Five-star power forward Ron Holland is one of two recruits currently committed to Texas men’s basketball for the 2023-24 season. Holland committed to Texas this past November over other top-rated basketball programs such as Arkansas, UCLA and Kentucky.

A Duncanville, Texas product, Holland is the No. 1 ranked high school basketball player in the state, according to both 247Sports and ESPN. Duncanville High School has reached three straight UIL 6A state championships during Holland’s first three years there. As a junior, Holland averaged 15.9 points per game with 58% shooting accuracy while also grabbing 7.9 rebounds per game. 

Standing at 6 foot, 8 inches, Holland will come in as one of the tallest players on the roster and will bring much needed size to Texas’ frontcourt. With the future of Texas’ forward position unknown, Holland has the chance to fill in the role of senior players such as Timmy Allen and Dylan Disu. Allen is out of eligibility, but Disu could return for one more year. The combination of Holland’s height along with his athleticism makes him a very versatile prospect. 

“Ron Holland is the best player in the state of Texas and is going to have a great career for us,” Texas head coach Rodney Terry said to On3.

Offensively, Holland possesses speed and ball handling skills that are rare for a player his size. He is always a scoring threat while on the court due to his elite finishes at the rim and high-rising jumping ability. Holland has also shown that he’s capable of knocking down the three ball. With a respectable three point shot, defenders are forced to step up on the perimeter, preventing them from sagging off and waiting in the paint. 

On the other side of the ball, Holland’s size, length and athleticism give him all the tools to be an impactful defender. His speed and strength allow him to keep up with guards and stay solid while defending the perimeter. Because of this, opposing teams are not able to create mismatches by targeting Holland in the pick and roll, as is often done to other sizeable players. This switchability allows Holland to hold his own no matter what position he is guarding. Holland’s near 7-foot wingspan allows him to contest the shots of those who dare to enter the paint as well.

Holland has a very high motor and can always be found fighting for a rebound or sprinting back down the court to defend a fastbreak. His dedication toward doing the little things to contribute to winning is a big part of what makes him ready to compete at the collegiate level. 

As a high-energy, two-way player, Holland should get the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the team upon arriving in Austin. Because of his versatility on both ends of the floor, the Longhorns coaching staff will be able to plug Holland into a wide variety of lineups and experiment to see where he fits best. 

Alongside fellow five-star recruit A.J. Johnson, Holland has the bar set high for his first year on the Forty Acres. 

“Me and A.J. Johnson., we get to go try and get a national championship next year,” Holland said to reporters at the McDonald’s All-American game.