2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) drives against Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Aaron Holiday is the younger brother of shooting guard Justin Holiday and All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday. With Lonzo Ball out of the equation, he’ll have an an opportunity to escape a number of shadows during the 2017-18 college basketball season.

Holiday has an intriguing physical profile and legitimate two-way value, which makes lottery status a realistic possibility for the UCLA star.

Holiday finished 2016-17 with averages of 18.5 points, 6.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 2.2 3-point field goals made per 40 minutes. They’re a fair reflection of his well-rounded game, including his ability to alternate between scoring and facilitating.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that, over the course of his two seasons at UCLA, Holiday has converted 92 3-point field goals on 41.4 percent shooting.

They key for Holiday will be proving that he’s as proficient a defender as he seems to be. He’s done an excellent job of applying on-ball pressure in Steve Alford’s system, and showed his character by helping to cover up for Lonzo Ball’s inconsistencies in 2016-17.

Standing at 6’1″ with a 6’6″ wingspan and a muscular frame, Holiday has the physical tools and skill set to be a breakout player in 2017-18.