The North Carolina grassroots landscape is unlike any other, especially given how regularly high-level ability emerges within talented middle school prospects and resonates through their high school journey. Each year, we see a variety of new-and-improved kids who are setting trends, turning heads, and (some) establishing their eventual NBA habits at an early stage. In most cases, it’s near-impossible for these noteworthy young prospects to maintain their status and reputation over the years. However, it can be done. We can easily look back at rosters from previous CP3 Rising Stars Camps, which includes a lengthy list of NBA players like PJ Washington, Devon Dotson, and Wendell Carter among considerable others. Could Aden Holloway be the next premier prospect to follow that path'
Commonly known as “Biz,” Holloway was one of the most popular middle school prospects of the last decade, and rightfully so. He’s always been an absolutely electric floor general with the necessary blend of IQ, craftiness, shooting, and playmaking to effortlessly dictate the action and dominate his individual assignment. During his eighth-grade travel season, Holloway was the clear leader of Team CP3 and arguably solidified himself as the top guard within the Class of 2023. So, when did Holloway suddenly get dethroned from this position'
Surely it couldn’t have taken place during his freshman season, when he averaged 18.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.1 APG, and 1.6 SPG with (46/42/77) shooting splits. Additionally, Holloway led the Lions to their first winning season (17-13) since 2015-16. Meanwhile, other freshmen seemed to receive more attention for one reason or another–but none strong enough to justify leapfrogging the centerpiece at Covenant Day. This didn’t stop ACC schools from getting involved, namely referring to Syracuse extending an offer in July of 2019.
Fast-forward to the present day, and it’s even more puzzling how folks don’t recognize Holloway and his special qualities. The poise, maturity, and incredibly elite feel for the game are evident on literally every single possession. Holloway simply moves in a unique, advanced manner and can effortlessly get wherever he wants on the floor. He has the ball on such a tight string and almost never has miscues or lapses in judgment. His exceptional all-around shooting, especially from beyond the arc, forces opponents to stay attached at the hip as much as possible. Unfortunately for them, Holloway’s first step, change of direction, and adaptable offensive skillset frequently allow him to get opponents off-balance to access quality looks from all three levels. His ability to make the game so easy and effortless directly elevates his teammates on both ends of the court. Through seven games this season, Holloway is averaging 24.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 2.6 SPG with (50/44/100) shooting splits.
We could continue going on about Holloway’s gifts and unique understanding for the game, but things will ultimately iron themselves out at the end of the day. Since Syracuse, Winthrop and Virginia Tech have offered, but that list should continue to grow exponentially over the foreseeable future. Expect him to have a lot of supporters as the top prospect in North Carolina’s Class of 2023, as Holloway has more than earned his status as an elite-level player.