Dayton Basketball: In-depth look at sophomore center Daron Holmes II

Expectations for Holmes in 2022-23

I would take Holmes as the best center in the Atlantic 10 over virtually anyone else in the league. He has it all, and as good as he was last year, he has an outstanding supporting cast around him that not only will bump up his numbers, but it will also lead to a huge year for the Flyers on the court. I have mentioned they are my favorite to win the league and I would honestly be very surprised if they do not.

As mentioned, you don’t have to go back very far to find another Dayton player who put up these kinds of numbers in Toppin and Holmes is more talented and has a higher ceiling than Toppin. Holmes very well could lead the country in blocks, average close to 20 points per game, and may also lead the country in field goal percentage.

The big man is extremely talented and is a guy who has already proven he can play against the top guys in the country. He should be an All-American and the runaway favorite for the Atlantic 10 player of the year, first-team all-conference, and defensive player of the year.  Holmes is going to be the best player on an NCAA tournament and Atlantic 10 championship team.

Dayton is going to be the favorite to win the Atlantic 10 this year, they are likely going to be highly ranked as a mid-major this year, and likely will be one of the best mid-major programs in the country.  Fans will not have to go back too far to find an extremely talented Atlantic 10 team who didn’t live up to expectations as the Saint Bonaventure Bonnies struggled this past season with a lot of expectations.

In addition to Holmes, the Flyers have an extremely talented backcourt led by Malachi Smith. Koby Brea and Kobe Elvis are both huge contributors who are also in for breakout years. Georgia transfer Toumani Camara is another player who could be the first team all-conference. As a big man, he is an outstanding rebounder and is a great shooter from long range, Camara’s ability to spread the floor opens the paint for Holmes to dominate.

The Flyers have a lot of talent in their starting five, but they also have a lot of depth which is the reason why the expectations are so high. Three of their starters are good enough to start for any team in the country, but they also have some depth pieces like Mustapha Amzil who can turn into an all-conference player with the right situation and the right number of minutes.

Dayton is in very good hands with head coach Grant, and they are likely going to live up to and exceed their expectations. Don’t be surprised if Dayton makes the second weekend and they are good enough to get a high seed in the NCAA tournament.