NCAA Basketball: Arizona, Dayton in mix for top-50 forward DaRon Holmes

Dayton Flyers

Although Holmes isn’t the same type of forward as National Player of the Yeat Obi Toppin, seeing what happened to him last season makes the Flyers a very intriguing option. And although junior forward Chase Johnson decided to return to the program this offseason, there’s little projected frontcourt depth on the roster after next season.

Although the A-10 is a step below the power conferences, Dayton, along with VCU is a nationally recognized program that top-100 athletes and transfers (Elijah Weaver) have considered in the past. Holmes can have a major impact for Dayton and not have to risk losing playing time compared to the bigger programs. But could the Pac-12 and Big East be too much to pass up?

Marquette Golden Eagles

This is an intriguing option, considering that the entire 2020 recruiting class features of a trio of four-star forwards, including top-30 prospect Dawson Garcia. But considering that he may be “one and done”, along with both Theo John and Jamal Cain also being seniors, it makes sense for the program to add at least one forward in the 2021 class to solidify depth.

The Golden Eagles have guards Kameron Jones and Stevie Mitchell already part of the 2021 class, and adding either a small or power forward would be a nice finishing touch. But while Holmes could find a role in the rotation for Marquette, this is the toughest of the four in terms of starting as either a freshman or sophomore.

DaRon Holmes is a talented prospect whose recruitment seems to lean Arizona at the moment. But considering the momentum of the program after a breakthrough season, don’t count out Dayton as being the biggest threat to the Wildcats. Sean Miller lost one forward already this month and can’t afford for it to be two.