Brooklyn Nets’ Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: Winning Off the Court

TMD: Earlier you mentioned agriculture. Shaq, Melo, Kobe are investing into tech and media. Why agriculture for you?

 HJ: It’s different. So, I have one more class in agriculture field that I’m in. It’s a certificate that shows you’re certified in agriculture. I have one more class to take and I’m certified!

TMD: When do you finish that class?

HJ: I can take it this fall or can take next summer, but I’m going to take it this fall. That’s something big because a lot of people take the easy way out. We say ‘Oh, I’m going to order McDonald’s’ or they get the microwaved food.” I feel like if we can get more kids to take their time and understand what they’re eating and how this can hurt you, and how this can help you, it’ll definitely change a lot of lives. And then you’ll see more people smiling.

TMD: The program that you’re enrolled in is at the University of Arizona, what’s the name of the program you’re in?

 HJ: I believe it’s called Ag Ed. Agriculture Education. I have two years of general studies left and then I have that diploma.

TMD: That must be a really tough feat because I know a lot of players when the season is over that’s when they try to go to school or when they’re done with their career that’s when they want to take a different path. What do you want to do before you retire?

 HJ: Definitely graduate! Buy some land in different states to show and teach the kids. I believe in change. You can have the most money in the world, anything you want, but you can’t take that to the grave with you. You can’t take anything with you, but what you can do is create a legacy and be remembered as a great person and one of the greatest athletes and that goes a long way. A Babe Ruth quote “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” That’s something I always try to think about.

“You can’t take anything with you, but what you can do is create a legacy and be remembered as a great person and one of the greatest athletes and that goes a long way. A Babe Ruth quote “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” That’s something I always try to think about.”

 

TMD:  How do you plan on reaching all of your goals?

HJ: Definitely by starting small. Everyone can’t get a loan. Just being able to do certain appearances, and investing in savings. But as far as investing, you don’t want to invest in anything. Doing your research on the company and that’ll take you a long way. Going to school, and not just by going to school, but having those resources, those tools and having those people who are in the business realm teach you a lot of things.

And great character takes you a long way. I try to stress that to kids as well. It’s ok to smile. It’s ok to have genuine conversations. But, a lot of times you meet a lot of people with that look on their face like it’s a rough day. Why is your face frowning? I know every day isn’t going to be perfect, but you should be smiling.

TMD: I think there’s a quote that says it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.

HJ: I always tell people smiling adds 15 more minutes to your life?

TMD: So, how many minutes you got now?

HJ: I probably have 100 billion. [Laughs]