John Holland (basketball)
A Boston University legend who carved out a lasting professional career by becoming a key figure for the Puerto Rican national basketball team.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American Puerto Rican basketball player·Birthday: November 6·Millennials
Biography
John Holland's basketball journey is a story of steady ascent and international reinvention. Emerging from the Bronx, he became a star at Boston University, where his scoring prowess made him a campus hero. Undrafted by the NBA, he refused to let that define his career, instead becoming a globe-trotting professional and a fixture in the competitive Puerto Rican league. His commitment was rewarded with a spot on the Puerto Rican national team, where his defensive intensity and timely shooting made him a valuable asset in major international tournaments. Holland's path demonstrates that impact isn't reserved for first-round picks; it's built through persistence and embracing the opportunities that align with your skill and heritage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
John was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When John Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
John's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named America East Player of the Year in 2011 after a standout season at Boston University.
- Earned a key role on the Puerto Rican national team, competing in the FIBA Americas Championship and the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
- Built a sustained professional career as a leading scorer and veteran presence in Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN).
Did You Know?
He is of Puerto Rican descent through his mother, which allowed him to represent Puerto Rico internationally.
He scored over 2,000 points during his collegiate career at Boston University.
He played for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 preseason and appeared in one regular-season game for them in 2018.
“From the Bronx to the world, my game speaks for me wherever I play.”
