Monday, April 30, 2012

More on JT

Per Bruce Pascoe, Josiah Turner charged with extreme DUI, 0.15 and 0.16. Adam Zagoria writes that Larry Brown @ SMU is interested in the services of Turner.

More NorCal players honored by ESPNHS

Mark Tennis and Ronnie Flores/ESPNHS offer up their five finalists for California's Mr. Basketball, plus list 25 other players. Here are the NorCal talents:

Among the First Five:

F Jabari Bird (Salesian, Richmond) 6-6 Jr.
The first team all-state junior and Mr. Basketball State Player of the Year finalist was the catalyst to Salesian’s Division IV state title appearance. He scored 24 points to lead his team to a come-from behind win over Price of Los Angeles in the championship. Salesian's leading scorer (18.7 points per game) and rebounder (4.8) is the No. 8 player in the nation for the 2013 class by ESPN.

F Aaron Gordon (Archbishop Mitty, San Jose) 6-8 Jr.
The great thing about being Mr. Basketball State Player of the Year is you get to be first team on everything else that applies. On the same court as the current NBA star, Gordon elicited memories of 1991 and 1992 Mr. Basketball Jason Kidd in the way he dominated play in leading his team to a second straight D2 state title. He's not as skilled as Kidd, but he dominates in similar fashion. Now he gets a chance to one up Kidd when he brings his 22.7 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks from this season back next year for a shot at a three-peat.

The others:

Fifth Five

F Josh Fox (Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Francisco) 6-5 Sr.
Had things gone a little differently, Fox could have been one of the heroes of a Division III state championship. He still kept the Irish in the title-game loss to Alemany of Mission Hills with a team-high 19 points and seven rebounds. The team’s leading scorer (16 ppg) on the CIF Central Coast Section and NorCal D3 champions had an even better game in the NorCal title-game win over Bishop O’Dowd of Oakland. Fox had team-highs of 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Sixth Five:

F Dakarai Allen (Sheldon, Sacramento) 6-4 Jr.
His teammate, D’Erryl Williams, received a few more honors, but this talented junior led the way on the offensive end for the Huskies as they captured the school's first Division I NorCal championship. Both Allen and Williams averaged 14 points per game, but it was Allen, and not Williams, who was voted as the league MVP. The good news for us is that we ended up picking both players to the same teams so we didn’t have the problem of picking between them. Among those who have offered Allen include San Diego State, USC and Oregon State.

G Amadi Udenyi (De La Salle, Concord) 5-11 Sr.
When a coach like the Spartans’ Frank Allocco says a player is one of the best defensive and overall guards he’s ever coached, that certainly has some meaning based on who Allocco has had in his backcourt over the years. The defensive stopper that can penetrate and dish was also an excellent threat from outside after shooting 37 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. The team’s leading scorer (16.1 ppg) led De La Salle to a CIF North Coast Section Div. I championship as a junior and to a 10th this year as a senior.

G D’Erryl Williams (Sheldon, Sacramento) 6-2 Jr.
It was a year to remember for the Huskies, as they reached the state finals for the first time in school history where they lost in the Division I title game to Mater Dei. Williams averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He is a guard who can penetrate, find open teammates and shoot from the outside. He already has been named the Sacramento Bee Player of the Year and joins teammate Dakarai Allen on three separate all-state teams. With the two of them and more returning, next year could be even better for the Huskies.

Lee loading up on offers

A tweet from Evan Daniels: "Louisville, Arkansas and Boston College are the most recent Marcus Lee offers"

Gotta still believe he'll play in the Pac-12.

Updates on the Bay Area Blue Devils

From Coach Ed Hawkins of the Bay Area Blue Devils:

This weekend, the Bay Area Blue Devil Whites went 1-3 over the weekend. Saturday's losses were to the Olympic Club and the SF Rebels. Today, we beat a solid Team Sage team and lost a close one to the Nor Cal Warriors. Leading the way from White were Sam Bide, Ramiro Contreras and Jehiah Gennaro.

Team Blue went 2-2 beating the Bay Area Warriors 16s and losing to the BA Warriors 17s at the buzzer. Today, our 17s defeated Nor Cal Warriors 16 and lost to the Jump Squad in the afternoon game. Tim Jordan, Deryck Ylanan and Giordi V'Soske had outstanding games in the showcase.

