NBA Draft Scouting Report: Dayton's DaRon Holmes II
DaRon Holmes II
Forward | Dayton
Height: 6'10” | Weight: 225 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 21.85
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
In what was a breakout sophomore season, Holmes emerged as a prospect that entered the pre-draft process but opted to come back for another season. He’s got a great motor and the size to be a highly impactful NBA player.
On the offensive end, he’s extremely active around the rim. He has great touch, but can also finish with power. As a typical power forward, he’s got the strength to take on nearly anyone in the post.
When catching in the paint, he’s great about surveying the floor and looking for teammates. Holmes certainly not an offensive hub, but Holmes does have good feel for kicking the ball out to open teammates from the post.
With that in mind, his game needs to expand further away from the rim. Holmes’ jumper needs work, but he also doesn’t attempt many shots outside of the paint. If he’s going to take his game to the next level, that’s where it starts.
Even without a perimeter game, Holmes is a 20-point scorer in most games. With the majority of his shots coming from inside the arc, it only makes you wonder just how dominant he could be if the deep ball becomes a more focal part of his game in the NBA.
The defensive side of the ball is where he thrives. It’s the versatility that pops, as Holmes is a great rim protector but can also hold his own on the perimeter against quicker players. He’s disciplined on that end of the floor and has all of the tools to thrive at the next level.
Numerous time this season, Holmes has logged multi-block games as well as multi-steal games. With a high motor and great athleticism, he’s a menace on that end. Often times, the blocks he generates are in help as he disrupts the shots of players he’s not primarily defending on that possession.
The Atlantic 10 Conference actually has solid competition, which Holmes often dominates. The former top 50 recruit is the highest in Dayton history, playing against premier talent at the high school level before joining the Flyers.
As a two-way prospect, Holmes should firmly be in the second-round conversation. He’s generated draft interest dating back to his days at Montverde Academy, with his game now beginning to fully come together at the college level.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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