Versatile Ron Holland a player UK fans would love on and off the court

Maybe Kentucky coach John Calipari mainly went to Spain to see DJ Wagner play for the United States in the FIBA Under 17 World Cup but he also got to see plenty of forward Ron Holland, another UK target in the 2023 recruiting class.

The 6-8 Holland has averaged 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in three wins for the U.S. and shot 56 percent from the field. He had 14 points and six rebounds Tuesday in a 112-64 win over Mali that advances his team to play Egypt at 12:15 EST Wednesday in the round of 16.

Holland is a versatile, positional rebounder who thrives in a transition game because of his playmaking ability. He can be a dynamic slasher going to the basket but can also hit a 3-point shot.

But what I think UK fans should like even more about Holland is his attitude. He shared some great insights with Drew Silverman, a freelance contributor for USAB.com.

“I was not always the most skilled growing up,” Holland told Silverman. “I didn’t have a whole lot of skill, just played harder. But I just had to get in the gym and put in the work because the older you get, everybody plays hard. So it’s the skills that set you apart.”

He also has a drive that reminded me of the way Bam Adebayo talked about wanting to succeed at UK so he could help his mother.

“I play for my family,” Holland told Silverman. “I’m not saying we live a bad lifestyle, but I know that I could change our lifestyle. My mom, my dad, my sister, I could let them put their feet up. I want them to enjoy the rest of their life.”

So while he might not be the highest rated player in the 2023 recruiting class, it’s hard to see anyone who might be a better fit for UK basketball fans than Holland.

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