Jalin Holland Steps Up as Colorado Searches for Defensive Identity Amid Losing Skid
As Colorado continues to search for answers during a tough stretch, one silver lining is starting to emerge: freshman guard Jalin Holland is making a strong case for more minutes-and more responsibility.
With Isaiah Johnson recently moving into the starting lineup, the battle for perimeter minutes off the bench has only gotten tighter. But Holland isn’t just competing-he’s starting to separate himself.
In Saturday’s loss to Central Florida, which extended the Buffs’ losing streak to five games, Holland delivered his most complete performance of the season. While the final score didn’t go Colorado’s way, Holland’s impact was hard to ignore.
Coming off an injury that sidelined him for two games earlier this month, Holland logged a season-high 25 minutes and 40 seconds against UCF. He made the most of the opportunity, knocking down two of his four shots-both from beyond the arc-for a season-best nine points.
It was the first time this year he’s hit multiple threes in a game. He also went 3-for-5 at the line, pulled down three boards, dished out two assists, and added two steals-all without committing a single turnover.
That kind of stat line doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s the result of a young player finding his rhythm, and perhaps more importantly, earning the trust of his head coach.
“He’s going to be a very good defensive player,” said head coach Tad Boyle. “I feel comfortable with him-with his effort, his size, his toughness.
He’s not afraid of anything or anybody. Jalin’s got a really good future ahead of him.”
Boyle pointed to an earlier game against Kansas as a turning point in his evaluation of Holland. The freshman logged just over five minutes that night, and Boyle admitted afterward that it wasn’t nearly enough. Since then, he’s been more intentional about getting Holland on the floor.
And with good reason. While veterans Felix Kossaras and Josiah Sanders have hit a bit of a wall, Holland has injected some much-needed energy into the rotation.
Kossaras went scoreless against UCF for the second time in four games and has seen his shooting percentage dip from .563 in nonconference play to .421 in Big 12 action. Sanders, meanwhile, has gone three straight games without a point and has missed his last 13 attempts from deep.
Holland’s emergence couldn’t come at a better time. Colorado’s defense has been under siege during this losing streak, and the numbers paint a troubling picture.
UCF shot .611 from the field on Saturday-the best mark by a visiting team at the Events Center in over a decade. Through Monday, the Buffs ranked 14th in the Big 12 in overall defensive field goal percentage (.458) and dead last in defending the three (.371).
Now, they’re heading into a matchup with No. 8 Iowa State, a team that leads the Big 12 in three-point shooting (.403) and ranks second in overall field goal percentage (.507). It’s a tall order for a group still trying to find its defensive footing.
That’s where Holland’s potential becomes more than just a talking point.
“(Holland) is an important part of this team. So is Josiah,” Boyle said.
“Both of those guys from the wing spot can physically match up in this league. Defensively, I think they can help us.
They need to be rock-solid on the offensive end, but make their presence felt defensively.”
Holland understands what’s being asked of him-and he’s embracing the challenge.
“Defensively, we have to have more intensity,” Holland said. “More help, just wanting to help each other more.
Off the ball, running around. And playing more as a unit than just as one on the defensive side.
“Getting over ball screens, being in the correct position, being in the gaps-all of that I feel like has leveled up since I’ve been here.”
For a team in need of answers, Holland is starting to look like one. His growth on both ends of the floor is giving the Buffs something to build on. And as they prepare for a tough road test in Ames, it’s clear that Holland isn’t just earning minutes-he’s earning trust.