The No. 1 is Ron Holland. According to report, the second-ranked senior in boys’ high school basketball for the class of 2023 will represent the G League Ignite next season.
Even though Holland was released from his letter of intent only recently, he decommitted from Texas toward the end of April. Given that Arkansas was one of his initial finalists at the beginning of November, the Razorbacks were widely considered to be the early favorite if he decided to attend college.
However, the G League Ignite pathway, which has produced players like Scoot Henderson and Jalen Green since its inception in 2020, quickly emerged as Holland’s only viable option. 6 in ESPN’s rankings for the early 2024 NBA draft.
“This process was not easy,” Holland told ESPN. “At times it was scary because at times I had no idea where I would be.
“The G League will help me reach my potential as a basketball player and prepare me for the NBA. To have a long career, I need to prepare my body and improve my skills as I continue to try to win games. They have a program to help develop my body and my game. I know I have to work on being a more consistent shooter, along with my footwork and ball handling, so I can score in space on the perimeter against a set defender.”
Additionally, Holland developed a strong bond with Ignite coach Jason Hart.
“When I spoke with head coach Jason Hart, we were on the same page,” Holland said. “He knew that winning was important to me, but he also understands that I am willing to work hard to earn everything.”
Holland, a forward who stands 6-foot-8 and attends Duncanville High School in Texas, steadily moved up the rankings over the spring and summer of last year before finishing just behind top prospect Isaiah Collier in the final 2023 rankings.
He is a class-leading two-way player and one of the best defenders. With USA Basketball, he won two gold medals. Holland played in six of the FIBA U16 Americas games in 2021, averaging 19.0 points and 10.2 rebounds. The following summer, Holland played in all seven of the FIBA U17 world championship games, averaging 11.1 points and 6.6 rebounds.
Holland averaged 10.0 points and 5.8 rebounds on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer while participating in the Drive Nation grassroots program.
Holland’s excellent performances this spring at the McDonald’s All American Game and Nike Hoop Summit established him as a senior. At the McDonald’s game, he scored 11 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. At the Hoop Summit, he scored 15, had 9 rebounds, and gave 5 assists.
Holland is a player with the bounce and open-court speed of an NBA player. His guarded presence is as of now his top expertise. He is an elite player who can stop his opponent in one-on-one situations or rotate over to help defend. He is likewise an extraordinary switch safeguard, something the NBA has progressively desired. His adaptability to remain before the ball against more modest and faster players off the spill, challenge shooters on the border, or play post guard against greater and more grounded advances is vital.
Holland is an offensive player who knows how to create scoring opportunities by attacking the offensive glass, running the floor for transition baskets, and moving without the ball. His assurance and exertion make him a predictable rebounder. At the McDonald’s All American Game, NBA scouts left dazzled by his in-game execution and hop shot mechanics.
Holland is the second elite 2023 prospect after fellow top-five senior Matas Buzelis to select G League Ignite. Flexible wing Dink Pate, a best 30 possibility, likewise as of late declared he was renaming into the 2023 class and playing for G Association Light.