When it comes to offense, the All-Star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard has that covered for the Milwaukee Bucks. When it comes to defense, though, the front office may want to consider drafting Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II to boost that part of the team’s performance.
Before starting his collegiate career, Holmes ended up being a four-star recruit who played for Millennium High School, Montverde Academy, and AZ Compass Prep. He then committed to play for Dayton over other offers from California, Marquette, and Arizona.
![Dayton Star Linked To Milwaukee Bucks as Potential Draft Candidate 1 Milwaukee Bucks, DaRon Holmes II](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22844573_168400517_lowres.jpg)
Holmes then began his college stint for Dayton as a starter with averages of 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. Even though he connected 66 percent from inside the arc, his 14 percent success rate from downtown and l58 percent from the free throw line limited Holmes during his first year in the NCAA.
By Holmes’ third and final year for Dayton, those numbers jumped up to 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.1 blocks per contest. Unlike his freshman campaign, he has also shown efficiency from all three levels of the court with his shooting splits of 54/38/71 during his first year playing college basketball.
Dayton’s DaRon Holmes Named as Milwaukee Bucks’ Potential Draft Target
![Dayton Star Linked To Milwaukee Bucks as Potential Draft Candidate 2 Milwaukee Bucks, DaRon Holmes II](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22844632_168400517_lowres.jpg)
Having an all-around defender will definitely be a boon for Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, especially during late-game scenarios and close playoff contests. In this regard, Brian Sampson explains more in an article for Forbes.
“Holmes stands at 6-foot-9, weighing in at 221 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan. He doesn’t have the sheer size of Brook Lopez, who towers at 7-foot-1 and 282 pounds. But let’s be real, not many humans match Lopez’s massive frame. Holmes, however, excels as a shot-blocker, utilizing his length and explosive leaping ability to disrupt shots around the rim.
Even more impressive, Holmes can defend in today’s NBA. His versatility allows him to switch onto multiple positions and hold his own on the perimeter. His relentless motor on both ends of the court injects energy and athleticism—qualities the Bucks could certainly use,” Sampson wrote.
Unlike big man Brook Lopez, Holmes can be swifter on the court when guarding guys on the perimeter to inside the paint. His 2.1 blocks per game is also a good sign for Milwaukee, especially in today’s positionless style basketball.
![Dayton Star Linked To Milwaukee Bucks as Potential Draft Candidate 3 Milwaukee Bucks, DaRon Holmes II](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22844634_168400517_lowres.jpg)
It remains to be seen where Holmes will end up after the NBA Draft. Nevertheless, the Dayton star won’t have a problem fitting in if the Bucks use one of its two picks on him.
![Dayton Star Linked To Milwaukee Bucks as Potential Draft Candidate 4 Milwaukee Bucks, DaRon Holmes II](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22844093_168400517_lowres.jpg)
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