Even if he is less in the spotlight than Isaiah Collier or Ja'Kobe Walter, Ron Holland seems to have made the right choice by reversing his decision to join the University of Texas to join Team Ignite in the G-League.
After 12 games, this versatile winger averages 20 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 1 block! A lightning adaptation which confirms the scouts in their impressions since it is announced in the Top 5 of the next Draft.
“I feel like it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” Holland said about his choice to imitate Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Scoot Henderson. “The entire staff does a great job preparing us on and off the field… I think they do a great job preparing us to achieve our dreams. »
An idol ? Kevin Garnett
Even if he will have to work on his outside shooting, Holland has very few flaws in his game, and what appeals are his leadership qualities. A leader by example. We understand better why he is already international (U17 world champion), and why he only lost two matches in high school (58v-2d!), with a Texas state title on the line. His volume of play is interesting and he does not hesitate to take responsibility against older opponents. Like his role model, Kevin Garnett, who landed in the NBA after high school.
“Growing up, I idolized Kevin Garnett. His mindset came down to his passion, not only for basketball, but also for things off the court,” remembers the Texan. “People thought there was something wrong with him, but he actually really loved what he did. He was so passionate.”
This character trait, however, played tricks on him in high school, even with those close to him, and he admits that it even stuck to him. “When I was calm, it only took one simple mistake for me to get angry and make people think I was a hothead,” admits Holland. “Let's say I was yelling at the ref or something…I made that mistake a few times in middle school and high school, and I didn't have people around me who knew I was a very good player . They didn't really care because they were interested in my character. »
A model ? Mikal Bridges
Ron Holland has calmed down a lot, and being surrounded by former pros must be beneficial to him within Team Ignite. Perhaps this is also due to the fact that he tries to model his game on that of Mikal Bridges, his favorite player. He even met him at the Team USA rally.
“He’s not an All-Star, and his job was just to defend on the best player and put his shots in when he was unmarked,” Holland said of Bridges. “After showing the whole world that he could do (on defense), he showed that he could do a little more than that, and we see where he is today. »
Between Garnett's passion and Bridges' discretion, time will tell if Holland is the missing link.
