INDIANAPOLIS – East Texas A&M University assistant men's basketball coach A.J. Holland has been selected to the 2026 Silver Waves Media Rising Stars Power Lunch.
 
This gathering specifically recognizes up-and-coming coaches poised for future head coaching roles, celebrating individuals who are gaining widespread recognition as impactful leaders and future influencers in college basketball. The luncheon is scheduled to be on the campus of IU Indy next week.
 
Holland just wrapped up his fourth season with the Lion men's basketball team, serving the last three seasons as an assistant coach, after being the program's director of basketball operations during the 2022-23 season.
 
In four seasons with the Lions, Holland has been part of two postseason trips, including one postseason win, 11 wins over Division I non-conference opponents and mentored one all-Southland Conference honoree.
 
Last year, Holland was recognized on the Silver Wave Media's "75 Rising Stars: Impactful Men's Mid-Major Assistants" list and was an honored guest at the "Elite 50 Power Future Head Coaches Invitational" at the Final Four in San Antonio.
 
Holland arrived in Commerce following stints at Angelo State, UT Permian Basin, Arkansas-Fort Smith, and played collegiately at Rice, College of Central Florida, and Sioux Falls. He is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
 
More information on the Silver Waves Madia Rising Stars Power Lunch can be found HERE.