This week I got a chance to sit down with former Arkansas Razorback men’s basketball player Jonathan Holmes. Holmes was born and raised in Columbia, Illinois. He talked to me about his close relationship with his family, and how much he looked up to his father. From a young age, Holmes has been a hard worker, playing multiple sports throughout middle school. Holmes continued playing football and basketball, eventually sticking with the game of basketball after a particular incident with his brother that would change his life tremendously. Holmes’ high school only had about 500 students, with 150 in his class. Holmes talked to me about his passion to get away from Illinois and explore D1 options rather than D2 or D3 options. Jonathan found his way to Fayetteville, Arkansas, and landed a tryout with other athletes across the country to play under Mike Anderson and the Hogs. Holmes grabbed that opportunity and ran with it. He was so familiar with Columbia that Holmes was not used to being away from home, basically being a stranger. Holmes talked to me about his perseverance, and how staying at Arkansas, allowed him to work even harder. Throughout his journey at Arkansas, Holmes fulfilled that life-long dream of gaining a scholarship! After Anderson was let go from the program, Jonathan thought about exploring other options. Anderson had become a father figure for Holmes, and Holmes almost followed him to St.John’s, where Coach Anderson is currently coaching. Holmes decided to stick it out in Fayetteville, but unfortunately, incoming new Head Coach Eric Musselman had other plans. Musselman let Holmes out of his scholarship, and the matter that Coach Musselman went about it didn’t really sit well with Holmes. Holmes ultimately stuck with his initial plan and finished out his senior year and earned his finance degree. Jonathan is back home now and is currently working at a Chick-fil-a with his father. He is also helping younger kids train for the game of basketball. Holmes also is looking to get into the coaching business. If you’re trying to expand your game and take a chance at going to a D1 college, then this is the episode you need to tune into. Holmes spoke with great passion, and I enjoyed every second of this episode! I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as I did. Shoutout to that purple van!
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