Chicago State University’s David Holston’s Big Game Comes in a Small Package
 Photos by Steed Media Service |
After
playing his final game for Chicago State University, senior point guard
David Holston jokes with teammates and primps for the night ahead.
Outside in the hallway, his father anxiously waits for his son to
emerge. “He’s always the last one out,” says Charles Holston, “I always
get on him about it, but tonight he wanted to wear a suit.”
Looking dapper in a beige suit with a pink tie and matching pink
alligator shoes, Holston approaches his father and greets the eager
journalist with a head nod.
Holston capped his brilliant college career with 25 points and 14
assists in a victory over Houston Baptist. The Cougars completed their
first winning season since joining Division I in 1984, and much of that
success has been attributed to Holston’s 25.8 points per game (fourth
best in the NCAA), as well as his leadership skills. Not bad for a kid
who only stands 5-foot-7 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds.
Regardless, the Pontiac, Mich., native never let being vertically
challenged stand in his way. “Height doesn’t matter at all, you’ve just
got to have the heart and be dedicated to the game and do the things
you’ve got to do to make yourself better,” says Holston, who will
graduate in May.
In addition to guiding the Cougars to a 19-13 record, Holston led the country in 3-pointers (146).
It’s been a long road for Holston, who came to CSU as a walk-on and
regularly engaged in locker room scuffles with teammates, along with
skipping class on a daily basis — that was until a new coach, Benjy
Taylor, changed him for the better.
“I had a rough road,” “I never thought I could come this far and be
able to graduate from college, but coach came in here, got my head
right — he told me the things I had to do to make myself better on and
off the court and that really helped me,” admits the soft-spoken
sharpshooter.
Holston is preparing himself for a chance to play in the NBA, working
with former Bulls player, Lindsey Hunter. Holston knows the odds are
stacked against him, but like the Earl Boykins and Nate Robinson’s of
year’s past, he knows all he needs is a shot.
“I play hard,” he says. “I’m a great listener, I’m a great person and I’m just ready for whatever comes to me.” –gavin philip godfrey
3 Questions for David Holston
Favorite music artist: “Lil Wayne.”
Favorite food: “All soul food, but probably ribs.”
Favorite part about Michigan: “Being around my family, that’s the best thing.”
