MORGANTOWN — Everyone would agree that Nickelodeon star Spongebob Squarepants has a lot of energy, is playful and always ready.
The same can be said about WVU’s Jonathan Holton.
West Virginia has a history with players and nicknames. ‘Famous’ Amos Zereoue, Jake ‘The Snake’ Kelchner, and Darryl ‘Truck’ Bryant made headlines because of their labels. Now, a new nickname has joined the ranks of Mountaineers — Sponge.
Holton, a transfer from the University of Rhode Island, has adopted ‘Sponge’ as his nickname, and for good reason.
“I was always playful like Spongebob growing up,” Holton said.
Holton went on to clarify that his teammates would joke that he “soaked” up rebounds. He especially did that at URI, averaging 8.2 rebounds while playing an average of 28 minutes per game.
Holton sat out the 2013-2014 season at West Virginia because of transfer requirements, but is finally ready to take the court with the Mountaineers.
His addition to the team builds on an already athletic squad. Along with Holton, WVU has the likes of Devin Williams, Nathan Adrian, Brandon Watkins, BillyDee Williams and Elijah Macon on its front line.
“I can’t wait to play. I am such a competitor,” said Holton when asked about the upcoming scrimmage Nov. 9 against Shepherd.
The junior forward also made note that he loves playing with a lot of energy, because it forces everyone else to play with more energy.
“Holton is going to be a pretty good player,” WVU coach Bob Huggins said after the Gold-Blue Debut last Friday.
Holton recorded six points, two blocks and a steal in the debut, and added that he accepts his role as a big-time rebounder and threat in the low-post. Along with stretching the floor, Holton said he plans to wreak havoc down low.
Juwan Staten knows the same struggles of transferring and sitting out, and Holton says it is brought up in conversation everyday.
“He tells me everyday don’t take anything for granted, just play hard,” Holton said about Staten. “It (The Big 12) is going to be more aggressive.”
Aggressive is the right word, because playing against Temple’s front line usually does not compare to battling against Texas’ front court.
The two former transfers say they have created a good relationship, and compliment each other’s game. Holton said he can pick-and-pop, and help in the transition game.
It is apparent Holton is ready to see real action. He will most likely play good minutes in next Sunday’s scrimmage against Shepherd, and it’ll be a good test to see if he can become the player Huggins thinks he is.
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