old-school rim protector who once made Sam Houston’s paint a no-fly zone
In his Sam Houston years, Michael Holyfield was a bruising 6-foot-11 center whose value came from elite rim protection, efficient finishing, and relentless rebounding—he finished his SHSU career with 191 blocks, 769 rebounds, and a school-best .585 field-goal percentage. In the 2014-15 season, he was named Southland Defensive Player of the Year and led the conference’s defensive honors, which says plenty about his motor and timing. If you need a true paint anchor rather than a stretch big, Holyfield’s profile screams toughness, length, and shot-blocking instincts.
