Last week, Tre Holloman tweeted a slight shot at Tom Izzo, saying that it’s amazing what he can do when he has a coach who believes in him — it took his game to a whole new level, according to him.
That sparked some controversy and Michigan State fans took exception to the statement considering he played extensively as a junior in East Lansing, although he may not have played the position that he would’ve hoped. The word this offseason was that he wanted to play more of a primary role where he could be looked at as a go-to scorer while also leading at point.
Holloman transferred to NC State where he would run the backcourt for Will Wade in his first year with the Wolfpack, and it looked like he bet on himself and won, scoring at least 14 in his first three games (I’m not counting the game he got ejected four minutes in). However, since he took a cheap shot at Izzo, he’s been struggling.
In fact, since that tweet about 10 days ago, Holloman has come back down to earth.
This week, NC State played in the Maui Invitational, and he had three modest performances. Compared to how he looked in his first three full games, the performances were disappointing. He scored 11 on just 3-of-5 shooting in 27 minutes in a loss to Seton Hall. The next game, he was even less productive, scoring eight points with four assists and three steals (not a bad game) in a win over Boise State, but he fouled out. Lastly, he struggled against Texas, shooting just 2-for-4 with five points and two assists in 18 minutes as he fouled out again in a loss.
So far this season, Holloman has fouled out twice and he’s been ejected as well, meaning he hasn’t been able to finish a game with the Wolfpack in almost half of NC State’s games.
But hey, it’s incredible what happens when he has a coach who believes in him. Holloman took more shots a season ago with Michigan State and averaged almost 10 points and 3.7 assists in one fewer minute per game. It’s almost like his role would’ve increased as a starter for the No. 11 team in the nation this season.
Maybe that’s just the Spartan fans’ saltiness flowing through me.