As Aaron Holiday decides whether to make the jump to the NBA, there is more to analyze than just his draft stock. The sophomore guard is assuredly taking a hard look at what type of situation he would land in back at UCLA.

Holiday, who showed solid development as a point guard last season despite the presence of the nation’s assist leader on his own team, could be passed over by another freshman point guard in identical fashion. Lonzo Ball ran the show for UCLA before departing for the NBA and the possibility exists for McDonald’s All-American Jaylen Hands to do the same next season.

Holiday has declared for the NBA draft, but has until May 24 to withdraw his name and return to UCLA. He is not currently projected to be among the 60 NBA draft picks on June 22.

Were he to return, UCLA coach Steve Alford could conceivably toss Holiday the keys and not think twice about it. There is an argument to be made that he has earned it. Continue reading “Should Aaron Holiday return to UCLA and battle yet another freshman?” »

Strengths: Whether is was overall maturity, another year to develop his point guard skills or that he was surrounded by twice as much talent than his freshman year, Aaron Holiday looked like a future NBA point guard as a sophomore. Lonzo Ball’s presence made for an odd situation, moving Holiday out of the starting lineup and off the ball much of the time he was on the court. None of it threw him off. Holiday averaged nearly a half-assist and two more points than last season in five less minutes per game and found a near-perfect balance of when to be aggressive calling his own number and when to defer to teammates. He also maintained his status as the team’s best defender.

Weaknesses: Holiday is only 6-foot-1, which means he better learn to play point guard at the next level, because he doesn’t have the size to play any other position. At 185 pounds, Holiday has plenty of heft for his frame, but he had trouble finishing in the lane. His 64% shooting at the rim, per hoop-math.com, was the second-lowest on the team to only Bryce Alford. His size is about the only limitation for a player who can shoot, handle and pass the basketball well on top of his above average perimeter defense.

Best moment: While the player who took his starting spot struggled in UCLA’s Dec. 3 trip to Kentucky, Holiday made all four of his shots and scored 13 points in the first half alone of what held up most of the season as UCLA’s best win. Continue reading “UCLA basketball 2017 report card: Aaron Holiday” »