Michael Holton

Master of Ceremonies, Former Portland Trail Blazer

NBA/NCAA CAREER
A nine-year professional player in the NBA and CBA – which included a two-year stay with the Portland Trail Blazers (1986-88) – Holton’s playing career culminated in 1992. Following his UCLA Bruin career, he spent six years in the NBA with Phoenix (1984-85), Chicago (1985-86), Portland (1986-88) and Charlotte (1988-90).

COACHING
After a one-year coaching stint at Oregon State (1995-96), Holton then joined the staff at UCLA, marking a homecoming to his alma mater where he was a four-year letter winner. Holton spent five years at UCLA as an assistant coach, as the Bruins earned five consecutive NCAA “Elite Eight” appearance, along with 2001, 2000 and 1998 NCAA “Sweet 16” berths. UCLA recorded five consecutive 20+ game winning seasons and a 114-56 record, averaging nearly 23 victories a year. As UCLA’s recruiting coordinator, Holton helped the Bruins land the nation’s No. 1 (1998) and No. 2 (1997) recruiting classes.

Holton was appointed as head coach of the University of Portland men’s basketball program in April, 2001, becoming the 19th coach in the 77-year history of the Pilot program. In the five years at the University of Portland, Holton led the Pilots in the first in-state sweep over Oregon, Oregon State and Portland State since 1949; recruited and coached Pooh Jeter and Donald Wilson, the 2nd leading scoring backcourt in the history of the program and developed a successful etiquette program for personal development of his players that included financial education, career preparation, dinner etiquette, job interviewing and community service. Holton’s etiquette program was the subject of a national feature on ESPN.

BROADCASTING
A former NBA player and recently the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Portland, Holton is the Portland Trailblazers studio analyst for the teams pre and post game shows.

BUSINESS
Michael Holton has been a State Farm Insurance agent for the past 12 years. His agency is in the South Waterfront/Macadam Blvd area. Holton’s ability to coach and inspire others has translated into helping people manage the risk of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.

PHILANTHROPIC ENDEAVORS
The Michael Holton Basketball Academy supports and promotes life skill development, confidence building, physical fitness, and educating youth. Holton believes these programs can enhance or change a child's life. The Michael Holton Basketball Academy provides health/ fitness training, health nutrition program, leadership training, etiquette, professional skills and motivational guest speakers.

Over 150 children participate each year. Approximately 50% of the campers receive scholarship or financial assistance through our generous donors. Holton is committed to assembling resources to promote positive development in young lives.