TJ HOLYFIELD - PF/C - YAMAGATA (JAPAN)

Born: September 22, 1995

Passport: American/Nigerian

Position: Power Forward/Center

Height: 203 cm / 6’8”

Team: YAMAGATA (JAPAN)

TJ Holyfield is a 203 cm (6’8”) long, athletic, crafty, and versatile power forward. TJ is outstanding in getting into the lane and playing off two feet to create his own shot or to get teammates in position to score. His offensive strengths are ability to drive and finish around the rim, create his own shot by using shot fake, step-back and pull-up moves, and getting offensive rebounds and put-backs. TJ can face-up and use his high IQ and skills to score, or drive and finish with either hand around the basket. He is highly coachable and keeps it simple as he reads defense well. TJ runs the floor well and makes excellent decisions in transition or half court situations. He is a versatile defender who uses his experience, athletic ability, and footwork to stop perimeter players or power forwards. He is an outstanding shot blocker that times his blocks well.

During 2023/2024 season TJ played for Yamagata in Japanese B2 League. He averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds per game. He signed contract extension for the upcoming 2024/2025 season, and he is currently averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game.

During 2022/2023 season TJ averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds per game and Oldenburg finished 4th in regular season in German BBL. In addition to U.S. passport TJ now holds the Nigerian passport. Below are his German BBL highlights.

https://youtu.be/NCEeH9vqY3g

In July 2021, TJ joined Houston Rockets' training camp and signed to play for Oldenburg in German top BBL league Basketball Champions League. On the season TJ averaged 7.3 points and 5 rebounds per game in 21 minutes per game. Yet, since the new coach took over the head coaching position, TJ averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game during last 17 games and their record was 11:6. Below are his season highlights from German BBL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8C9CPwFwGY

During the 2021/2021 season, TJ played for Kauhajoki Karhu in Finish top league and they finished second in the regular season. They lost in the Finals and TJ averaged 13.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game and shot 58% from the field and 42% from behind the 3-point line. Below are Finnish season highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_DDfioSAUE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZPbi0FM_FY

During 2019/2020 season, TJ was a starter at Texas Tech University in Big 12 Conference. He played 23 minutes per game and averaged 9 points and 5 rebound per game. He also led the team in blocks with 1.6 blocks per game. Below are his Texas Tech highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2gIr5960y8&t=5s

TJ transferred to Texas Tech after playing three seasons at Stephen F. At Stephen F. Austin University where he produced 1,081 points, 595 rebounds and 134 blocked shots. He was a two-time All-Southland Conference selection after earning third-team honors as a junior and second-team distinction following his sophomore season. As junior, TJ helped lead the Lumberjacks to the NCAA Tournament. During his final season at SFA, he averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots. He was named the Southland Conference Tournament MVP and to the conference’s all-defensive team as a junior. TJ started all of SFA’s 34 games during his freshman season where he averaged 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds before leading the team in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore with 12 points and 7 rebounds per game.