According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports and FanRag Sports Friar forward Emmitt Holt is fully cleared and participating in offseason workouts for the team. Holt missed all of last season with an abdomen issue and was granted a medical hardship to play this upcoming season for PC.
The return of Holt has been long anticipated for Friar fans and this could be considered a blessing in disguise for the team. Obviously you never like to see a guy go out with injury, especially one as serious as this one appeared to be, however this upcoming team could really benefit from Emmitt’s skills and veteran leadership. Next year’s team is talented but extremely young and to be able to insert Holt into the starting five will certainly reap rewards for a team looking to make their school record 6th consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament. Holt will be able to take young big men Nate Watson and Dajour Dickens under his wing and should help them develop their game.
While Holt’s presence will certainly benefit this upcoming team it can’t be understated the loss it was not having him last year. Coach Ed Cooley found himself having to play young bigs Watson and Kalif Young extended minutes due to the lack of depth in the front court. The Friars also missed out on Holt’s defense down low as they were without a true rim protector the entire season. Holt would’ve been especially useful in their first round game against a Texas A&M team that had a ton of size. PC probably could’ve had a better season with Holt on last years team but Holt’s role and impact for this upcoming team will certainly be larger.
GO FRIARS