Player series, Part 6: DaRon Holmes

[CJ#4]

DaRon Holmes, 6-10, 220 pounds, age 18.11 (DOB 8-15-02), Goodyear, Ariz.
Three years at Millennium HS, then Montverde (Fla.) and Compass Prep as senior
Entering first year of CBB … #45 HS recruit (per 247 Composite)
See below for stats issues
Hopes and expectations are high because the #45 ranked recruit in the nation doesn’t usually come straight to UD. So let’s start with some context — how have guys ranked around #45 in past years performed when they got to college? … The answers are all over the map.
Last year’s #45 recruit Micah Peavy averaged 5.7 ppg in 20 minutes per game as a freshman for 6-seed Texas Tech. But #46 recruit Moses Moody averaged 17 ppg for Elite Eight team Arkansas and just went #14 in the NBA draft after one college season.
The year before that, #45 was Omar Payne, who scored 3.8 ppg for Florida as both a freshman and a sophomore, and has now transferred. But #44 was OSU’s EJ Liddell (6.7 ppg as frosh, first-team all-Big Ten as a soph), and #46 was Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn (13 & 9 as a frosh, 17 & 9 as a soph).
And if you go back one more year, the #45 recruit in 2018 was a certain Flyer named Elijah Weaver.
In short, there’s good reason to hope Holmes will be a star, but there are no guarantees in life.

So who is DaRon Holmes?
He was the Arizona state player of the year as a junior at Millennium HS in the Phoenix suburbs, averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks. As a senior, he transferred to Florida superpower Monteverde, but only played 10 games there, most of them blowouts, before leaving. Stats are hard to find, but I know he had at least a few double-digit scoring games. He went back to Arizona at Christmas, to join powerhouse Compass Prep, saying he had been unsure of his role at Montverde, and that Compass fit his style of play.
Again, stats are hard to find. MaxPreps, which is sometimes incomplete, only lists 5 of Holmes’ games with Compass (12 ppg, 8 reb, 2 blk, 52% shooting).
The video (there’s plenty available online) shows a long, quick, athletic big who can do a lot of things — run the floor, get steals, block shots, face up and drive to the hoop, and shoot 3s,
EDITED: Back in November, UD listed him as 6-8 and 185. SI lists him as 6-8 and 205. MaxPreps lists him as 6-9 and 220. *** (UD just updated their roster and now lists DaRon at 6-10, 220).

What role does Holmes play at UD as a freshman? We don’t know. With Camara, Amzil, Holmes, Zimi and Blakney at a minimum, the Flyers have no shortage of options at forward. I know some fans are projecting Holmes to post big numbers this year, but I’m not so sure about that, both because of minutes, and some UD history. UD hasn’t had a true freshman crack 12 ppg since Tony Stanley a quarter-century ago. If Camara is the stud this year, and Holmes is a complement (say, 10-6-2), I’d be very pleased, and eager to see Holmes’ sophomore breakout.

VIDEO
Millennium highlights: https://www.si.com/college/recruitin...hts-evaluation
Fancy 14-min Monteverde team video: Some DaRon plays from 1:15 to 2:15 and 12:00 to 12:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld2Bdts8LL4
Compass highlight and interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI2bnzzsClw

[CJ#4]

Never thought I'd see more commentary about Kobe Elvis and Richard Amaefule than DaRon Holmes.
*** Checks other threads ***
Oh yeah, mask debates and a UDScott fight ... never mind.

[The Fly]

As good as DaRon is, he sort of played second fiddle to Ty Ty Washington, who was the first scoring option for Compass. If our guards make a point of getting him the ball, I think he can have a breakout freshman season. Good athleticism inside, soft touch from the outside that can keep defenders honest. That said, he may prove himself most valuable on the boards and as a rim protector. Whatever the case, he probably has more upside than anyone on the roster. We’re lucky to have him. I won’t be surprised to see him in the starting lineup by January, if not sooner.

[TA111]

Saw DaRon live in Vandalia in March and he was dominant. I agree with The Fly that he may assert himself most on the defensive end. He’s a very good shot blocker and rebounder. Frankly he and Camara give us a defensive presence we were missing last year.

[springborofan]

I’m excited to see him play! Maybe I shouldn’t because he is a Freshman, but I’m counting on big things from him.

[marco red eagle]

I am not a Figgie ... what is the average UD freshman numbers ... highs and lows stats ... and what is the national freshman mens basketball numbers?

What are the reasonable expectations for DaRon? I don't think this places to much pressure on him because I think our expectations should be low on his numbers this year. Thanks

[jack72]

Stats are interesting, but there is more to the game than scoring and rebounding average. If that were the case, Ibi would be more appreciated. Holmes can play good defense. If he sees the floor well, passes well, runs the offense and has decent hands, it will be a huge upgrade.

