He already has a state championship ring. Later this month, Duncanville High School basketball player Ron Holland is hoping for a chance to add some more hardware to his collection by winning a gold medal with the USA Basketball Under 16 team.
Earlier this year, Ron was invited to play with the most sought-after players in his age group from around the country as USA Basketball prepares to form a team for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under 16 Americas Championship. Ron leaves August 12 to participate in a minicamp in Houston where the final team will be chosen. If he makes the cut, Ron will travel to Xalapa, Mexico to play against the best teams in his age group from around the world.
“It’s an unbelievable honor,” said Duncanville High School Head Basketball Coach David Peavy. “He deserves it.”
As a junior who is young for his class, just turning 16, Ron is one of the best rebounders in the country. He is the number one forward in his class in the state of Texas. With two years until graduation, Ron already has scholarship offers from the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, the University of Arkansas, the University of Houston and Southern Methodist University.
“I hold myself to a certain standard,” Ron said. “I have a lot of passion for the game.”
Ron is stepping into a leadership role as a returning player from Duncanville’s 2021 State Championship team. Coach Peavy describes him as the heartbeat of the program.
“When he’s on, he brings super energy. In basketball terms, he plays with a very high motor,” Coach Peavy said.
Ron’s mom Tarasha Holland plans to accompany him for a few days during the Houston tryouts. She and Ron’s dad, Ronald Holland, have been there during every step of his basketball journey.
“His dream is to play professional basketball, and I’m all for it,” said Mrs. Holland. “I want him to get the best education he can, and I want him to have all the opportunities to pursue his dream.”
Ron says seeing others make it to the NBA - like former Duncanville HIgh School player Jahmi’us Ramsey who now plays for the Sacramento Kings – encourages him to keep working hard toward his goal.
“It lets me know it’s possible. I can do this,” Ron said.
Coach Peavy says Ron’s skills and drive will help him achieve his goals.
“His energy and his fearlessness...he fears no one. Ever,” Peavy said.