Next tournament is the MVP/Soldiers event.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Josiah Turner arrested for DUI suspicion

Bruce Pascoe has the details.

Adam Zagoria writes that it all won't matter.

Craig McMillan sending four on

Howard Senzell reports on a quartet of Santa Rosa Junior College talents signing scholarships to move on to four-year schools.

Team Superstar 2012

Team Superstar is back again this spring and summer with a 2012 edition. The program is run by LeRohn Dodson and features a pair of Sacramento area talents.

Here's the roster:

* Austin Armstead, 6-foot-3, Bullard High, 2015

* Tyler Burch, 6-foot-4, Ocean View High, 2015

* Nate Claxton, 6-foot-4, Grace Davis High, 2014

* Fatai Eke, 6-foot-8, East Bakersfield, 2014

* DB Gibbs, 6-foot-8, Hart High, 2015

* Darius Hamilton, 6-foot-5, Central High, 2014

* Malik Pope, 6-foot-8, Burbank High, 2014 

* Murshid Randle. 6-foot-3, Central High, 2014

* Taelin Webb, 5-foot-11, La Mirada High, 2014

* DJ Wilson, 6-foot-6, Capital Christian High, 2014

Ivan Rabb is now offered

Cameron Schott has the latest on Ivan Rabb: "2015 Bishop O'Dowd F Ivan Rabb received his first offer today from Arizona"

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Another honor for Grant Verhoeven, soon coming to The Farm

Stanford signee Grant Verhoeven is the Fresno Bee Player of the Year.

Another Sac State signee

Sacramento State Coach Brian Katz has announced a fifth signee, Dreon Barlett, a 6-foot-3 swing man, out of southern California.

Press for Sac State Hornet to-be Kjon Mack

Here's Branch West Coach Bob Gottlieb on Sacramento State signee Kjon Mack: "Kjon Mack 6'2" from Serra H.S. has been playing with us all spring, except for the one tournament in which he had an official visit to Sacramento State. Always knew he was highly athletic, but his outside shooting has improved immeasurably. Carries a 3.7 gpa and is an absolutely super kid. Love having him in our program."

Ivan Rabb is next

A Dave Telep tweet: "The next elite big guy from the West Coast: 2015 Ivan Rabb, Oakland Soldiers and Bishop O'Dowd"

Is he staying at BOD? Would be a smart move playing for Lou Richie.

Ex-Stanford guard named head coach

Former Stanford backcourter Julius Barnes, has moved from an assistant position to the head coach spot with the Academy of Art University men's basketball team.

D'Erryl Williams picking up offers

A recent Joe Davidson tweet: "SacBee hoops Player of Year D'Erryl Williams of Sheldon picks up offers from LMU and Fresno State. Superb leader, skills, toughness"

He's a 6-foot-4 2013 prospect.

Brian Stafford picks up post grad scholarship

The University of Denver has announced that graduating senior Brian Stafford, formerly of Las Lomas High, has been awarded a $7,500 post graduate scholarship.

CCSF lands another Hegwood


From a Tarik Sbiet tweet: "Canadian John Hegwood Jr (2012 6'4 G) will attend City College of San Francisco. Had Offers from Drake, Maine"

His father also played at City College of San Francisco. Here is his father's sort of bio. Here is a March 2012 article on the senior Hegwood.

Here's some 2012 video on the son:

Meet the 2012 Bay Area Warriors

Coach Randy Bessalo is back with his annual incarnation of the Bay Area Warriors.

The roster: (descriptions provided by Coach Bessalo, who also added this note) - "all of the guys from the Class of 2013 are very good students and will comfortably exceed NCAA standards and be admittable to top academic schools as well."

Class of 2013

* Kenny Love, Cardinal Newman High , 6-foot-1, combo guard - he can really score a lot of different ways and was named a First Team All North Bay League honoree.

* Harold Getz, University High, 6-foot-3, point guard - great handles and ability to get to the rim for a big guard, named First Team All-Bay Counties West League, Second Team All-City and San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Honorable Mention.

* Jacqui Biggins, Serra High, 6-foot-1 shooting guard - super shooter who scored 27 on the Oakland Soldiers last weekend, including 7 3-pointers, can play point guard too.

* Owen Putz, Half Moon Bay High, 6-foot-9 - real good size and runs the floor well, is getting more skilled and athletic every day.

