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Mike Holmes
GoGamecocks.com
Holmes finds second home at Coastal Carolina
After being dismissed, former Gamecock will join former USC teammate Chad Gray
Mike Holmes has a new home - alongside an old teammate who can sympathize with his plight.
The former South Carolina Gamecock enrolled Friday at Coastal Carolina, two weeks after being dismissed from the USC basketball team. He will join Chad Gray, who also was also kicked off the USC team 18 months ago by coach Darrin Horn.
But Coastal Carolina coach Cliff Ellis was willing to take Holmes after getting an endorsement from Horn.
"I've been a coach that has always looked to give kids second chances or give them a chance," Ellis said. "With Mike, this is his last chance, but I'm gonna reach out to him. His grades are good. I'm gonna look to develop him. I'm at the point of my life that all of the accolades are done. I wanna help kids."
Holmes, a 6-foot-7 forward, started six games this season before getting hurt. He was then dismissed on New Year's Day for what Horn called a repeated, but unspecified, violation of team rules.
Sources said Holmes got in several physical altercations with teammates, including one the week before his dismissal.
The Bishopville native will have at least one season of eligibility. Coastal Carolina will apply to the NCAA for a medical redshirt for this season.
"It means a lot," Holmes told the Myrtle Beach Sun on Friday. "I've got kids to take care of, so I want an opportunity for them and to put food on the table for them. ... People mistake me for a bad person. When I was younger I had an attitude problem, but I've put that behind me."
Dave Odom, who recruited Holmes to USC three years ago, also called Ellis.
"Coach Odom said 'I think it would be good for him. He needs to have somebody that is experienced, that will look after him,' " Ellis said. "When Darrin Horn called, he said 'I'd be glad to help in any way. I want to help the kid get in another school, whatever I can do to help.' I value that more than anything in the world."
Gray, also a 6-7 forward, was dismissed by Horn after the spring 2008 semester. He is averaging 15.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for Coastal Carolina, which is 16-3.
Ellis is hoping for similar results from Holmes.
"So he's in school, and we'll see how it works out," Ellis said. "I'm excited about it, and we'll take it from there."
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