[O Doyle Rules]

Seen Homes at Flyin' to the Hoop and if he starts it will be because of defense and rebounding. Our front line is stacked - Camara, Amzil, Zimi, DaRon, Amafuele and Sissoko. If our guard play develops, watch out! Very bullish on this group.

[CJ#4]

Originally Posted by marco red eagle I am not a Figgie ... what is the average UD freshman numbers ... highs and lows stats ... and what is the national freshman mens basketball numbers? What are the reasonable expectations for DaRon? I don't think this places to much pressure on him because I think our expectations should be low on his numbers this year. Thanks

I'm not a Figgie either, but in writing the Holmes feature, I looked back at freshmen over the past 30 years. All I have is ppg, but here are some prominent freshman seasons ...
Chip Hare ----------- 11.1 -- 1991-92
Ryan Perryman ----- 9.4 -- 1994-95
Mark Ashman ------- 8.6 -- 1996-97
Tony Stanley ------- 13.1 -- 1997-98
Brooks Hall --------- 10.4 -- 1999-00
Ramod Marshall ----- 8.6 -- 2000-01
Brian Roberts -------- 9.2 -- 2004-05
Chris Wright -------- 10.4 -- 2007-08
Chris Johnson ------- 6.3 -- 2008-09
Juwan Staten -------- 8.5 -- 2010-11
Dyshawn Pierre ------ 8.3 -- 2012-13
Jalen Crutcher ------- 9.2 -- 2017-18

Two guys who were redshirt freshmen after spending a year in the program
Keith Waleskowski - 11.3 -- 2000-01
Obi Toppin ---------- 14.4 -- 2018-19

	Chris Wright CHRIS WRIGHT 6-8 225lb | Trotwood Madison, HS (OH) A10 All Rookie Team. Preseason 2008 2nd Team All A10. Member of the UD Flight Club with a 40+ inch vertical leap. Consensus Top-75 national recruit. Uncle is former Flyer J.D. Grigsby. Nickname is Top Flyght. CAREER STATS 2007-08 10.4ppg 5.7rpg

	Brooks Hall BROOKS HALL 6-6 205lb Troy HS | Troy (OH) Cool, calm, cerebral wing player who finished among the Top-25 scorers in Flyer history. Deadly three-point shot and excellent passing skills. Helped Dayton reach two NCAA tournaments under Oliver Purnell. Consensus Top-125 recruit out of Troy HS in 1999 where he was D-I First Team All-Ohio and the media's choice for Ohio Mr. Basketball. CAREER STATS 1999-00 10.4ppg 5.8rpg 2000-01 9.20ppg 4.6rpg 2001-02 13.2ppg 5.0rpg 2002-03 12.8ppg 6.9rpg TOTALS 1404pts 686rbs 275asts

[steverino015]

what were Roosevelt Chapman's nrs
as a freshman?

[CJ#4]

Originally Posted by steverino015 what were Roosevelt Chapman's nrs as a freshman?

12.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 47.5% FG

[springborofan]

Originally Posted by CJ#4 I'm not a Figgie either, but in writing the Holmes feature, I looked back at freshmen over the past 30 years. All I have is ppg, but here are some prominent freshman seasons ... Chip Hare ----------- 11.1 -- 1991-92 Ryan Perryman ----- 9.4 -- 1994-95 Mark Ashman ------- 8.6 -- 1996-97 Tony Stanley ------- 13.1 -- 1997-98 Brooks Hall --------- 10.4 -- 1999-00 Ramod Marshall ----- 8.6 -- 2000-01 Brian Roberts -------- 9.2 -- 2004-05 Chris Wright -------- 10.4 -- 2007-08 Chris Johnson ------- 6.3 -- 2008-09 Juwan Staten -------- 8.5 -- 2010-11 Dyshawn Pierre ------ 8.3 -- 2012-13 Jalen Crutcher ------- 9.2 -- 2017-18 Two guys who were redshirt freshmen after spending a year in the program Keith Waleskowski - 11.3 -- 2000-01 Obi Toppin ---------- 14.4 -- 2018-19

You forgot the most recent FR: Mustafa Amzil. 9.9/5.6. When you stack his numbers up against this list, it really screams he could really be good this year! And no one on this list was dropped in mid season.

