John Holland finally hits the big time

John Holland has generally suffered a tough first year with Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, but that very much changed in his team’s impressive victory over league leader Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday night.
After enjoying a breakthrough campaign with Frutti Extra Bursaspor last season, helping the team reach the 7DAYS EuroCup Final, the charismatic veteran made the step up for his EuroLeague debut at the age of 34 but has rarely played a significant role, averaging just 8:53 minutes, 3.2 points and 0.6 rebounds over 20 appearances heading into the meeting with Olympiacos. But on Thursday, he enjoyed an explosive night to fire Zvezda to a memorable 87-79 win – and nearly all of his contribution came in the fourth quarter.
Holland entered the final period with just 4 points to his name, all of which had come from the free-throw line. But, with his team leading by just 3 points, he soon made his mark by downing a pair of three-pointers in the space of 47 seconds. Then came a couple of two-pointers – the second coming with a big dunk after he stole an inbounds pass – followed by another triple, taking his tally to 13 points in just over five minutes and giving Zvezda a decisive 80-71 lead.
Holland ended the game with 17 points in more than 20 minutes on the floor, along with 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot for a PIR of 21, all of which equalled or set personal bests for the season. Naturally, he was delighted to have played such a starring role, laughing: “That’s life – that’s the way the game goes, that’s the way that life goes. One day your girl leaves you, and the next day you come out and hit shots. So, the trick is to keep the same mindset no matter what’s going on, and just to stay locked in. Fortunately, tonight was my night.”