Stephens: Marcus Holt frustrated with, but loved by CSU

Marcus Holt didn't want to be interviewed.

He refused to be included in a portrait of the CSU senior class.

The 6-foot-10 forward for the Colorado State University basketball team hasn't had the season he envisioned when he decided to return to the Rams this summer and he's not up for discussing it. Playing in only 13 games during what amounts to mop-up duty as a senior on scholarship was exactly what he was hoping to avoid when he was granted his release at the end of last season.

Offers to transfer elsewhere didn't come. Holt was forced to swallow his pride and ask Larry Eustachy for a chance to come back. His request was granted and the senior from Aurora spent the entire summer lifting with his again teammates and developing a jump shot, knocking down 3-pointers from around the world in Moby Arena.

Gone was that junior from last year who was used selectively because of a shallow bench that lacked a defensive matchup for athletic big men. Holt had evolved from a center to a power forward and he was going to prove it on the floor as a senior — but he hasn't had the chance. In Wednesday's 72-56 win against San Jose State on senior night, Holt made his first career start, recording two points and a rebound in 11 minutes, and it allegedly took the will of his teammates to get him that.

"When J.J. (Avila) told the team he wasn't going to play, (Eustachy) put Gian (Clavell) in the starting lineup. Me and Stanton (Kidd) and a couple of guys texted coach and said 'I think Marcus should start. He's worked hard,'" fellow senior Daniel Bejarano said. "It was a big moment, not just for Marcus, but as a team, seeing him start."

Eustachy claims Bejarano got the story wrong. That he had changed his mind and told Holt hours before he'd start, but word hadn't gotten around to the rest of the team. Either way, it shows the esteem the Rams hold their often-forgotten senior in.

It's hard to blame a guy for being disappointed by the way things turned out. Had Holt transferred to Cal Poly like he was considering, he'd average a double-double. He didn't, and the impression he gave Tuesday by blowing off the media didn't come off as a glowing reflection of his character.

His actions indicate regret regarding the decision to remain at CSU, but his teammates want him to know they're grateful he did.

"It was pretty tough when Marcus told me he was leaving. He's my roommate, and honestly, I was going to lose that person I go to to talk to. It hit me hard," sophomore point guard John Gillon said. "He's handled this situation as good as anyone could. I mean, he's a nice guy, funny and he'll be there for you if you need someone.

"It meant a lot to me that he came back."

Junior Joe De Ciman said there wasn't animosity toward Holt when he got his scholarship back, for no other reason than because, "he's Marcus."

Eustachy doesn't think Holt ever really wanted to leave. He was searching for something and didn't find it elsewhere. He might not realize it, Eustachy said, but what Holt really needed was to be at a school with a family interested in taking care of him and preparing him for life, not playing him 37 minutes per game for a team who only wants him for basketball. That means less playing time — CSU is well equipped in the post with Avila, Kidd and Tiel Daniels — but being a Ram has long-term benefits with a more respected degree. If he wants to play basketball professionally next year, he'll have opportunities overseas.

Marcus Holt isn't a bad kid. He's frustrated to have his abilities come so far yet regress in game-day production, with his minutes per game cut in half from the 12.3 they were at a year ago. He has the hardest role — a scholarship senior on scout team — and has handled it almost flawlessly.

"I think when Marcus gets older, he'll realize he got a lot more out of it than he feels he's getting right now, because so much of this is built on playing time. I don't think he realizes how much he's contributing," CSU assistant coach Steve Barnes said. "Reality starts setting in around senior day and guys start thinking 'maybe I could have been in the gym more?'

"But I like to look at it this way: If you were a player's father, how would you feel about how they've handled a tough situation? If I were Marcus' father, I would be proud of him."

For insight and analysis on athletics around Northern Colorado and the Mountain West, follow sports columnist Matt L. Stephens at twitter.com/mattstephens and facebook.com/stephensreporting.

Marcus Holt at CSU