Atlantic 10 Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)
By Joey Loose
![Jan 25, 2020; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Dayton Flyers forward Obi Toppin (1) stands with Flyers forward Ryan Mikesell (33), Flyers guard Trey Landers (3), and Flyers guard Jalen Crutcher (10) against the Richmond Spiders in the closing seconds of the second half at Robins Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Jan 25, 2020; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Dayton Flyers forward Obi Toppin (1) stands with Flyers forward Ryan Mikesell (33), Flyers guard Trey Landers (3), and Flyers guard Jalen Crutcher (10) against the Richmond Spiders in the closing seconds of the second half at Robins Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/129da517036caf45dd3654be6ff9e26eb463183be3b745474e1a01516eb765bb.jpg)
19. DaRon Holmes II
Anthony Grant has landed some very impressive talent at Dayton and Holmes is another example. A Top 40 recruit from the 2021 class, Holmes is a 6’10 big man who has been an essential piece for the Flyers the last two seasons and isn’t done yet with the A-10 or with Dayton.
Holmes got off to a fast start, starting from day one and averaging 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game during an electric freshman season. Dayton has won at least 22 games in both of his seasons, and his sophomore season was even more impressive. Holland was more involved in the offense, averaging 18.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting the ball better from the charity stripe. He’s had multiple 30+ point performances and ended last season with a career-high 16 rebounds in the A-10 Tournament finals loss to VCU.
It’s been a fantastic beginning for Holmes, who was A-10 Rookie of the Year last season and won A-10 Tournament MVP this time around. He’s twice been named both All-A-10 and All-Defense in the league and has led the conference in field goal percentage both seasons as well. When the story is fully written on Holmes, he’d certainly belong much higher up this list. We can certainly say his work as an underclassman in this frontcourt has been excellent.