Green Valley graduate plays hoops in Japan

By Jared Harmon

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008 | 1 a.m.

Green Valley High graduate Chris Holm's stock is on the rise in the land of the Rising Sun.

Holm, a 2002 grad, has made his way to the professional ranks of Basketball Japanese League and has become one of the Sendai 89ers' most effective weapons.

Holm said the 16-hour time difference from his hometown has been stressful but that has yet to manifest itself on the court as the forward is averaging 12.4 points and 13 rebounds per game.

"So far, from day one, everything has been great," Holm said. "The team is full of great guys. I like the coaches. Everyone is real nice and the fans are real passionate and respectful. It's been a lot of fun."

The 24-year-old played college basketball for Rhode Island and Vermont for two years each. As a senior with Vermont, Holm averaged 10.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.

"Chris was one of the hardest workers I had," former Green Valley coach Jim Allen said. "He was a very big part of why Green Valley won four league titles in a row back then. He was young for his grade and kind of overlooked, but he worked hard and hit a growth spurt and all of a sudden he was getting scholarship offers."

After graduating from Vermont in 2007, Holm bounced around various leagues but was unable to find a the right opportunity for a long-term contract. Holm spent time in Mexico, Spain and Bosnia before being contacted by the 89ers about a tryout.

Holm said he was initially hesitant about the offer because he was unfamiliar with the Japanese league, but after meeting with the team in early September, he signed a contract and has helped the 89ers to a 4-4 record.

The 89ers run a motion offense, the same offense Holm played in at Vermont, and he credits that familiarity with his hot start.

"Rebounding is my strength and it's why they brought me here," he said. "I enjoy pulling them down. I'm a big guy (6 feet 11 inches, 275 pounds) and if you put me on the court, I'll find a way to rebound for you."

Holm also had a tryout with the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA, but realizes his career won't take him to the NBA. Rather, he's enjoying his time in Japan rather than seeing it as a gateway to the NBA.

"I'm happy with where I'm at right now," he said. "I'm like a big kid — I'm not ready for a 9-to-5 job. I like that I'm playing basketball for a living. What's better than that?"

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or [email protected].