Detroit — Ron Holland II understood at a young age that his basketball talents came with the responsibility of being a role model.
Holland was a five-star prospect at Duncanville High School in Texas when he started giving back to the community. His desire to dive into philanthropic work led him and his family to establish The Holland Group Foundation in 2023.
“I love to give back to the community; it shows what kind of person I am,” Holland told The Detroit News. “Giving back to kids and adults, anyone who is in need of help…I like to show kids that they can live life at ease. They do not need to be stressed about anything. If you need any help, ask. No matter what it is.”
Since entering the league as a lottery pick by the Pistons in 2024, Holland has established himself as a community-focused player in Detroit — a trait that is rarely seen in first- and second-year players.
Holland’s charitable work prompted him to host a pair of events during the 2025 PeacePlayers Friendship Games. It was a weeklong international celebration of basketball that highlighted cultural exchanges and youth leadership.
The Friendship Games brought together over 100 youth leaders from PeacePlayers sites around the world, including the Middle East, Northern Ireland, South Africa and the United States, to show that if young people can play together, they can lead together.
Detroit was the first city in the United States to host the Friendship Games since its commencement in 2021. Fellow Piston Caris LeVert participated in the PeacePlayers opening ceremony on Monday.
“It’s not just about having players, but the support of the Pistons in general,” Jasmine Cooper, director for PeacePlayers Detroit, told The Detroit News.
“The community social responsibility team that the Pistons have is second to none. We have markets in other cities, and they do not have the same relationship and connections. But then to add the layers of the players being engaged, it means the world to our kids. It makes them realize that they are important. It’s just amazing.”
On Thursday, Holland donated 60 bikes to PeacePlayers, and his contribution allowed the youth to embark on a See Detroit Slow Roll. The following day, Holland conducted a basketball camp at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center. He focused on developing essential skills and included a Q&A session to share advice about both basketball and life.
“People have done this kind of stuff for me. With all the information and knowledge I received to be impactful, I felt like why should I not do it?” Holland said. “It’s the reason why I’ve been able to have the success I have today.”
Holland was surrounded by several supporters who dedicated their lives to helping youth, including his former high school coach David Peavy and former NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal. Their guidance went beyond the basketball court, emphasizing mental health as a primary area of support.
The psychological well-being that Holland gained from his support group was a key factor in making his foundation an organization that also provides mental health services.
“Basketball is more than skill work; there is also the mental health piece,” Holland said. “When I was growing up, I had an outlet, and it is the main reason why I became the person I am today. To have someone I could talk to who did not judge and understood. Someone you can be yourself with is something that is needed in life.”
Holland’s recent community initiatives will continue beyond PeacePlayers in the Motor City. Alongside former high school teammate and current Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black, Holland will co-host a back-to-school event called “Kicks and Cares” next weekend in his hometown of Duncanville.
The duo intends to impact hundreds of students in Texas ahead of the upcoming school year. But for Holland, the back-to-school event offers a chance to give back to the community where he began demonstrating his philanthropic devotion long before his NBA career.
“For kids who can use extra supplies, we will be giving them out,” Holland said. “Going there and telling all the kids to have a great school year. Be happy and get good grades. Telling the kids to keep their heads clear mentally. There are different kinds of outlets they can use and express that information to all the kids.”
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
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