By Daniel Curren
@daniel_curren
Prolific Prep (CA) senior Aden Holloway returned to the Spalding Hoophall Classic Sunday night in the Crew’s convincing 71-33 win. The ESPN No. 21 prospect in the class of 2023 will be attending Auburn University next year as he looks to fulfill his NBA dreams. Holloway caught up with The Springfield Student after his game Sunday.
What is it like to be back at Hoophall?
“It’s a blessing. The importance of Hoophall, it’s the number one high school tournament in the country. The talent is loaded. All the best teams and all the best players in the country are here. It’s something to look forward to as a competitor.”
How does it feel to get a win like that?
“It’s great. The whole team played well. Everyone came away happy about the win, coaches, players, everyone was happy.”
How long have you been playing basketball?
“Really since I was a baby, like one-year old. Organized, since like six-years old.”
What are some of your earliest memories playing?
“When I made my first three-pointer in a real game. It was my first or second year hooping, and I was playing up. It was a big three late in the game. I was pretty happy.”
What was the best game you’ve ever had at any level?
“Probably in middle school when I had my career high. 48 points.”
What went into your decision to go to Auburn?
“Definitely Bruce Pearl and the relationship we have. That’s my guy. We value the same things: honesty, loyalty, just being truthful. I feel like his plan for me was the most thorough, the most honest. And that’s why I picked Auburn.”
What kind of goals have you set for yourself at Auburn and beyond?
“For Auburn, definitely to come in and make an impact right away in terms of the winning column. Just want to get as many wins for the team as possible and be the best teammate possible. Just make a positive impact honestly. And personally, it’s always a dream to make it to the NBA and be one of the best to play in the NBA.”
What kind of hobbies do you have outside of basketball?
“I love video games, music, and honestly stargazing is pretty cool to me… I like surfing. I’m not good at it but a few of my new teammates on Prolific are pretty good at surfing and they put me on to it.”
What is your favorite shoe?
“Kobe’s.”
Who is your biggest role model?
“Definitely my mom, for sure, is my number one role model.”
What would be your dream job if it weren’t for basketball?
“Is being a rapper a job? I would want to be a rapper.”
Photo: Garrett Cote/The Springfield Student