The critical elements 6-foot-2 Santa Rosa Junior College guard Chris Holley excels in are, as he explained, "definitely my attacking and finishing at the rim and my shot creation, creating for teammates."
Currently averaging 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 56%, 40% and 76% respectively, all the team indicators are more than positive as the Bear Cubs hold overall 18-6 and 10-2 conference records.
A late January pairing with Folsom Lake College displayed Holley at his most prominent, leading the victorious Bear Cubs in points, rebounds and assists with 18, 13 and eight respectively.
The Genetic Advantage
With parents who ran track and field at UC Davis (father) and played basketball at College of the Sequoias (mother), it's not surprising Holley is also an athlete. Coming out of Jesuit High in Sacramento, he signed with Sacramento State and played minimally as a freshman in the 21-22 season.
Due to an ankle injury, he missed the complete 22-23 schedule save for a single appearance against Hawai'i . At that point, Holley decided a fresh start was in his best interest and began searching for his next playing destination.
Going With McMillan
Holley decided on Coach Craig McMillan and Santa Rosa Junior College. As he explained, "They recruited me first back in high school and are known for their guard play." It's certainly accurate that McMillan has turned out numerous backcourters to four-year programs over the years and Holley wanted to be next in line.
That he will soon achieve.
McMillan on Holley
Effusive in praise of his team leader, McMillan said, "Chris has been phenomenal for us in all areas. He is a very talented and unselfish point guard who makes everyone on the court better. He is also an incredibly positive leader whose work ethic and enthusiasm has spread throughout the team."
For someone who also "played a lot of soccer and some football" as a youngster, the up-and-down, non-stop action of basketball proved irresistible. A captain during his upperclassmen tenure at Jesuit, Holley explained, "that's when I developed into a leader. At Sacramento State, we had a bunch of seniors and I learned from our team leaders. We have a younger team now (at SRJC) and it's important for me to be a leader on and off the court. We cheer for each other during games and gather up often to hang out together socially."
Offering Thanks
Asked for important influences during his hoops journey, Holley said, "For sure, my father is the main one. Words don't even express how he has helped me every step of the way. My mother has also been a critical mentor to me. I do want to mention Ryan Sypkens and Barry Roseborough too." The former is a full time trainer in the Sacramento area and the latter is an assistant coach at Monterey Trail High.
As for recruiting, "It would be great to stay on the West Coast." He sees himself as a one at the next level "facilitating and creating for others."
Holley will be majoring in Communications.
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