The Coach Who Set an $875,000 Revenue Record Is Now at North Dakota and the Summit League Needs to Pay Attention

Hold up, college hoops fans, because something just dropped on Monday, May 18, 2026, that could seriously shake things up! The University of North Dakota men's basketball program just brought in A.J. Holland as their new assistant coach, and let me tell you, this guy's resume is absolutely stacked. Head coach Paul Sather is hyped, saying Holland brings "a wealth of experience" and is a "tremendous person and a perfect fit" for the Fighting Hawks. If you’re not already paying attention to North Dakota hoops, you're about to start!

This Guy's Track Record Is Next Level

Holland's path to North Dakota is impressive, to say the least. He spent four seasons grinding at East Texas A&M, working his way up from Director of Basketball Operations to assistant coach for three years. During his time there, the Lions weren't just showing up, they were winning! In their first Division I season in 2022-23, Holland helped them bag nine Southland Conference wins. Across his four seasons, he helped them score two postseason appearances and a solid 11 wins against Division I non-conference opponents. That's a serious impact! Before his East Texas A&M run, Holland was making waves elsewhere. He spent two seasons at Angelo State University, where he helped guide the Rams to a 20-10 record and a Division II NCAA Tournament appearance in the 2021-22 season. And check this out: at the University of Arkansas Fort-Smith from 2017-18, he pushed the Lions to a program-record 24 wins and another NCAA Tournament berth. He even coached DeVaunta Thomas to Heartland Conference Player of the Year honors, only the second player in program history to snag that award. Oh, and before he even hit the college coaching circuit, while with Elite Hoops Basketball from 2013-2017, he set a company record, generating $875,000 in revenue in 2015! Talk about bringing value.

North Dakota Just Grabbed a Rising Star

It’s clear Holland isn't just any coach; he's a recognized talent in the college basketball world. In March of 2026, he was selected for the Silver Waves Media Rising Stars Power Lunch, which is a big deal for up-and-coming coaches. The year before, he was on their "75 Rising Stars: Impactful Men’s Mid-Major Assistants” list and was even an honored guest at the “Elite 50 Power Future Head Coaches Invitational” at the 2025 Final Four. This isn't just a hire; it's a statement! Holland himself sounds ready to roll, saying he’s "excited and extremely grateful" to work with Coach Sather and help continue the program's success. So, what does this all mean for North Dakota? Well, Coach Sather pretty much summed it up: Holland's "vast experience working with some great coaches at different programs opens new doors and opportunities for our basketball program." With a proven winner and a recognized rising star joining the staff, you can bet the Fighting Hawks are looking to build on their strong foundation. It’s going to be exciting to watch!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.