called home with the types of experiences and skills that motivate and support them in achieving the futures they want for themselves.

R8: How will proceeds from this exclusive shoe raffle support your foundation?

RHJ: The proceeds will be used to help achieve our main goal of opening up a Charter School in Chester PA. That said, I've partnered with local educational leaders and community members to design the C.H.A.P. Charter School which will be a nonprofit, public charter school rooted in a core philosophy that all students have the capacity for extraordinary excellence.

R8: What can people do to become more involved in your foundation?

RHJ: People can go to my website (http://www.rhjfoundation.org) and donate directly through there or they can get involved by dropping us a line on the website as well.

R8: What are some of your best memories from starting the foundation?

RHJ: Just knowing I can impact my community in a positive way. It's all about the students, so my best memories come from engaging, teaching, educating, and setting them up for long term success. Whether it's field trips or one off conversations, I truly enjoy it all! Check out our most recent field trip we did HERE. 

R8: Do you have any upcoming initiatives that you would like to promote?

RHJ: The RHJ Foundation has a number of upcoming initiatives that are certainly important but I'd like to highlight our goal of opening the C.H.A.P. Charter School within the next year. It will require a ton of work and support from everyone involved but I'm excited and confident we'll get it done! I can't wait to show it to the students within the local community. Additionally, we're starting the process of building affordable homes/apartments in my hometown Chester PA which is another exciting initiative that my team is working on. Overall, we'll continue to push the envelope and create unique and innovative opportunities for the youth!

To enter the Rondae Hollis Jefferson: Together We Can Foundation raffle, click here!