04/12/2003
Brown looks to Holmes to run Riders

Leicester Riders Head Coach Karl Brown has made his first signing for the club by bringing in point guard Jonathan Holmes.

Holmes, 23, graduated from the University of North Carolina in the summer after four seasons at the top American college, whose alumni includes Michael Jordan.

"He's a good guy who's come through a very good programme," said Brown. "I saw him play in the summer and he's very steady. He can distribute the ball well, shoot the three and he's a good floor leader.

"We've got Mike Wiatre who can shoot the ball, Sean McCaw who can score and Mike Pegues can score as well, so I think we need a point guard who can distribute the ball, play defence and run the show. I also think he can bring some leadership to the team as well."

Prior to attending North Carolina, Holmes attended Bloomington South High School where he was twice selected in the Indiana All-State First Team and finished runner-up in the voting for Indiana's "Mr Basketball" award.

He left Bloomington South as the all-time leader in points, assists, free throw shooting and games started. In his final year, he averaged 19.5 points and 4.2 assists per game.

After receiving a work permit, Holmes is due to arrive in England tomorrow morning and therefore is not available to play Westfield Sharks Sheffield in the BBL Trophy tonight.