Expected to Overshadow Bronny James, Who Is 18YO Ron Holland?

The scouting season for the 2024 NBA Draft begins as the 2023 NBA Draft wraps up and the basketball world turns its focus to the future. While scouts are watching high school and college tapes to find the next big thing, Bronny James is one name that is already making headlines. The highly anticipated one-and-done draft contender Bronny James, the son of NBA great LeBron James, is entering the NCAA as a highly regarded prospect. Scouts and fans alike have taken notice of his skill, athleticism and basketball intelligence, making him a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming months.

In the middle of the hype surrounding Bronny James, Ron Holland, an up-and-coming talent, is ready to steal the show in the 2024 NBA Draft. Ron Holland, who is only 18 years old, is causing quite a stir in NBA circles. So, without further ado, who is Ron Holland?

Who is Ron Holland?

While not as high-profile as Bronny James, Holland, a power forward who stands at 6-foot-8, hails from Duncanville, Texas, where he excelled in high school basketball. His choice to back out of his initial commitment to the University of Texas in late April drew criticism. A coaching change and a strong offer from a professional team, which brought him to the G League Ignite changed his mind about joining Texas.

Holland’s superior defensive prowess is his most notable trait. He exhibits exceptional defensive versatility for a top prospect, with a towering 7-foot wingspan and an unshakable work ethic. Holland is a contender to be the best defensive talent in the 2024 draft owing to his aggressive defensive drive and ability to guard forwards and wings. However, Holland’s versatility also shines on the offensive end.

He excels as a slasher and rim finisher. Holland can go around perimeter defenders with his ambidextrous finishing around the rim and his reliable ball-handling skills. While he is still honing his shooting and scoring skills, it is his exceptional two-way effect that distinguishes him as a promising player.

According to HoopsHype, Holland is projected to be the top pick for the 2024 NBA draft. However, he needs to improve his consistency as an outside shooter if he wants to maintain his status as the projected #1 pick.  His perimeter shooting, a crucial component of his long-term NBA career, will heavily need work by the G League Ignite coaching staff. Additionally, building muscle and strength will enhance his finishing and versatility as a defender.

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Meanwhile, where does Bronny James rank on the aggregate mock draft?

Bronny James is a top prospect for NBA draft 2024

Bronny James, a promising guard out of USC, has been making waves in the most recent update to the overall mock draft rankings. The 6-foot-4 freshman’s draft standing has significantly improved, with his best position coming in at an astonishing 2oth overall. Although he wasn’t included in some rankings, the worst-case scenario ranks him as an undrafted prospect.

Bronny James, who is well-known for his long three-point shooting, combines physical prowess and scoring skills. NBA teams keep a close eye on his progress in the hopes that he can develop into a more important point guard at the professional level. His great basketball IQ and steady season-to-season progress heighten this fascination. Most recently, an NBA scout took a particular interest in him.

They told HoopsHype, “I think Bronny will go in the draft because of who he is, and some team will really think LeBron will come if they draft him. If the Lakers get a pick, they won’t pass on him. He’s a decent player. He’s better than some guys who may get picked ahead of him.”

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They continued, “He’s solid, (but) not spectacular. He knows how to play. He can handle the ball well enough. If you leave him alone, he’ll drill a three. He reminds me of Austin Rivers as a player, and he’s (Rivers) stayed in the league for over a decade.”

The hype surrounding players like Bronny James and Ron Holland during the NBA Draft scouting season in 2024 promises to be exciting. While Bronny’s potential, fueled by his scoring and lineage, is also attracting a lot of interest, Holland’s defensive prowess still places him among the top contenders. Although both players have room for improvement, it will be interesting to track their paths to the NBA draft in the coming months.