By KEVIN L. SMITH
Former St. Bonaventure men’s basketball star Jaren Holmes signed with a professional team in England, according to a release.
Holmes will play for the Leicester Riders of the British Basketball League (BBL) for the 2023-24 season. The Riders have won six BBL championship titles, most recently in the 2021-22 season, and have hoisted three BBL Cups.
Established in 1967, the Riders are the oldest pro basketball team in the United Kingdom.
“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to play for this historic organization. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime,” Holmes said in the release. “I am really looking forward to the chance to embrace the culture of Leicester and add to their winning culture.”
A Romulus, Michigan native, Holmes started his college career at Ranger Community College before three seasons at St. Bonaventure. From 2019-20 through the 2021-22 seasons, Holmes played in 78 games — averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He also scored over 1,000 points in his career with the Bonnies.
His accolades at Bonas include being a two-time Atlantic 10 second team all-conference selection, two nods for the A-10 all-academic team and a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection.
Holmes transferred to Iowa State University for the 2022-23 men’s basketball campaign. He led the Cyclones in scoring with 13.3 PPG and aided the team’s efforts in their bid to the NCAA Tournament. Holmes was named to the Big 12 all-newcomer team and received an all-Big 12 honorable mention.
“We are all looking forward to working with Jaren,” Leicester coach Rob Paternostro said. “He is a versatile guard who can play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. We really love the energy he brings to the floor. That type of play can really lift teammates and fans alike. After a very good career at St Bonaventure, it was impressive how well he played in his one season in the Big 12 and was able to show his skills at the highest level of college hoops.”
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