Nike EYBL member Team Griffin has an incredibly talented roster of players. Top-40 2021 recruits Daimion Collins (undecided), Trey Alexander (undecided) and KJ Adams (Kansas) are consistently productive pieces that have justifiably earned the attention they receive every time they step on the court. However, many more players sit undiscovered in the wings showing how truly deep this program is. 2022 point guard Adante’ Holiman is the perfect example.
Holiman received offers from Akron and Missouri-Kansas City this summer with some interest from Creighton, Denver and Drake, but has not been heavily pursued to this point. Despite Team Griffin not officially playing in tournaments this summer, the 5’10 guard has still had a productive grassroots season for Griffin offshoot Academy 33 (OK) and Next Page Force (TX). His all-around productivity has been noticeable even in limited competition and worthy of second and third looks from college programs.
Defense:
Adante’ has particularly shown strong defensive principles and really reveals his on-court IQ with the stops he makes. Averaging over 3 steals per game during the current grassroots season, he has found multiple ways to keep ball-handlers on their toes and in uncomfortable positions. He has great awareness of spacing and projecting where plays are heading.
Example 1: The rebound goes over Holiman’s head, but he is able to see the ball-handler is not moving up the court with enough urgency to get out of traffic. He is able to accelerate and swipe the ball before the break really even gets going. He turns the steal into a great pass for an assist on a corner 3.
Example 2: The ball-handler is able to beat his man with a quick first step into the paint. Holiman is able to help off of his man enough to get in front of the penetration forcing him to pick up his dribble. Holiman is able to swipe down on the ball as the guard tries to pass out of the lane.
Holiman has also shown good closing speed on shooters to affect shot attempts. He’s displayed consistent shot contests in the lane, on the perimeter, and as a weak side defender with successful. He has the physicality to withstand contact from opposing guards and hold his position in front of his man. His footwork has been one of the most impressive aspects that have helped him on this end of the floor. There haven’t been many guards that have been able to easily get around Holiman and he sticks with his man all the way through the shot.
Example 1: Holiman sticks with the ball-handler from sideline to sideline and moving downhill. A quick stepback move creates the separation between him and the shooter, but his recovery is fast and he is able to produce a solid contest on Emaryon McDonald.
Example 2: Penetration by Cason Wallace just outside the lane forces Holiman to slide over from his man in the corner forcing a pass to the perimeter. The ball is sent to the corner where Holiman recognizes the play quickly and is able to pivot his stance and get within inches of the shooter’s release forcing a miss.
His collective attentiveness and vision on this end of the floor is such a huge plus for his team. He rotates to the proper spots and prevents penetration lanes, while his quick hands lead to extra offensive possessions for his team on a consistent basis.
Offense
On the other end of the floor, Holiman can score effectively at all three levels. He has range on his jump shot to be a repetitive threat from the perimeter, regardless if he pulls up on the fast break or via catch and shoot in the half-court. His mindset on the floor visibly shows his consistent intent to attack for better position creating shots for himself and others. He has a quick first step and is able to slide past opposing guards into the lane to shoot or distribute.
Example 1: Holiman catches the ball at the top of the 3-point line and freezes his defender with a quick jab step. He is able to accelerate around him and into the lane finishing with a drop-off pass to his post man.
Example 2: Holiman recognizes the defense has their backs turned as he brings the ball up the floor. In rhythm, he is able to set his feet, square his shoulders and elevate for a 3-pointer.
Example 3: Holiman pops out to receive the ball after it’s swung from sideline to sideline. He sizes up his defender in rhythm and elevates over him for a 3.
Despite the persistent attacking nature to Holiman’s game, he takes care of the ball well. He does not force the issue and make bad plays in traffic, but instead acts more methodically and with a plan that results in several potential effective options for the offense. His ability to operate in the pick-and-roll creates a lot of positives on the floor, as both a facilitator and as a scoring threat.
These types of looks get him moving downhill and into plays with momentum for him to create. Having a step on his defender pushes him to attack the driving lanes and take on bigs around the rim. He does not mind playing in traffic and is creative around the basket to score consistently.
Example 1: Holiman brings the ball up the floor and utilizes the screen from his teammate to accelerate downhill and finish on the bigger defender.
Example 2: Holiman quickly breaks down his defender after bringing the ball up the court. He gains a step around him and creatively moves through two other defenders to finish at the rim.
Holiman plays within the team’s gameplan and attacks when he sees openings. He is a reliable scoring threat and takes advantage of defender’s mistakes at any level of the court. He is a willing passer and wants to involve his teammates in plays.