Player Profile: Ria'n Holland

MACON, Ga.-Ria'n Holland values his family a great deal and it was the family atmosphere he discovered at Mercer that attracted him to the Bears' program.

"During the recruiting process when I was in junior college, Mercer started recruiting me early on," said Holland. "I just felt the family vibe at the university and in Hawkins Arena and that kind of family feeling means a lot to me."

Holland enters his senior season as the team's leading returning scorer, averaging 17.2 points per game a year ago. The 6-0 guard also led the squad three point field goals made (77), steals (32), free throws made (102) and minutes played per game (31.5). Holland says he was just a toddler when he first became interested in the sport of basketball.

"I was two or three years old and the older guys would be playing ball in front of our house; so a lot of times I would go out there and watch them and sometimes even play with them."

Holland signed a scholarship with Wichita State following a standout career at Fayetteville's (N.C.) South View High School, the same school that former Duke star Jeff Capel excelled. He even broke Capel's school record for most career three-point field goals made (153). Following two years at Wichita State, Holland transferred to Indian Hills Community College, where he led his team to a 29-5 mark while averaging 13.3 points per contest. It was there that he caught the eye of Mercer head coach Bob Hoffman.

Holland aspires to play professional basketball and then use his degree to open up his own clothing and shoe store. In the meantime, he's looking forward to playing his senior season and making his family proud.

"My family means the world to me; my parents, my sister, nephew and niece," said Holland. "When I'm playing ball, I'll give them a look up in the stands and know they're there for me. They help me stay motivated."

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Players Mentioned

Ria'n Holland

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