Holt Will Be a Hokie

Justin Holt, the versatile 6-7, 218 pound combo forward from Tacoma C.C. in Tacoma, Wash., committed to Virginia Tech after visiting Blacksburg last weekend (Oct. 10-12).

Last month, Holt took his first official visit to Tennessee. A few weeks ago, JUCO Junction reported that Holt would likely decide between the Hokies and Volunteers this fall.

Holt said that the trust factor he developed with Virginia Tech Head Coach Seth Greenberg vaulted the Hokies past Tennessee in the final evaluation.

"Everytime I've signed somewhere, my coach has left me," Holt explained. "Coach Greenberg didn't judge a book by its cover. We both have the same beliefs and ideas."

Holt signed with Oregon State as a high school senior two years ago, only to see Ritchie McKay leave Corvallis for New Mexico in the spring of 2002. Last fall, he inked with Iowa State, but Larry Eustachy resigned from that post last spring amid controversy surrounding his personal life.

Even his coach at Tacoma C.C. last winter, Carl Howell, left that position to accept an assistant coach position at Eastern Washington University.

Greenberg looks to have a bit more stability. After stops at both Long Beach State and South Florida, he signed to coach at Virginia Tech last spring.

Holt said that he sees a great opportunity for himself at Virginia Tech. He envisions seeing time at both the three and two positions with the Hokies losing senior small forward Bryant Matthews. JUCO Junction feels that Holt will likely see time at both the three and four positions.

In addition to Coach Greenberg and the chance to play in the ACC, Holt cited several factors that led to him picking Virginia Tech over Tennessee.

"The people, the players and the atmosphere at Virginia Tech were great," Holt said. "Tennessee is a little more established basketball wise, and I'd like to start something tradition wise at Virginia Tech."

Holt plans on signing in November with Virginia Tech. As a 4-2-4 transfer, he will need to earn his associates degree before enrolling at the new ACC school. By sitting out this year at Tacoma C.C. in Tacoma, Wash., Holt should have three years of eligibility remaining, starting with the 2004-2005 campaign.