* Jeremy Dennis, St. Mary's High (Berkeley), 6-foot-3 combo guard - he can score, has good size and athleticism for a guard and is a D-1 athlete, scored 25 points against Salesian High, was First Team all-Bay Shore Athletic League honoree.

* Samson Donnick, Redwood High, 6-foot-1 guard - strong and tough with good skills, a very good shooter and a great competitor.

* Al Waters, St. Ignatius High, 5-foot-10 point guard - smart player and true point guard.

* Ray Porter, Gateway High, 6-foot-5 forward - strong and skilled, good versatility in that can play the perimeter or inside plus guard big or small.

* Chris Mah, University High, 5-foot-11 point guard - Fast with real strong ball-handling skills and feel for the game, set UHS single season assist record with 195 this year, was named a First Team All-Leaguer and runner-up for Player of the Year.

* David Medoff, University High, 6-foot-1 shooting guard - a long-range three 3-point shooter and great defender who was a First Team All Bay Counties West Leaguer.

Class of 2012

* Mark Alexander, Marshall, 6-foot-6 forward - was San Francisco Public League (AAA) Player of the Year, is a great competitor and an especially good defender and shot blocker, is a Juco prospect.

* Derius Johnson, St. Elizabeth, 5-foot-10 guard - super fast and quick,  can really score, is a tireless defender and eligible for four-year schools

As for this past weekend, Bessalo commented: "we went 3-1 at the Pumps Hoopfest in LA. Kenny Love and Jeremy Dennis played especially well.

As for events and tournament the Warriors will appear: Gerry Freitas' event at CCSF (April 27-29). Plus the last two weekends in May in the Bay Area plus all three NCAA evaluation periods weekends in July (San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles).

Friday, April 27, 2012

Two offers to date for Markel Leonard

A tweet from Cameron Schott: "2013 Salesian PG Markel Leonard has added an offer from Princeton. He also holds an offer from UC Davis"

YC's Matt Hayes now a Dominican Penguin

Yuba City's Matt Hayes has made his college choice and Jimmy Graben has all the details.

Here are some junior year highlights:

Taylor to Windsor High

Michael Coit reports that Travis Taylor is moving over from Healdsberg High to Windsor High to coach the boys basketball team.

Meet the 2012 San Francisco Rebels

Nate Ford, Director of the San Francisco Rebels, is back with his 2012 spring and summer 17U edition.

* Ares Brown, 2012, Lincoln High, 6-foot-1

* Wayne Englestaad, 2012, Heritage High -  Wayne stands 6-foot-5 and can shoot the tock from long distance, he will attend prep school next year. 

* Gione Edwards, 2012, Mission High - A 6-foot-4 wing, ­ Gione led Mission in scoring this season, he was an All League selection and also a San Fran Preps First-Teamer

* Marquese Jones, 2013, St. Ignatius High, 5-foot-7

* Anthony Knight, 2012, El Camino High, 6-foot-1

* Geru Mabrey, 2013, Riordan High - Geru is 5-foot-8 speedy point guard who sees the floor really well, he competed in the always tough WCAL and was the leader in assists and steals

* Deondre Otis, 2014, Sacred Heart Cathedral High - A 5-foot-9 experienced guard who played significant minutes for the Irish en route to the state title game

 * Antione Porter, 2013, Mission High - A  5-foot-10  guard who was an All League selection for the second straight season while leading the league in steals and 3 point percentage.

* Herman Pratt, 2013, Sacred Heart Cathedral High - Can you say defense? 6-foot Herman Pratt gets after it and was a key ingredient to Sacred Heart Cathedral's  State Championship run, he was named a WCAL Second Teamer and to the First Team for San Fran Preps

* Terrance Roberts, 2013, St.Ignatius High - This 6-foot-3 guard has range and can also defend

* Micheal Smith, 2013, El Camino High - A 6-foot-4 lefty who can shoot the ball from three-point range and has the ability to post up as well, was a Peninsula Athletic League First Teamer

* Thomas Sowell, 2012, Heritage High, 6-foot-5

* Joseph Worku, 2014, Mills High, 6-foot-2

Here's the upcoming schedule for the Rebels:

APRIL 2012

27-29 Nor Cal Spring Showcase - CCSF

MAY 2012

4-6 Reebok Breakout Challenge - Sacramento Ca
19-20 City Championships - CCSF
26-28 Memorial Day Classic ­ - Bay Area

JUNE 2012

16-18 Rebel Rumble - Home

JULY 2012

7-9 Adidas Double Pump Camp - Carson Ca
11-15 Adidas 3 Stripes - Anaheim Ca
18-22 Las Vegas Live - Las Vegas
25-30 Adidas 64 - Las Vegas

Aaron Gordon idled

JP Murrietta has the scoop about Aaron Gordon to be missing spring and summer ball due to a toe injury.

