Duncanville High School coach David Peavy expected a beaming Ron Holland after the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game, but what he saw was a star player nearly in tears. Holland’s West team had just lost in the final seconds, a sting that cut deep. “It’s an All-Star Game,” Peavy said, recounting the moment. “But Holland was adamant: ‘Coach, I don’t lose.’”
Can Ron Holland Rebound from G League Disaster?
Holland’s high school career in Dallas was nothing short of legendary. As a freshman, his Duncanville team was poised to dominate before the pandemic halted the playoffs. The following year, they clinched the 6A Texas state championship with a stellar 28-1 record. His junior year saw the addition of Anthony Black, now with the Orlando Magic, and another title followed. Despite the state’s athletic governing body stripping the championship due to Black’s ineligibility, Holland’s senior year saw Duncanville finish 29-1, claiming a mythical national championship. Holland also bagged two gold medals with USA Basketball, proving his mettle on the international stage.
Yet, his narrative took a twist after joining the G League Ignite. The team ended a miserable 6-44, a debacle so severe the NBA shut down the program. Holland’s stock plummeted from a top draft pick to possibly slipping out of the lottery. “In high school, I was at 100 percent, just running over guys,” Holland reflected at the NBA Draft Combine. “The Ignite taught me to handle bigger, smarter defenders.”
High school coach Peavy recalled Holland’s early struggles with maturity. “He loved working out but didn’t love practice,” Peavy shared. “He got kicked out of practice more than anyone.” But on game days, Holland transformed. “He doesn’t lose,” Peavy emphasized. “Down 10 with two minutes to go, he’d hit improbable shots and make unbelievable plays.”
As a senior, Holland led Duncanville to a near-perfect record, while his international stints further solidified his reputation. At the 2021 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, he was the top scorer. He followed it up with another standout performance at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup.
Despite his high school heroics, the G League exposed Holland’s flaws. His three-point shooting was dismal at 23.7%, and he struggled with turnovers. But flashes of brilliance persisted. He excelled in transition, creating scoring opportunities with his defense and rebounding.
Holland’s future now hinges on NBA teams’ perceptions. Is he the high school phenom or the struggling G League player? “I can guard 1-5 and play 1-4,” Holland asserted at the draft combine. His former coach Peavy added, “Ron’s got a little crazy in him. He’ll dive for rebounds, risking injury.”
As one of the youngest players entering the NBA, Holland faces a steep climb. He won’t be a primary scorer but can impact games with his energy and defense. Falling in the draft might be a blessing, allowing him to develop on a stronger team with less pressure. Peavy’s faith in Holland remains unshaken. Even in dire straits, Holland finds a way to win. That’s a quality teams shouldn’t underestimate.
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