Five-star college basketball draft prospect Ron Holland announced on Friday that he has changed his mind about joining the Texas Longhorns university basketball team. He posted a message to that effect on social media and also requested a release from the National Letter of Intent, but did not give a reason as to why he changed his mind.
“I want to take this time to thank head coach [Rodney Terry] and the entire Texas coaching staff for their consideration, I would also like to thank the Longhorn Nation for all their love and support,” he said in the message.
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“While this has been a difficult process, I have decided to decommit from University of Texas and reopen my recruitment. Texas will still be one of my top schools of choice,” he added.
Why Ron Holland decommitted Texas Longhorns?
When Holland committed to Texas in November 2022, it was inspired by the fact that Chris Beard was then the head coach of the Longhorns. Beard has since been fired and assistant Rodney Terry has taken over the reins for the remainder of the season.
Experts say that the departure of Beard played a role in altering Holland’s decision, even though the No 2 draft prospect did not say it in his message.
Will Kentucky Wildcats pursue?
Prior to committing to the Longhorn, Holland has visited the UCLA Bruins and Arkansas Razorbacks. His final five options before committing to Texas included Arkansas, Kentucky, UCLA and NBA G League, per 247Sports. Kentucky, the most successful NCAA Division I basketball program in history in terms of all-time winning percentage, would certainly be an attractive prospect for the 6-foot-8 power forward.
He ranked No. 4 nationally in the Class of 2023, per the 247Sports Composite. Holland impressed NBA scouts at the McDonald’s All-American game met in Houston last month. As one scout put it, “He’s been the best player in the gym.”