A Mckenzie Moore update

From one of the latest posts at the UTEP basketball site:
[Mckenzie] Moore, a 6-6 combo guard, enrolled at UTEP for the spring semester. He initially verbally committed to Saint Mary's before re-opening his recruiting following a standout prep campaign at College Park High School in Pleasant Hill, Calif. Because he joined the team at mid-year, Moore wouldn't be eligible to play for the Miners until the second semester this coming season.

"He reminds me a lot of Daniel Hackett, who we had at USC," Floyd said. "He can play the point, and in saying that, we still love Jacques Streeter. But what we have done is added several ball-handling bigger guards who all have the ability to make plays in the open floor. We can outlet to several guys and not just one. We think that makes it very difficult on teams in transition. We want to be a better offensive transition team next year.

"McKenzie has the ability to shoot it, and he has the ability to get the ball in the lane. He is a pass-first guard who has great length and should be a great defender in addition to being a guy who is going to make other players better. We would love for him to continue to develop a post game so we can take advantage of him against smaller guards in matchup situations. That's something he'll work on in the offseason."

Another honor for Brian Barbour

Columbia University athletics reports that former Monte Vista backcourter Brian Barbour has earned yet another honor for his on-court achievements this season.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

A commentary on the firing of Dave Brown

Captain Renault (in the film "Casablanca"): I've often speculated why you don't return to America. Did you abscond with the church funds? Run off with a senator's wife? I like to think you killed a man. It's the romantic in me. 

Rick: It was a combination of all three.

No, ex-Miramonte High Boys Basketball Coach Dave Brown isn't related to nor is he the reincarnation of the Rick Blaine/Humphrey Bogart "Casablanca" character, but he isn't coaching the Matadors next season.

His sin or sins?

Being unsuccessful?

No, it's not that.

Did he go Bobby Knight on a player or fan or parent?

Negative.

Break the law in some manner?

Thumbs down.

No, he is guilty of simply doing what he was hired to do -- his job.

Ultimately, that is assessing talent, playing those student-athletes in the order he judges worthy so that his school/team will have the optimum chance to succeed.

But unfortunately not in the eyes of Miramonte Principal Adam Clark who decided his school's boys basketball program needed to be guided by a different conductor.

Clark's exercise of authority and his judgment, and the appropriateness of each, is at the core of this particular situation.

What isn't in dispute is that Clark had the power to release Brown but rather the the factors in his decision to do so.

The following is a memo from Coach Brown encapsulating his situation:

A Statement From Dave Brown
Former Head Coach, Miramonte High School Boys Basketball


"After learning that I had been dismissed, without explanation, from my coaching job, many of you asked how this could have happened. I can assure you that it was not due to my job performance, especially given the incredible season we had just completed and my six-year track record at Miramonte.

During those six years, we won a DFAL title, were NCS runner-ups twice, averaged 18 wins per season, had a student-athlete receive Miramonte’s first ever Division 1 boys basketball scholarship, advanced to the NorCal quarterfinals three times, and won the only two state playoff games in school history.

We earned five NCS Scholastic Championship Team Awards; launched a community service project for frosh, JV and varsity players; and built a program of high character young men who worked hard, strove for excellence and cared deeply about each other. Moreover, our student-athletes demonstrated exemplary behavior on and off campus and were repeatedly praised by Principal Adam Clark who did not encounter any problems with our players.

So if I excelled in every area where job performance is measured, why was I dismissed from my position as Head Coach of the Boys Basketball program?

This past Friday, Mr. Clark told me the reason why I was fired, and it involved the only area in which we had disagreed during his three-year tenure:

Earlier this season, Mr. Clark told me that I needed to play several varsity players more than they had been playing, specifically when the outcome of games was still in doubt. One of those players was his son.

Based on my integrity and commitment to fairness for all team members, I disagreed. And that is why I have lost my job.

