Josh Holloway’s basketball journey hasn’t been a usual one, to say the least.
He first rose to prominence as he climbed the prep ranks as a guard while starring at St. George’s Independent School in Memphis. His life changed forever after an incident at Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s home that has led to a civil suit that is nearly 2 years old.
Now, after transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, court appearances and a current collegiate basketball career at Samford, more people than ever recognize Holloway.
“I just take it a day at a time," Holloway told The Commercial Appeal. "Just try to block out all the noise. A lot of people recognize me from cities. I just try to block the noise out and just keep playing basketball.”
Holloway's time in Memphis is limited these days, but he wanted to make an appearance at the Shelby County basketball Pro-Am while in town. He saw the videos on Instagram with highlights of former Memphis Tigers guard Chris Crawford and Arkansas Razorbacks guard Jaylen Barford — two players Holloway has looked up to.
He shared the floor recently with Barford and Crawford at the pro-am, while also putting on a show. He dazzled with playmaking and strong shot-making, seamlessly fitting in around the pros on the floor.
“I’m born and raised here,” Holloway said. “I love the support around me. All the people who have been supporting me since I was younger, just staying with me and sticking with me.”
Holloway is entering his second collegiate season at Samford. He played on a team last season that won the Southern Conference and made the NCAA tournament. Coming off the bench, Holloway averaged 4.3 points and 2.1 assists in 35 games.
Three of Samford's top five scorers from last season are gone, so Holloway will be back with the intention of making a bigger impact.
“My role last year was really good," he said. "I did whatever it took for us to win. I expect my role to go up a lot. A ton. Just being a point guard, leading my team to the tournament and hopefully making a big run.”
Memphis keeps producing guards who go to college and beyond, such as pro-am attendees Jeremiah Martin and Jordan Johnson. Could Holloway be the latest? Time will tell, but the 19-year-old seems to be putting the distractions behind him with the intent of prioritizing his future.
“My goal is just to get better, take it one step at a time and hopefully make my dreams come true and make it to the NBA," he said.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
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