The University of North Dakota announced on May 18, 2026 that A.J. Holland has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Fighting Hawks men’s basketball program. Holland, a former collegiate player and skills trainer, returns to the Midwest after stints that have taken him across the country, bringing a blend of playing experience and coaching acumen that the program hopes will translate into fresh on‑court energy.
A Proven Track Record
During his four seasons at East Texas A&M, Holland helped the Lions capture nine Southland Conference victories in his debut year and earned recognition from Silver Waves Media as a rising star in college basketball. He also guided the University of Arkansas Fort‑Smith to a program‑record 24 wins and an NCAA Tournament berth, a feat that underscored his ability to elevate teams quickly.
His coaching journey includes a role as a skills trainer and NIKE Southeast Regional Camp Director from 2013 to 2017, where he refined the abilities of numerous prospects. Holland also played collegiately at Rice University, the College of Central Florida, and the University of Sioux Falls, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management with a concentration in Coaching in 2013.
A New Era for UND Basketball
University officials say Holland’s hiring is expected to open new opportunities for the program and to help the Fighting Hawks compete more aggressively in the Summit League. Athletic director Paul Sather praised Holland’s blend of playing experience, developmental focus, and proven success, noting that his background aligns perfectly with the university’s ambition to grow a sustainable winning culture.
The move also brings a familiar face to the roster in DeVaunta Thomas, a player Holland previously coached and who was named the Heartland Conference Player of the Year. Thomas’s development under Holland’s tutelage illustrates the kind of individual growth the new assistant hopes to replicate across the team.