Holmes spent most of his summer focusing on academics, participating in just a few AAU events. St. Frances, meanwhile, will play its typically challenging MIAA A Conference and Baltimore Catholic League schedule in addition to participating in several national tournaments. The Panthers could play up to 40 games this season, giving Holmes a better chance to be seen.

“With him going to summer school, he didn’t really get to play on the circuit this summer,” Green said. “We did the Super 64 in Las Vegas where a couple of new schools jumped in, like Baylor and Rhode Island. But I think with the national schedule we have this year … this will put him in a situation where a lot of coaches that haven’t seen him will see him. A lot of coaches have heard his name, but haven’t seen him play too many times.”

Green said Holmes could soon take unofficial visits to schools within driving distance like Temple, Duquesne, Morgan and Loyola. Official visits will likely be scheduled during the high school season, although Holmes and Green could visit South Florida soon. Eric Skeeters, a former St. Frances coach and alumnus of Coppin State and Woodlawn, is a Bulls assistant.

Providence sent an assistant coach to see Holmes earlier this month, while Loyola and Morgan -- particularly Bears assistant Keith Goodie, according to Green -- are frequent visitors to St. Frances open gyms. The reviews of Holmes’ game have been positive.

“He’s gotten a lot bigger,” Green said. “He’s up to 190-195 now, so he’s been lifting weights and working on his jump shot. [The kids] have been working on their goals and we’ve got a tough road ahead, but I think it will be an interesting year.”