At 31, Stephen Holt is no spring chicken.
He has been a well-traveled player who has seen action in the United States, Australia and Europe, including stints in high-level competitions like the National Basketball Association G League.
The 6-foot-4 Holt played for the Canton Charge, an affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, that makes him the overwhelming favorite to emerge as top overall rookie pick in the Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft this Sunday at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig.
But how good is Holt?
Sideliners project him as possibly the next big thing to come out of the draft after Mikey Williams, who also played in the G League before taking the country by storm.
The 6-foot-2 Williams has become the newest franchise player of TNT. In fact, the Tropang Giga returned to glory with two titles following the inclusion of this explosive, talented Filipino-American quarterback who won the Rookie of the Year last season.
Based on the highlights that we’ve seen, Holt is like the bigger version of Williams and another explosive guard, Stanley Pringle, during his prime.
He reads the passing lane so efficiently. He’s got quick hands and a knack for the ball, can slash his way to the basket and break down the defense effectively and is a good passer.
He also has a good range which is a necessity for someone playing the guard position.
But is he healthy?
We cannot determine it at this time as Holt was among the big names who didn’t take part in the Draft Combine.
Injuries had been a concern for other teams picking early. Two of those top prospects in the Draft — Xavier Lucero, a 6-foot-6 Fil-Am from University of the Philippines, and another versatile big man, Lus Villegas from University of the East — had made the squads wondering whether it would be worth the risk selecting them.
Although they have great upsides of making it big in the PBA, their health condition should also be considered, especially by the teams that will need their services immediately.
But if Holt is healthy, then he looms as the top overall pick, gaining an advantage over other favorites like Keith Datu and Brandon Bates, a pair of 6-foot-8 players who can immediately shore up the frontcourt of any squad.
Williams had set a standard and he didn’t disappoint as well as Pringle, who had become the thorn of the opposition when he entered the league almost a decade ago.
But if you are a rebuilding team that is investing in your future, then you need to carefully think about him as it means that Holt would immediately become part of your plans.
He will be the man of the moment for your squad, like what TNT did with Williams, who quickly took over as its top gun and chief playmaker.
Holt perfectly fits that mold — and it’s something that the top three teams in the draft are seriously contemplating on right now.
