Ron Holland, No. 2 basketball recruit, joins G League Ignite - ESPN

Ron Holland, the No. 2-ranked senior in high school basketball for the Class of 2023, told ESPN he will play for the G League Ignite next season.

Holland decommitted from Texas in late April, although he wasn't released from his letter-of-intent until recently. Arkansas was perceived as the early favorite if he went the college route, given the Razorbacks were one of his original finalists in early November.

But the G-League Ignite path, which has produced the likes of Jalen Green and Scoot Henderson since its inception in 2020, quickly became a legitimate option for Holland, who is No. 6 in ESPN's early 2024 NBA draft rankings.

«This process was not easy,» Holland told ESPN. «At times it was scary because at times I had no idea where I would be.

»The G League will help me reach my potential as a basketball player and prepare me for the NBA. To have a long career I need to prepare my body and improve my skills as I continue to try to win games. They have a program to help develop my body and my game. I know I have to work on being a more consistent shooter, along with my footwork and ball handling, so I can score in space on the perimeter against a set defender."

Holland also developed a strong relationship with Ignite coach Jason Hart.

«When I spoke with head coach Jason Hart we were on the same page,» Holland said. «He knew that winning was important to me but he also understands that I am willing to work hard to earn everything.»

A 6-foot-8 forward from Duncanville High School (Texas), Holland steadily rose up the rankings last spring and summer before finishing just behind top prospect Isaiah Collier in the final 2023 rankings.

He's one of the best defenders in the class and an elite two-way player who won two gold