The Journey of Jalin Holland: Rising to the Challenge with the CU Buffs
As a newcomer to collegiate basketball, Jalin Holland is experiencing an exhilarating and transformative journey alongside his fellow freshmen. The stakes are particularly high for him as he aims to elevate his skills in the competitive Big 12 conference with the Colorado men’s basketball team. At this level, there is no denying that every detail counts when it comes to honing one’s game.
This past Monday, Holland and the Buffaloes kicked off their third week of preseason practice, which is a crucial milestone as it brings them just four weeks away from their highly anticipated season opener against Montana State on November 3rd.
Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Holland is one member of an impressive freshman class composed of seven players who are set to redefine the CU roster. He finds himself amidst intense competition for a place in the rotation, battling against a formidable group of larger wings. Among his rivals are fellow freshmen 6-foot-6 Ian Inman and 6-foot-5 Josiah Sanders, alongside notable players like former ThunderRidge star Andrew Crawford (6-8), Denver transfer Jon Mani (6-7), and second-year guard Felix Kossaras (6-6).
Holland emphasizes the importance of developing a sharper basketball IQ. "The primary adjustment I’ve faced is learning to read the game better and not just relying on my raw talent to excel," he explained. "It’s all about making the right plays and focusing on those little, crucial details. Coach Tad Boyle has high expectations for our entire freshman class, and we’re ready to meet those expectations head-on."
Originally hailing from Los Lunas, New Mexico, Holland completed his final high school basketball season at Dream City Christian School in Glendale, Arizona. His dedication and skill earned him a four-star prospect rating from 247Sports, ranking him as the 22nd best shooting guard nationwide — a commendable achievement.
Although the transition to college basketball can be daunting, Holland credits the ten practices the Buffaloes participated in over the summer, which included a four-game exhibition tour in Australia, for easing his adjustment. "Reflecting on the summer, I can confidently say that I’ve transformed into a more complete basketball player. My basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and understanding of the game have all significantly improved," he shared.
A Test of Skill
Just this past Saturday, the Buffs engaged in an intrasquad scrimmage, marking the kickoff of a heightened competitive atmosphere as they prepare for the upcoming Nov. 3 season opener. Fans are invited to witness their annual scrimmage this Saturday, starting at 10:15 a.m. at the CU Events Center, where doors will swing open at 10 a.m. Following this, the Buffs will host Grace College, the institution formerly attended by center Elijah Malone, for an exhibition game on October 19, and will face Marquette in a private scrimmage the following week.
At this early stage in practice, Coach Boyle has expressed satisfaction with the offensive capabilities of his team, but he hasn’t shied away from pointing out areas needing improvement. "Currently, our offensive play is operating at a six or seven out of ten, while our defensive efforts are lagging, sitting at around a two out of ten," Boyle remarked candidly. \"We’re not doing enough with offensive rebounding — it feels like we’re just standing around at times.
"Let’s keep things in perspective; it’s early October, and there’s still plenty of room for growth. We need to elevate our performance across the board, but I am reasonably pleased with the progress we’ve made offensively so far."
Key Details
Mark your calendars! The doors of the CU Events Center will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday for the Buffs’ anticipated intrasquad scrimmage, and entry is free. This is a great opportunity for fans to get a glimpse of the team’s progress and future potential. Additionally, CU sophomore Sebastian Rancik, originally from Slovakia but who spent his high school years in Southern California, looks forward to a rare opportunity to return home after participating in the Australian tour.
In Conclusion
As Jalin Holland and his teammates embark on their arduous journey through college basketball, they face numerous challenges and moments of growth. What do you think will be the most crucial aspect of their development this season? Will the Buffs rise to the occasion, or will they struggle under the weight of expectations? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
