Surrey Heat re-sign Travis Holmes
The Surrey Heat have today re-signed guard, Travis Holmes, for the remainder of the 2012/13 season and play-offs.
Holmes, 26, was first signed by the Surrey Heat earlier in the season as a short-term replacement for the injured Martelle McLemore. During his nine games with the club, he averaged 16.4ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.8apg and 2.5spg.
Travis Holmes left the team when McLemore returned to action in mid-January but when McLemore failed to rediscover his early season form and was released, the door opened for a Travis Holmes return. Early talks between the Heat and Holmes came to a halt over finances but a word from younger brother, Chavis, helped re-ignite discussions and led to Travis re-signing with the BBL club.
“I think brotherly love came into play,” suggested Heat Coach Raftopoulos when discussing how contract discussions were resurrected. “People are always amazed at twins playing on the same team. I learnt very quickly what effect they can have on each other. Chavis was a great player without Travis. When Travis came, Chavis became an even better player. When Travis left, Chavis wasn’t himself. Now, with news of his brother coming back, he’s playing energised, he’s playing with a smile on his face.”
The signing of Travis will not only boost twin brother, Chavis, but will also allow Coach Raftopoulos to return to his preferred eight-man rotation, a move which will see Julius Joseph reprise his sixth man role and improve the Heat’s bench scoring which has dropped to 13.1ppg in the last six losses, down from the season average of 30.8ppg.
“Probably Julius will revert back to the bench. He’s probably the best captain I can ever ask for. He’s probably one of the top pros in the league,” said Coach Raftopoulos. “When he missed a couple of games when his son was born, the team was doing well and when he came back he asked me not to put him in the starting rotation because the guys were playing well. It’s not often that you get a player who’s willing to take that seat.”
The Surrey Heat face the Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 24th February at the Surrey Sports Park. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00pm.
