Nov. 16, 2004
University of New Mexico men’s basketball coach Ritchie McKay announced the signing of Justin Holt to a national-letter-of-intent today. Holt is a 6-7 guard/forward from Tacoma, Wash., who is in his sophomore season at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. Holt averaged 23.1 ppg and 10.2 rpg as a freshman at Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Wash., during the 2002-03 season. He is the fourth student-athlete to sign with the New Mexico men’s basketball program during the fall signing period, joining Joel Box (Quincy, Ill., John Wood CC), Anthony Teague (Cleveland, Ohio, Dodge City CC) and Daniel Faris (Albuquerque, N.M., Eldorado HS).
Justin Holt G/F 6-7 205 Tacoma, Wash. (Indian Hills (Iowa) CC)
Holt originally signed with McKay and his staff at Oregon State out of high school….After McKay left the Beavers for New Mexico, Holt opted to transfer to Tacoma CC for his freshman year….After his freshman year at Tacoma, where he averaged 23.1 ppg and 10.2 rpg, Holt transferred to Iowa State where he was declared ineligible by the NCAA because he did not earn an associate’s degree before moving on to a four-year school…Transferred again to Virginia Tech and did not play in the 2003-04 season…Is now enrolled at Indian Hills CC in Ottumwa, Iowa…Will have two years of eligibility remaining at UNM…An athletic player who possesses strong inside and outside skills…Can beat people off the dribble as well as hold is own inside…Was the 2002 4AWashington State Player of the Year, as selected by the Seattle Times, Tacoma News-Tribune and The Associated Press…Was the Seattle Times’ all-school Washington player of the year…As a senior, he led Lincoln HS, under head coach Tim Kelly, to the state title for the second consecutive year, as the Abes became the first school to win back-to-back 4A state titles since 1988 and 1989 and only the seventh team in state history to accomplish the feat…Led Lincoln to a two-year record of 56-3, going 29-1 as a junior and 27-2 as a senior…4A tournament MVP as a senior after averaging 20.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in four games…PERSONAL…Born Oct. 10, 1984…son of Steve and Linda Holt…Has one sister, Carmella, and one brother, Andrew.
Head Coach Ritchie McKay on Justin Holt:
“In my opinion, Justin holt completes what is arguably the best recruiting class we’ve had since I’ve been a head coach. A lot has been made about Justin’s past and the multiple schools he has attended. I know him as a person, and we would not bring in someone who would not represent this University and our program in an exemplary manner. Justin gives us scoring, rebounding and experience that will help us reload for the future.”
Here is a look at the other players who have already signed with the Lobos for the 2005-06 season.
Joel Box…F…6-8…250…Rockford, Ill. (John Wood CC)
Skilled post player who has an array of inside moves and a soft touch from outside…Averaged 17.5 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 2.4 bpg last year at John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill., for head coach Brad Hoyt…Led JWCC to a 20-11 record last season and was an NJCAA All-Region selection and nominated for JC All-American honors…Shot 78% from the FT line, 58% from the floor and 35% from 3-pt. range last season…Collegiate Conference of Central Illinois Freshman of the Year last season…Rated as the No. 4 JC power forward in the nation by Lindy’s Magazine…PERSONAL …Born on March 25, 1984, Joel is the son of Willie and Bridgett Box…He has two younger brothers, Jeremiah and Isiah, and a younger sister, Lydia.
Head Coach Ritchie McKay on Joel Box:
“Coach Duane Broussard did a tremendous job in identifying a player like Joel. When we go the junior college route we want players with great character and ones that can play a role. Joel embodies not only those two qualities, but also the ability to make an impact. He is a highly-skilled, multi-faceted athlete that can play inside and out. He also has the potential to be a great leader in this program. He is a great sign for us because we had to fend off some big schools in order to get him. I think he has a great future at UNM.”
Daniel Faris…C…6-9…225…Albuquerque, N.M. (Eldorado HS)
Led Eldorado High School to the New Mexico 5A state championship last season, averaging 17.6 ppg and 7.3 rpg for head coach Roy Sanchez…Earned second team all-metro honors and was a first team all-state selection…Rated No. 84 in his class by recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons…PERSONAL…Born on May 2, 1987, Daniel is the son of Bart and Cindy Faris.
Head Coach Ritchie McKay on Daniel Faris:
“Sometimes you miss a good thing that is right in your own backyard. Fortunately for us, we did not miss. Daniel Faris is going to be a really good basketball player for the University of New Mexico. He is long, he is a very good defender and a very skilled, improving athlete. I think he is going to make a huge impression on our program. As he develops his strength and skills, we will have a potential all-conference player.”
Anthony Teague…G…6-5…190…Cleveland, Ohio (Dodge City (Kan.) CC)
Excellent shooter who led Dodge City CC to a 19-12 overall record in 2003-04…Played for head coach Brian Hoberecht…Led the team in scoring, averaging 14.5 ppg…Also averaged 3.9 rpg and 2.0 apg…Shot 44.1% from the field and 39.8% from 3-pt. range…Graduated from Shaker Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio…PERSONAL…Born on April 12, 1984, Anthony is the son of Ronald Teague.
Head Coach Ritchie McKay on Anthony Teague:
“He is a great shooter and has an ability to create space for himself and his teammates. I think he is highly underrated right now. He has a chance to be one of the best shooters in recent UNM history.”