From Benchwarmer to Breakout Star: Tre Holloman’s Transformation Ignites Spartans’ Season
Tre Holloman has evolved from a rotational player to Michigan State basketball’s most reliable floor general in 2024-25, averaging career highs of 8.4 points and 4.0 assists while starting 16 of 26 games this season. The junior guard’s improved decision-making and clutch shooting have made him indispensable for Tom Izzo’s squad currently fighting for a top-four Big Ten finish.
Recent Dominance
Holloman delivered one of his best performances this month against #6 Purdue on February 18, scoring 7 points with 6 assists and 3 steals in a signature 75-66 upset victory. This followed a 14-point outburst against Illinois three days earlier where he shot 50% from the field . His adaptability shines through stat lines:
| Stat | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points/Game | 5.7 | 8.4 | +47% |
| Assists/Game | 2.4 | 4.0 | +67% |
| 3P% | .425 | .316 | – (volume increased) |
The Turning Point
Holloman credits his November 28 start against Georgia Southern – where he dished out 10 assists – as the catalyst for his breakout campaign: “That game showed me I could dictate tempo against high-level competition” . Since becoming a full-time starter in December, his minutes have surged to 24.8 per game compared to just 19.7 last season .
Historical Context
The Minneapolis native continues building on his storied Minnesota high school career where he became Cretin-Derham Hall’s all-time leading scorer (2,072 points) and third player in state history with 1,100+ assists . His defensive versatility – honed as a three-star football recruit – now fuels MSU’s sixth-ranked Big Ten defense allowing just 66.9 PPG.
With NBA scouts increasingly attending Spartan games, Holloman’s combination of court vision (4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio in February) and improved finishing at the rim (.434 2P%) could make him Michigan State’s next draft prospect . As Izzo recently told reporters: “Tre’s playing like a man who knows this is his time” .
