Ladies and Gentleman, Rondae, the Renaissance Rookie

One of the most famous ads of the 20th century was for a piano school.  It read simply, "They laughed when I sat down to play ... then I started to play."

That might have been the reaction at a recent meeting of the NBPA, the players' union, when the Nets' Renaissance Rookie sat down at a piano at a reception.  According to an article on the union website, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's  performance was "dazzling."

RHJ had a piano at home in Chester, Pennsylvania, outside Philly.  He learned to play by ear, starting at age 12. Now, he can read music, play requests ... and compose.

“The song I played at the union meeting—it’s something I just made up,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “You know what sounds good. I hear a melody in my head—and it feels good to play it.”

The 20-year-old also writes poetry, models fashions (and defends well, too, we hear.)  As of now, he likes playing for friends but he has a keyboard in his new digs and promises to do a mixtape with fellow rookie Chris McCullough.

• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: Brooklyn Nets Rookie, Dazzling Pianist - NBPA