Published: February 17, 2000
Section: SPORTS
Page#: 11C
Holman catches the eye of coaches
By Mark Craig; Staff Writer   

Two years ago, Jerry Holman was an average high school basketball player with below-average grades and a learning disability he was so ashamed of he refused to take a college entrance exam.

He was 6-10, 215 pounds, but the only college team in the country that wanted anything to do with him was Minneapolis Community & Technical College.

Now, after a strong finish last season as a freshman at MCTC and a head-turning three days at a prestigious junior college camp in July, the former St. Paul Humboldt center has caught the eye of most major college programs, including No. 1 Cincinnati and the Gophers.

Having already wowed everyone on the court, Holman's challenge has shifted to the classroom. He is sitting out this season so he can catch up academically and save his final year of eligibility for next season, when he hopes to graduate. He still practices with the team.

As an academic non-qualifier out of high school, the only way Holman can accept a tender from an NCAA Division I-A program is if he graduates from a junior college.

"He's really got the world by the tail," MCTC coach Jay Pivec said. "Now, it's just a matter of how important it is to him."

Holman fell behind in the classroom because his learning disability forced him to take a reduced load of remedial classes as a freshman. He's now taking a full load - and passing with a C average - but will need another full load next year and probably two summer sessions in order to graduate.

"It's hard, but I'm taking it one step at a time," Holman said. "I see tutors three or four times a week. I'm really trying."

On the court, Holman has transformed himself from a gangly, timid youngster who stumbled through the first half of last season to a fluid big man who can run the court, rebound, block shots, guard smaller players and muscle his way to the basket.

"The difference," Holman said, "is I'm not afraid anymore. When I first got here, I was scared."

By the end of last season, Holman led the nation's Division III junior college players in blocked shots (100) and shooting percentage (61).

His true coming-out party came in July in Tulsa, Okla., when he dominated the annual basketball camp held by noted junior college basketball coach Jerry Mullen. Out of the more than 300 players who participated, Holman was named MVP.

"The next day, I probably got 65 calls, all from Division I coaches, all wanting to know more about Jerry," Pivec said. "I know Minnesota wants Jerry really bad. And they should because he's going to be an impact player at the highest level."

Holman said he's "about 50 to 75 percent sure" he wants to play for the Gophers, but will wait to weigh all of his options after next season.

"Jerry is exactly what schools like ours are made for," Pivec said. "He's getting his second chance."

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