NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Ranking 2023 5-star wing Ron Holland’s top 8
By Ian Mumm
Auburn Tigers
Speaking on the fit of fellow 2023 5-star and DFW metroplex resident, Ja’Kobe Walter, at Auburn, head coach Bruce Pearl has done a tremendous job of generating talent and production from his players. The Tigers have secured a trio of SEC regular-season titles and NCAA Tournament berths, a conference tournament title, and a final four appearance under his guidance. Pre-season expectations surrounding his teams have not always reflected these results, but he has found ways to elevate the play of his team and likewise their draft stock during post-season chatter.
Following this off-season, Pearl will have recruited, coached, and developed seven players making the transition to or are already rostered in the NBA since 2016-17’. As an added sales pitch for Coach Pearl’s success, he’s sent players to the next level at nearly every position on the floor and has been able to cater his system and philosophies to the players that suit up for him.
Most recently, Pearl signed 5-star forward Jabari Smith, a likely top-3 selection in the upcoming draft, alongside veteran transfer talents and coached them all to productive levels without stepping on any toes.
Smith’s successful season, as well as similar-traited 1st-round selections (Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, and JT Thor), have already proven Pearl’s system at Auburn works as a bridge to the NBA. Holland can grant himself more freedom on the court to prove his skillset to NBA scouts at a place like Auburn, all the while playing against some of the best competition in the nation. If he plays his natural and progressively developing game here, things should end up well for him.