Arellano’s Dioncee Holts. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Arellano University head coach Jerry Codiñera hasn’t seen the best of Dioncee Holts since the American import was still in his rookie year.
But on Tuesday, Holts flashed his old form in leading the Chiefs over the Lyceum Pirates.
“Finally he was able to play like when he was still a rookie,” Codiñera said after Arellano’s 81-76 escape. “You can see his strength.”
READ: Arellano averts meltdown, squeaks past Lyceum
“Even if it’s late in the first round, he’s there for us.”
Holts, the third-year big man, registered a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds that went with three assists and two blocks.
“Finally. Every day is the same day to me. I always tell my teammates Jio is our main guy, he’s gonna lead us so my job is to make sure we will follow,” Holts said.
Wary of Lyceum’s Cameroonian import Mike Nzeusseu, Arellano needed Holts, the only Chief physically capable to matchup, to hold his own.
Holts did just that as he nearly matched Nzeusseu’s output while playing fewer minutes.
Nzeusseu wound up with game-highs 24 points and 17 rebounds as he and Holts dueled.
“He’s strong. I just did what I have to do. Main thing for me is to rebound,” Holts said of his counterpart.