Longhorns Signee Ron Holland Shows Out at McDonald's All-American Game

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Even on a court headlined by big names like Bronny James and D.J. Wagner, Texas Longhorns men's basketball signee Ron Holland made sure to show out as well during Tuesday's McDonald's All-American game in Houston.
Displaying incredible energy and high-octane motor on both ends, Holland gave Texas fans another reason to feel excited about next season in the first full year under head coach Rodney Terry, whose official hiring Tuesday made Holland solidify his commitment to the program.
While finishing with 11 points, a team-high six rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals was impressive, watching him in action - especially on the defensive end - was even better.
Holland's length allowed him to make some emphatic blocks. Despite trailing well behind the ball, he shows elite burst and quickly recovers to swat the shot at the rim without fouling. Take a look:
Here’s another impressive block. Despite getting beat off the dribble at first, Holland stays patient and recovers to swat the shot from behind.
defense travels 🤘@ron2kholland @McDAAG pic.twitter.com/Qt8SpxMuOz
— Texas Men’s Basketball (@TexasMBB) March 29, 2023
This explosiveness transitioned seamlessly to the offensive end. Holland helps tip a rebound to his teammate, runs the floor in transition and takes just one dribble inside half court before throwing it down with both hands off of one foot. Safe to say he isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill talent. This is special stuff.
Turning defense into offense. He's a Longhorn 🤘@ron2kholland @McDAAG pic.twitter.com/ABhUQ6a7Gw
— Texas Men’s Basketball (@TexasMBB) March 29, 2023
Holland showed more on offense, using his strength and aggressiveness inside to power through his defender before displaying nice footwork to finish off the glass.
These kind of plays are likely just the start of what Texas fans will see from Holland on campus next season under Terry's new regime.
“I’m really excited about that,” Holland said. “Just knowing how hard he had those guys playing and he really deserves that job. Just to see him reach that goal and for them to give him the opportunity to continue to coach that team, it’s a really good feeling for me."
He'll be joined by fellow 2023 signee AJ Johnson. And the freshmen expectation, at least according to Holland? Another deep March Madness run for the Longhorns.
"I get to stay committed to that team," Holland said. "Me and AJ Johnson. We get to go try get us a national championship next year."
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7
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