	Chris Wright CHRIS WRIGHT 6-8 225lb | Trotwood Madison, HS (OH) A10 All Rookie Team. Preseason 2008 2nd Team All A10. Member of the UD Flight Club with a 40+ inch vertical leap. Consensus Top-75 national recruit. Uncle is former Flyer J.D. Grigsby. Nickname is Top Flyght. CAREER STATS 2007-08 10.4ppg 5.7rpg

	Brooks Hall BROOKS HALL 6-6 205lb Troy HS | Troy (OH) Cool, calm, cerebral wing player who finished among the Top-25 scorers in Flyer history. Deadly three-point shot and excellent passing skills. Helped Dayton reach two NCAA tournaments under Oliver Purnell. Consensus Top-125 recruit out of Troy HS in 1999 where he was D-I First Team All-Ohio and the media's choice for Ohio Mr. Basketball. CAREER STATS 1999-00 10.4ppg 5.8rpg 2000-01 9.20ppg 4.6rpg 2001-02 13.2ppg 5.0rpg 2002-03 12.8ppg 6.9rpg TOTALS 1404pts 686rbs 275asts

[marco red eagle]

One observation and one question.

OBSERVATION: I have been watching St Bonnies for years. They have had great individual players but didn't succeed until last year. Two and three years ago they struggled with great young players. Last year it clicked for the Bonnies and I expect them to click again this year with much success. I foresee that UD will be like the Bonnies ... great players but 4th in the A10 this year, same next year, then 2023 year to take off. What do you think?

QUESTION: Has AG allowed any Freshman to come in and play significant minutes from day one? Yes to Mustafa Amzil, and no to Obi (who sat out a year, then his first year he played lots of minutes but not given the keys and stayed in 35 minutes a game)

	St Bonaventure SAINT BONAVENTURE Founded in 1858, St. Bonaventure University is a liberal arts college located on 500 acres in southwestern New York state. SBU offers 43 undergraduate majors, the most popular of which are elementary education, journalism, psychology, accounting, marketing, finance, and management. Total undergraduate enrollment is 2,000. Virtually all freshmen and most undergraduates live on campus. A founding member of the A10 Conference. Famous athletes include Bob Lanier. Historical nickname was the Brown Indians, but later changed to the Bonnies. Their mascot is a wolf.

[maddog07]

Originally Posted by marco red eagle One observation and one question. OBSERVATION: I have been watching St Bonnies for years. They have had great individual players but didn't succeed until last year. Two and three years ago they struggled with great young players. Last year it clicked for the Bonnies and I expect them to click again this year with much success. I foresee that UD will be like the Bonnies ... great players but 4th in the A10 this year, same next year, then 2023 year to take off. What do you think? QUESTION: Has AG allowed any Freshman to come in and play significant minutes from day one? Yes to Mustafa Amzil, and no to Obi (who sat out a year, then his first year he played lots of minutes but not given the keys and stayed in 35 minutes a game)

Crutcher played significant minutes from the start.
Posted via Mobile Device

	St Bonaventure SAINT BONAVENTURE Founded in 1858, St. Bonaventure University is a liberal arts college located on 500 acres in southwestern New York state. SBU offers 43 undergraduate majors, the most popular of which are elementary education, journalism, psychology, accounting, marketing, finance, and management. Total undergraduate enrollment is 2,000. Virtually all freshmen and most undergraduates live on campus. A founding member of the A10 Conference. Famous athletes include Bob Lanier. Historical nickname was the Brown Indians, but later changed to the Bonnies. Their mascot is a wolf.

[CraSch]

Rosters updated. DaRon was listed as 6-8 and around 190-195 on most recruiting sites. Apparently had a growth spurt, Daytonflyers.com has him at 6-10 and 220. Not sure what that will do for his offense, but his defense should be even more impressive now

[hawkoooo]

Originally Posted by maddog07 Crutcher played significant minutes from the start. Posted via Mobile Device

So did Amzil.

[keats '91]

And none of those guys were top 50 recruits. I'm telling you, this kid has special talent. We saw the potential in Obi. This kid walks in the door with 'it'. Don't know if DaRon has Obi's personality, which played a huge part of his team's dynamics. But from a basketball standpoint, DaRon will be at top half of scouting reports immediately.

[Jeff]

Very intriguing player. Appreciate the article. Hope he's happy with whatever level of playing time and scoring he achieves. Seems to be willing to move on the past few years.

[TA111]

Originally Posted by keats '91 And none of those guys were top 50 recruits. I'm telling you, this kid has special talent. We saw the potential in Obi. This kid walks in the door with 'it'. Don't know if DaRon has Obi's personality, which played a huge part of his team's dynamics. But from a basketball standpoint, DaRon will be at top half of scouting reports immediately.

I watched DaRon play against McDonalds AA and outplay play them. If you want a sample google the Compass Prep game against Sunrise Christian, who were the No. 2 ranked team at the time. I think we are in for a treat.
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