NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of New Mexico of last decade
By Joey Loose
6. T. J. Holyfield – Stephen F. Austin / Texas Tech
A 6’8 forward from Albuquerque, Holyfield was an impressive young recruit who found his way over to Stephen F. Austin. Originally recruited by Brad Underwood, he spent three years under a pair of head coaches with the Lumberjacks before transferring, spending his final collegiate season at Texas Tech under Chris Beard. He was a consistent and talented forward who happened to play under two of the rising names in the coaching world.
Holyfield started every game in his three seasons with the Lumberjacks and was part of their first-round NCAA Tournament upset over West Virginia. He averaged at least 11 points and 6 rebounds per game whilst a sophomore and junior, including a 21-point, 16-rebound effort against Northwestern State and another appearance in the Big Dance. After sitting out a season, he played that final year for Texas Tech during the pandemic-shortened season, averaging just under 9 points a game as one of the Red Raiders’ starting forwards.
Holyfield was twice named to the All-Southland teams and was one of the best pure shooters in the conference. He contributed during Stephen F. Austin’s run of recent success and ranked regularly among the conference’s leaders in rebounds and blocks as well. During that final season at Texas Tech, he was an important piece on a team that finished 3rd in the Big 12 and could’ve made some noise in the Big Dance. His career has continued internationally, most recently over in Germany.