Welcome to A10 Talk’s Preseason Top 25 Player Countdown for the 2018-19 season. Each day, we’ll be publishing a new article counting down our best 25 players for the coming season, as voted on by our staff of writers. Today, we feature #18 Rashaan Holloway of Massachusetts.
What He’s Done
Heading into his junior season, Holloway was expected to make some big moves and become one of the best players in the Atlantic 10. Unfortunately, a preseason injury held him back at times, though he was still able to make important contributions in some of Massachusetts’ biggest non-conference games. Averaging 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in the first half of the season, Holloway was a vital component in wins over Providence and Georgia. However, academic ineligibility would sideline Holloway for the rest of the season, leaving a big hole in the Minutemen’s frontcourt. Holloway is arguably the most physically-imposing player in the Atlantic 10, and it shows. At 6’11” and 300+ pounds, the big fella has the mass to go to work against any forward in the league. Holloway had some dominating performances 2 seasons ago, including a 22 point, 11 rebound night in a loss against VCU.
What He’ll Do
Holloway has been expected to breakout as one of the league’s best, though last year definitely was not a step in the right direction. This year, he’ll be the rock of the post without Malik Hines around; the Minutemen do have some young guys that will see time down in the post as well. Holloway’s first key will be staying academically eligible, as there is no way for him to rise up as one of the league’s best big men if he can’t stay on the court. He’ll have a chance to be absolutely dominant, as other big men like Justin Tillman and Peyton Aldridge have graduated, making the A-10 a guard-heady league. Look for Holloway to make major improvements, and look for him to average 13+ PPG and 7+ RPG as a senior — if not more. If Massachusetts wants to make a run at the league crown this year (and it’s not impossible with the talent Matt McCall has developed), it’s going to take a big step in the right direction from Rashaan Holloway.
Previously: #19 Goanar Mar
