John Holland (AP)
Bronx native gets NBA test run
John Holland is storming towards his dream of playing in the NBA.
The 23-year-old Bronx native, just finished his first NBA Summer League stint last week with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Quite naturally, I was elated,” Holland told The Post’s Anthony Sulla-Heffinger.
After spending a year playing overseas with Choale Roanne in France, where Holland made the French All-Star team, he now is looking to make a name for himself in the NBA.
“There was no Summer League last year, so I was really glad to get this opportunity to show that I could come from a mid-major school like Boston University and still be a high quality player,” Holland said.
Holland, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, averaged 5.8 points in four games, including a 15-point performance in the Thunder’s 87-86 win over the Nets on Thursday.
After attending Fordham Prep, Holland spent a year playing at St. Benedict’s in Newark because he felt that he had not gotten the right offers to play Division I college basketball.
“I’ve always had great coaches,” Holland said. “People don’t know that my dad [John Holland] was a D-I player for Iona College in the ’60s. He was my first coach. I was able to put all of my past experiences to work, play at a high level and get this opportunity with the Thunder. Playing at this level is a constant learning experience.”
In his senior season at Boston University, Holland helped lead the Terriers to the America East Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. He finished second on BU’s all-time scoring list. Holland, disappointed he was not drafted, believes the best is yet to come.
“I know I can play at this level,” Holland said. “I haven’t yet reached my biggest accomplishments in this game. I’d like to think of myself as on the rise.”
Holland would be the first Fordham Prep graduate to play in the NBA. Prep alum and former Knicks general manager Donnie Walsh, now back with the Pacers, was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors, but never played in the league.
Holland will join the Heat for the second leg of the Summer League in Las Vegas this week.
“It would really be an honor to be in the NBA,” Holland said. “I don’t think I can even tell you what it would mean to me or my family. They have been there for me before all this and I know they will be there for me after this is over.”
Wife & Kidd shop in East Hampton
New Knick Jason Kidd kicked back and lounged this week with wife Porschla Coleman in East Hampton. The couple was spotted outside East Hampton luxury retail staple Blue & Cream, where Kidd relaxed outside while Porschla went on a shopping spree.
The supermodel and mother of two was shopping when she was overheard asking Kidd to come into the store to try on a couple items. She was overheard telling her husband: “It will only take a minute!” Kidd tried on a few things and went right back outside, walked around, lounged on a chair and enjoyed people watching. … Brooklyn Nets coach Avery Johnson enjoyed his Yankees Roll Call debut Friday night. “It was a great experience,” Johnson said. “It was great to call out all of the different names of the guys I’ve seen it on television, but to actually experience it — it was great.” Johnson heaped praise on Bald Vinny Milano. “He helped coach me up,” Johnson said. Johnson called out the names of every Yankee on the field. “I would say [Nick Swisher] was the best one,” Johnson said. What did he do? “He did some funky little dance,” Johnson said with a smile.