Friends’ Central’s Ed Holland is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The 6-foot-4 junior guard/forward is averaging more than 17 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per contest for the Phoenix (7-5 as of Jan. 6). As a sophomore guard last winter, he led Friends’ Central (14-12) in scoring (14 ppg), averaged 6.5 rebounds per game and received All-Friends’ Schools League honors.
Q: What area of your game do you feel you improved the most in the off-season?
A: My ability to dribble the ball has improved. Working on my handle puts me in a better position to create, for both myself and my teammates, while also making me a more versatile player.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?
A: My favorite basketball player would have to be Allen Iverson for many reasons. The most important reason is how he changed the game from a cultural standpoint. He was one of the best trendsetters in sports to ever live. From his cornrows to his tattoos and baggie shorts he broke a barrier that was almost frowned upon by the NBA. The second reason is the passion and grit he played with every time he stepped on the court. Despite being an undersized guard at about 5-11, he truly proved that it is about the heart of the dog, not the height.
Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: The strongest aspect of my game is my ability to score, whether from 3, to mid range, to attacking the basket. I am currently working on creating more for my teammates and being able to set up an offense.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball. Who have been your most important basketball mentors; and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: Throughout my life I have been blessed to have many coaches and trainers who have helped to both develop me as a player and a person. The two most influential people who have been with me since birth has been my dad and my brother. Since I was young my brother helped to instill a certain edge and level of competitiveness in me that would translate to the way I play on the court. My dad has always put me in the best position to succeed. The biggest lesson he has taught me is to never settle and always be a student and learn, both on the court or off.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: A strong pre game meal is essential comprised of protein and carbs, followed by a quick power nap, followed by a strong pre-game playlist that gets my head right for the game.
Q: What is your favorite course at Friends’ Central? What do you think you’d like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: My favorite course that I currently take is Botany with Mr. Gruber. When I get to college I will probably major in biology or a class that will help me meet my requirements for med school. I would like to work in the field of Sports Medicine.
Fun facts – Ed Holland
Favorite TV show: The Boondocks.
Favorite movie: The Rush Hour Series.
Favorite athlete: Allen Iverson.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Floyd Mayweather by Young Thug.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Las Vegas .
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken parm.
Person I most admire, and why: “The person I admire most is my mom. She is truly selfless and puts others first. Her work ethic is unlike any other, and she is genuinely very kind. Whenever I hear stories about her, people always say how good of a person she is and I’m never surprised.”
Family members: parents Edward and Marquita, brother Demarice, nieces Payton and Penny.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
To view a gallery of the Main Line Boys Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present, click here.
