Joe Holston

Joe Holston is an American former college basketball player who played for the Tulane Green Wave from 1978 to 1982. A 6-foot-4 guard known for his consistency, playmaking, and efficient scoring, Holston appeared in more than 100 collegiate games and remains among Tulane’s all-time assist leaders.^[1] He earned Metro Conference All-Freshman Team ^[2]honors and helped anchor Tulane’s backcourt during a pivotal era for the program.

Holston was born and raised in Washington, D.C., where he attended Dunbar High School. He was a starter on Dunbar's undefeated 1976 team and earned All-Met^[2] recognition from The Washington Post. Holston attracted interest from several Division I programs before committing to Tulane University.^[3]

Holston joined the Tulane men's basketball program in 1978 and made an immediate impact, starting 25 of 26 games as a freshman. He averaged 10.4 points per game and was named to the Metro Conference All-Freshman Team.^[4][2]

During his high school years, Holston was viewed as a disciplined team leader.

Coach Davidson described discipline as the driving force behind inner-city basketball success, crediting junior high leagues and boys’ clubs as essential training grounds. Holston, then a senior point guard, said discipline was a requirement to play under Davidson and noted that their team thrived by pressuring undisciplined opponents.^[3]

— Washington Evening Star, March 4, 1978

Holston’s collegiate statistics are available via Sports-Reference.com.^[4]

• The Washington Post reported on Dunbar's postseason performance during Holston’s high school career, noting the team’s narrow playoff loss.^[5]
• The Washington Post reported on Holston leading the Metro All-Stars in the 1978 Capital Classic, highlighting his standout play.^[6]
• The Washington Post profiled coach Roy Danforth and highlighted Holston’s emergence, quoting: “From day one, there was no doubt that Holston would be our starting point guard.”^[7]
• The Washington Evening Star portrayed Holston as a quiet but focused recruit during a meeting with Tulane head coach Roy Danforth, highlighting the trust the staff placed in him:

Coach Roy Danforth presented Tulane’s basketball program with the optimistic conviction typical of college recruiting, expressing confidence in its future direction.^[3]

— Washington Evening Star, March 4, 1978

Holston was eligible for the 1982 NBA draft but went unselected. Despite a productive collegiate career as a four-year starting guard at Tulane, he faced stiff competition in a draft class loaded with backcourt talent. At 6-foot-4, he had solid size for a point guard, but concerns over his shooting consistency and lack of national exposure may have affected his draft stock. Holston did not pursue a professional playing career and transitioned into a career outside basketball after graduation.

Holston is remembered for his reliability and consistency over four years in Tulane’s backcourt. His high assist total and top-10 ranking in games played reflect his long-term impact on the program. Former teammates and coaches have cited him as a key contributor to Tulane’s competitive resurgence in the early Metro Conference years.^[4]

• Jo Jo Hunter
• Ralph Ledbetter
• Curt Smith (basketball)
• James "Turk" Tillman
• Kenny Matthews
• Stacey Robinson