The college tour that sparked Holt’s NBL move

Jacob Holt says a whirlwind college tour to Australia last year helped spark a dream NBL opportunity just 12 months on. 

"Last summer, our college team (Sacramento State) went on a foreign tour to Australia. We went to Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. We played in front of some of the coaches on the Brisbane Bullets staff, Vandy (Greg Vanderjagt)."

"After that, he kind of reached out, kept our relationship going, and then found out that I could be an Australian citizen, which is huge.

"Even though I grew up in Canada, proud Canadian, my mum was born in Sydney. And back then, if you're born in Australia, you automatically become a citizen. So when her parents, who immigrated from Croatia to Australia, then to Canada, had my mum in Australia, she's always been a citizen."

Holt’s standout year at Sacramento State turned heads, but it was his connection with Vanderjagt that gave the Bullets the inside lane.

"After this season, I was coached by two Australian head coaches in college. They were like, 'Listen, you should try to get this citizenship. There's some good interest for you over in Australia.' So we were like, you know what? Yeah. We said, 'Why not?'"

"We applied online and then signed with the Brisbane Bullets and next thing you know, I'm a citizen."

The Bullets are backing the 208-centimetre forward in a big way, signing him to a three-year deal after a breakout season where he earned Second Team All-Big Sky honours and led Sacramento State in points (16.3), rebounds (6.9) and blocks.

Holt shot an impressive 50 per cent from the field across 32 games.

“Jacob is a powerful and skilled forward who plays with a high motor and brings versatility to our frontcourt,” head coach Stu Lash said upon him signing.

“He’s shown the ability to score efficiently, rebound at a high level, and defend multiple positions. His skill set will be a huge asset for our group, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to Brisbane.”

Holt spent the week in Brisbane getting to know his new teammates and coaches.

He is expected to form a key part of the frontcourt rotation alongside Tyrell Harrison and Tohi Smith-Milner.

“I put in the work, finally shown my senior year, and I'm excited to play at a top three league in the world. It's a great place to play and a great place to expand your game,” he said.

"They play great basketball over here and I'm excited for the physicality of the league, but also just the overall level. I think I could really play in this league and I think I'd be a great player, for sure."

‍