The players he instructed me to play were ranked near the bottom of our depth chart. These players were hard working, high character seniors who earned the opportunity to be part of our varsity team but were not as skilled as those ahead of them. These young men played in nearly half of our games and started and finished the game on Senior Night -- an incredible victory over Campolindo High that few will ever forget.

I want to stress that prior to Mr. Clark’s unexpected intervention, I was never made aware of a school policy on playing time. Nor had Mr. Clark previously micro-managed these issues. I recently surveyed other Miramonte coaches and basketball coaches throughout the state about the proper role of a principal in terms of playing time issues. Their response was consistent and clear: such actions are unheard of and should never take place.

A year ago, we had a similar-sized varsity roster with several high character seniors who earned limited playing time, and I handled these issues the same way as I did this year. Mr. Clark, however, did not get involved with playing time issues at any point during that season. In fact, he told me several times that he fully supported my playing time decisions.

Mr. Clark should not have been involved in playing time decisions, especially with his son on the team. He blurred the lines between his role as parent and principal – creating a clear conflict of interest – and then used his administrative powers to unfairly dismiss me."


+++++

In addition to face-to-face encounters where Principal Clark attempted to influence Coach Brown’s decisions regarding playing time, here are two emails Coach Brown received from Principal Clark which document Clark's direct involvement in this concern:

From: Adam Clark
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:13:12 +0000
To: Dave Brown
Subject: Couple of Basketball Comments

Dave,

I know I touched on this at the coaches meeting, so I wanted to give you a heads up. Comments are already starting to head my way from families that have been involved in the program about 30+ point blowouts and players getting 1 or 2 minutes. I know you have a large team and that is a challenge. But with practices and games 6 days a week frustration does set in with kids and families. I am not entertaining these remarks or comments but thought you should know. More than likely I will not attend the SLO tournament because I do not want to get caught in the middle of this because the brackets look challenging which means less opportunities. So handle as you wish, it's a long season.

Adam Clark

Followed by:

Forwarded Message
From: Adam Clark
Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:11:24 +0000
To: Dave Brown

Congratulations on your win tonight. I think it is wrong and unacceptable that you still have 1-5 players that have played only a minute or two in 6 preseason games. I do not support that and do no support the program heading in that direction.

Adam Clark

------ End of Forwarded Message

+++++

Below are the MaxPreps links to the Miramonte rosters and player stats from the past two seasons. They demonstrate that in both seasons there were several student-athletes who did not play on a regular basis.

The 2011-2012 Miramonte varsity roster
The 2010-2011 Miramonte varsity roster

In summary, the firing turns on but one single factor -- concern about playing time --  not W-L success, community service participation or behavioral issues.

Digging deeper, the question is not whether Principal Clark had the prerogative to act as he chose to do so.

That's evident.

But what is wrong is Clark not recusing himself from this matter because of the inherent conflict of interest due to his son being a member of the group of players who played very little. 

Absolute transparency is a requirement in this situation --  a core value that cuts to the heart of this incident -- because the matter of whether acting as principal or parent, or a combination thereof, cannot be distinguished here.

It's also worthy to state that it is the dominion of a coach to determine who will play, how much and when because he or she has the expertise and access to do so. Note that no student-athletes have stepped forward complaining that the combination of players placed on the court by Coach Brown didn't give Miramonte the best opportunity to succeed. Supposedly, only some parents did so.

Additionally, Principal Clark certainly changed his mind between the first and second emails which, granted, he has the right to do so. But an explanation of why is deserved.

Returning to "Casablanca" - Rick: "I'm no good at being noble, but it doesn't take much to see that the problems of three little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world."

Yes, there are enormous tragedies out there and, in the proverbial grand scheme of things, the letting go of Dave Brown isn't nestled among them. But the ignoring of the so-called minor injustices begins an inurement in many of us to the absolute human value that no malpractice should go unchallenged, let alone continue.

Avery Johnson to UC Davis

USF sophomore transfer Avery Johnson headed a bit north in locating his new educational and athletic destination, with the 6-foot-3 backcourter choosing UC Davis of the Big West Conference.

So why the Aggies for the longtime southern California native?

"Mainly Coach [Jim] Les, his experience, his interest in me and the style of play he wants to use," Johnson explained. "I wanted a change in environment and Coach Les has a vision and it's where I want to be. He believes in me and I believe in him."

And just what will he be bringing to The Pavilion?

