4-star CG Aden Holloway being heavily recruited by five programs
Class of 2023 combo guard Aden Holloway is currently ranked as the No. 46 prospect in the country, according to the On3 Consensus – a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Holloway is originally from Charlotte but plays his high school ball at powerhouse La Lumiere (Ind.) School.
He recently caught up with On3 to discuss five programs that are heavily in the mix — Tennessee, Auburn, Michigan, Wake Forest, and Notre Dame.
While Holloway is still open to other programs, these are the main five schools currently involved.
Holloway talks programs involved
Holloway’s latest visit was an official visit to Tennessee and he gave us the full rundown of his trip to Knoxville.
Tennessee: “The visit was honestly amazing. The team welcomed me with open arms. I loved the coaching staff, from Rick Barnes to everyone. I loved the vibe I got from them. I loved what they were showing me. They mentioned also Justin Edwards and said that me and him were their two priorities. They said they had a plan for me. That’s what I liked about it.
“I sat down with Rick Barnes and he showed me film of Kennedy (Chandler) and their playstyle and what the game would be like and I like it a lot. It’s a pro-style game, free-flowing, allowed him to get shots, allowed him to make plays for his teammates. It’s a great offense.”
Back in February, Holloway took his first official visit to Auburn.
Auburn: “I love Auburn too. It’s very similar in terms of how I feel about Tennesse and Auburn. I love Bruce Pearl and the coaching staff. I love the vibe I got from them. Their team also welcomed me with open arms. I love their run and gun play style. I think Bruce would make me a better defensive point guard, so would Rick Barnes and other coaches but with Bruce Pearl… He recruits offense and coaches defense. So that’s what I would really focus on there, just getting better with my all-around game.”
The Michigan Wolverines are also involved in Holloway’s recruitment, but he’s still in the process of learning about them, and he does plan on visiting Ann Arbor this summer.
Michigan: “I honestly still need to learn more about the program. I haven’t visited yet. I’m planning on visiting this summer before I commit. I still have to learn and feel them out. But what attracted me to them is Juwan (Howard) of course, he’s a player’s coach. I get a great vibe from him. I feel like he’s a guy I could build a relationship with.”
Holloway, a Charlotte native, appreciates the effort Wake Forest has put into recruiting him. He’s visited the campus multiple times, including officially back in March.
Wake Forest: “They’re the only North Carolina school on me heavy so I have so much respect for that…the loyalty they have for me. They always reach out, always showing love. Love their coaching staff too, Steve (Forbes), BJ (McKie), all of them. The team is really cool. They told me I could do something similar to Chris Paul and obviously those would be some huge shoes to fill because Chris Paul is like a goat.”
Last but not least is Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are located just 30 minutes from his high school, La Lumiere. Holloway’s LaLu teammate, JJ Starling, is signed with Notre Dame in 2022.
Notre Dame: “I love their coach staff as well. They’re really close to my school and my teammate, JJ Starling going there, a McDonald’s All-American. He’s definitely been trying to get me to go there. So it’s hard to deny the success that he’s having and what he’s about to do at his next year of college. So I see his vision. He reminds me of myself, great person, great player. They have a plan for him. I could see similarities in our plans.”
Timetable & Takeaways
Holloway says he’d like to announce a college decision at Peach Jam, also known as the “playoffs” for the AAU season on the EYBL circuit. Peach Jam is from July 17-24 this year.
My take…
While Holloway’s recruitment is still open, this feels like it’s shaping up to be an SEC battle between Auburn and Tennessee. The recruitment process is very fluid and things can change at the drop of a hat, so I’m still not counting out Wake Forest here.
Michigan and Notre Dame haven’t hosted him for a visit, and until they do, their odds are unlikely.
My closing thoughts…
Right now, I’m giving the slight edge to Tennessee. Once again, anything can change. But at the current time, I’m thinking 60/40 with Tennessee beating out Auburn.