With the Milwaukee Bucks having two picks in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, the front office will have to use these assets wisely. A realistic target with a lot of upside, though, is Dayton star DaRon Holmes and he comes with a lot of promise for the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team.
Prior to his college stint, Holmes gained recognition as a highly regarded four-star recruit, showcasing his skills at Millennium High School, Montverde Academy, and AZ Compass Prep. Ultimately, he committed to playing for Dayton, turning down offers from California, Marquette, and Arizona.

Holmes made an immediate impact as a starter for Dayton, averaging 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. While he excelled with a 66 percent field goal percentage inside the arc, his three-point shooting at 14 percent and free throw shooting at 58 percent limited his overall performance during his freshman year in the NCAA.
However, by his third and final year at Dayton, Holmes experienced a significant leap in his numbers, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. Notably, he displayed efficiency from all areas of the court, boasting shooting splits of 54 percent from the field, 38 percent from beyond the arc, and 71 percent from the free throw line. This improvement showcased Holmes’ growth and versatility throughout his college basketball career.
Dayton’s DaRon Holmes Named as Realistic Draft Target for Milwaukee Bucks

The upcoming season will see a need for talented wings in head coach Doc Rivers’ rotation for the Bucks. Apart from All-Star forward Khris Middleton, the front office may have to find one in free agency or develop a wing from the draft. If the latter option is chosen, Milwaukee can use a pick to choose Holmes, as explained in an article by Dalton Sell for Behind The Buck Pass.
“Holmes, a three-year starter at Dayton, checks off plenty of boxes the Milwaukee Bucks could use in their frontcourt rotation. At 6-foot-10, he’s capable of playing both power forward and center, giving him a good amount of versatility. He’s a mobile, switchable defensive big man who can protect the rim and swat shots at a high level.
Offensively, Holmes can do damage right at the hoop, serving as a lob threat, but he also showed off an improved long distance shot this season. On 83 attempts, he shot 38.6 percent. There’s room for him to improve that shot and become a legitimate long-range weapon. If so, it would make his fit with the Milwaukee Bucks all the more desirable,” Sell wrote.
Although the Bucks have a lot of young wings in their lineup, if Holmes manages to stand out from them, they could have a star to build on in the future. He can also act as an insurance policy for big man Brook Lopez if ever his performance declines.

It remains to be seen whether Holmes will be selected by the Bucks in the 2024 Draft or not. If they do, they can develop him into a possible star down the line.

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