Rodney Terry discusses the potential of Texas basketball signees Ron Holland, AJ Johnson

Rodney Terry has done a fantastic job keeping the ship afloat this season at Texas. While that includes duties on the floor, that also includes maintaining the Longhorn’s future and, to this point, he’s done exactly that.

Terry discussed the two players in Texas’ 2023 class, five stars Ron Holland and AJ Johnson, in media on Monday. To start, he laid out Holland’s career to remind everyone that he comes as decorated as any prospect can. With all he’s accomplished to this point, that’s why he and the staff are excited to get him to Austin already.

“Ron Holland has had probably one of the more decorated high school careers of any kid that’s played basketball in the state of Texas. You talk about a guy who’s won a state championship every year he’s played…won a national championship in high school. Talk about a guy that’s played for USA Basketball, won two medals. He’s done everything you can do at the high school level and then some,” said Terry. “He’s a McDonald’s All-American this year, Top-10 player in the country. Just got nominated for the Nike Hoop Summit game as well. So, I mean, what else can you do? You’re not gonna have a more decorated guy from a high school standpoint coming into college. At the end of the day, Ron Holland is a winner. He’s a winner, he comes from a winning program, and he’s done that his whole life.”

As for Johnson, Terry pointed out the development he has made just in the last year or so. With where his frame is at, Terry believes he’s built for success at the college level when he arrives.

“AJ is a guy who was kind of a late bloomer but really took off this spring and summer. Had an incredible (run) on the circuit,” Terry said. “You talk about a kid that has a high ceiling as well. You talk about a 6’6 point guard that can distribute the basketball, shoot the basketball, super athletic. Again, another Top-25 player in the country (who’s) gonna be a terrific college player.”

Holland and Johnson as a duo makes up a class that’s good for third best in the nation per On3’s Consensus Team Rankings. To get two Top-20 players of their caliber and keep them on board amid a coaching switch is a credit to Terry. From there, he believes that, right when they step foot on campus, they’ll do nothing but elevate the Texas program to new heights.

“Again, the sky’s the limit on both of those young players. (Just) in terms of how good they’re gonna be in their careers,” Terry said. “They’re still excited about the opportunity to come play at Texas. And we’re excited about having those guys be a part of our family. (We’re) looking forward to them being guys that contribute early in their careers in our program.”