When it comes to offense, the Milwaukee Bucks have it covered with the All-Star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. However, for defensive improvements, the front office might consider drafting Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II.
Before his collegiate career, Holmes was a four-star recruit who played for Millennium High School, Montverde Academy, and AZ Compass Prep. He ultimately chose to play for Dayton over offers from California, Marquette, and Arizona.
Holmes began his college career at Dayton as a starter, averaging 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. Despite shooting 66 percent from inside the arc, his effectiveness was limited by a 14 percent success rate from three-point range and 58 percent from the free-throw line during his first year in the NCAA.
By Holmes’ third and final year at Dayton, his stats improved significantly, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. Unlike his freshman campaign, he demonstrated efficiency from all three levels of the court with shooting splits of 54/38/71.
Dayton’s DaRon Holmes Named as Potential Draft Target for Milwaukee Bucks
Having an all-around defender like DaRon Holmes will definitely be a boon for Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, especially in late-game scenarios and close playoff contests. Brian Sampson elaborates on this in an article for Forbes.
“Holmes stands at 6-foot-9, weighing in at 221 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan. He doesn’t have the sheer size of Brook Lopez, who towers at 7-foot-1 and 282 pounds. But let’s be real, not many humans match Lopez’s massive frame. Holmes, however, excels as a shot-blocker, utilizing his length and explosive leaping ability to disrupt shots around the rim.
Even more impressive, Holmes can defend in today’s NBA. His versatility allows him to switch onto multiple positions and hold his own on the perimeter. His relentless motor on both ends of the court injects energy and athleticism—qualities the Bucks could certainly use,” Sampson wrote.
Unlike big man Brook Lopez, Holmes is swifter on the court when guarding players from the perimeter to the paint. His 2.1 blocks per game is also a promising sign for Milwaukee, especially in today’s positionless style of basketball.
It remains to be seen where Holmes will end up after the NBA Draft. Nevertheless, the Dayton star won’t have a problem fitting in if the Bucks use one of its two picks on him.
