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UCLA freshman Aaron Holiday making strong early impression

Aaron Holiday

Aaron Holiday

AP

UCLA opened its exhibition play last night with a big win over Cal State Los Angeles as freshman guard Aaron Holiday made a positive first impression.

The younger brother of former Bruin star guard Jrue Holiday, Aaron made an impact on Friday night as he started alongside Bryce Alford in the backcourt and finished with 16 points and five steals in a 95-57 win.

A former four-star prospect, Holiday entering the starting lineup and defending at a high level is a very positive sign for UCLA because it could allow for the Bruins to put Alford on the weaker offensive player when they switch to defense.

While the speed of the game still made Holiday turn the ball over a little too much, if he can play the passing lanes and create offense for UCLA it will be a huge help for their starting five.

Replacing departed senior Norman Powell will be a tough task for head coach Steve Alford this season but he’s hoping a combination of Holiday and another freshman guard, Prince Ali, can help fill that void.