When Jimmy Miller learned of Terry Holland’s passing Sunday, his mind immediately drifted to a photograph from nearly 40 years ago. Captured on film by Holland’s wife, Ann, the moment had nothing to do with basketball and everything to do with relationships.
It was November 1984, and Holland’s Virginia team was competing at a season-opening tournament in Kona, Hawaii, where Miller, a senior team captain, and his coach braved the churning waters of a renowned diving area. Briefly, the two leaned together against the rocks as Ann snapped the photo.
“It was just me and my mentor,” Miller said Monday. “He was more than just a basketball coach. He changed the trajectory of my life.”