WKU Hilltopper Basketball senior guard Taveion Hollingsworth announced that he will not use an extra fifth year of college eligibility and will begin his professional basketball career.
The 6-foot-2, 165-pound guard will leave The Hill with his name all over the program's record book.
Hollingsworth, who started every game of his college career and never missed a game, set new WKU records for most minutes played in a career (4,525) and games started (131). He's also ranked fifth on WKU's all-time scoring list with 1,896 career points, as well as in the top 10 for career steals, free throws made, free throws attempted and free-throw percentage.
Hollingsworth averaged 13.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists as a senior in 2020-21 and was named to the All-Conference USA Second Team.
His biggest basket of the season came in the regular-season finale against Old Dominion, when his three-point play in the final 30 seconds broke a 57-all tie and lifted the Hilltoppers to the C-USA East Division title – their first regular season championship since 2009.
One of the first two four-year players at WKU for head coach Rick Stansbury, Hollingsworth was a part of 88 total wins, three C-USA championship game appearances and two NIT berths.
The Lexington, Ky., native and father of two graduated earlier this month with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Hollingsworth penned a letter with his decision on his social media channels. A copy of the letter is available below:
Hilltopper Nation,
First off, I would like to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the sport that I love. Without him nothing I've done would've been possible. Over the past 4 years, Bowling Green and Diddle Arena have become a second home for me. Each of you welcomed me since day one on campus and have supported me throughout my journey.
I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and loving me not only through my journey but through everything. You've been there every step of the way and I don't know what I would've done without y'all.
To my teammates, my forever family. I appreciate the current guys and the ones that have moved on to be successful, you've been there for me and I'll always be here for y'all. To my coaches, thank you for giving me the chance to play college basketball and always believing in me. You guys have pushed me to be the best player I can be and the best man I can be off the court as well.
it has always been my dream to play professional basketball. So, with that being said, I have decided to forego my extra year of eligibility, and hire an agent in order to pursue my dreams. This is only the beginning, so thank you for being a part of this journey.