Johnson offered, "my basketball IQ, my length which is a different look at the point, just using my athleticism to play fast and uptempo."

Les is one year into the job at Davis and bringing in talents best suited for his preferred style of play. That being getting after it, up and down the court, according to Johnson.  "It really involves reading both defenders and teammates," Johnson explained.

The graduate of Ocean View High in Huntington Beach averaged nine and a half minutes of play in 31 games this past season for the Dons. Two of his numbers demand further investigation: 18 assists versus nine turnovers, a solid ratio for someone intermittently on the court and on a team lacking outside shooting consistency, plus 15 steals, which pro-rated for minutes played, would be in the mix with the USF team leaders.

Coming out of high school, Johnson was a widely heralded prospect. Being a four-year varsity player who averaged 17.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game as a senior, he captured Division 3AA All-CIF honors as well as being a 2010 First Team All-Orange County selection. That same year, he led his school to the CIF Southern California Regional Division III semifinals. As a junior in 2009, Johnson was the CIF Division IV-AA Player of the Year while earning First Team honors.

What are Johnson's plans for his upcoming redshirt season?

"Adapt to the system so I can run it well, and work on my shooting and my point guard abilities."

Asked about who has been the biggest basketball influence on him, Johnson replied, "My Father, definitely. In tough times and good times, he has always been there. He lives in Long Beach but traveled to my home games at USF."

He is a communications major at USF but isn't yet sure what his primary source of study will be at Davis.

Avery Johnson. The current head coach of the New York Nets enjoys the exact same name, played the point for 16 years in the NBA and sported the nickname "Little General" due to his ballhandling and passing prowess. His namesake here in California wouldn't mind earning the same moniker for his play with the Aggies.

Shaquille Jones headed to Simpson

Per Jackie Christensen, former Kennedy High backcourter and current College of the Redwoods All Golden Valley Conference guard Shaquille Jones has signed to play with Simpson University of the California Pacific Conference.

Chris Carvin to Cal State Fullerton

It's been in the works for some time and now is official: former Laguna Creek High and current American River College point Chris Carvin has signed a letter-of-intent with Cal State Fullerton.

He'll be joining other NorCal talents Kwame Vaughn, D.J. Seeley, Alex Harris, Sammy Yeager and Jordan Knox on the Titan roster.

ESPNHS's underclassmen all-state sqauds

ESPNHS has posted its junior, sophomore and frosh all-state teams. There are 12 Nor Cal listings in the juniors category, just one for the sophs and two freshman entries.

The first offer for Jamir Andrews

Josh Gershon (yet again with another tweet) has this: "2013 Dublin (Calif.) SG Jamir Andrews picked up his first offer, from Northern Arizona"

Here's Jamir and his G Vision page.

JoshG is based in SoCal but he's as good as there is with scoops on NorCal players. 

David Andoh visiting San Jose State University

Per Alex Kline/The Recruit Scoop, San Jose State University has a recruit on campus -- 6-foot-7 David Andoh of the IMG Academy (Florida). He's a prodigal son of sorts, even within the California prep ranks. Here's a February 2012 article on Andoh.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Kevin Aronis heading to Las Cruces

Western Athletic Conference member New Mexico State has secured the services of 6-foot-3 Kevin Aronis, a shooting guard out of Santa Rosa Junior College. He averaged 12.3 points per game as a sophomore, playing for Coach Craig McMillan. Aronis shot an amazing 40% on 247 three-points attempts this season.

Riffing on "New York, New York" -- start spreading the news defenses ...

Tony Gill stays local

Joe Davidson has the scoop on Consumnes River College's Tony Gill commitment to Coach Bob Thomason and Pacific. The Tigers really needed a big and Gill fills that bill.

Drew Dickey becoming a Gaucho

Barring a change, St. Francis High's Drew Dickey will be at UC Santa Barbara next season, playing for Coach Bob Williams in a preferred walk-on role. Dickey is playing this spring and summer as a member of Joe Fuca's Lakeshow 2012 team.

Humboldt State nabs a prep guard

6-foot-3 guard Brandon Delong, out of Spanish Springs High in Reno, has committed to Humboldt State. He averaged 20.3 points per game last season.

Here's a January 2012 article on Delong.

Here's a five and a half minute video feature of him.

More offers coming Allen's way

The line of suitors is getting larger each day -- from Josh Gershon: "Fresno State and UCSB are the latest offers for 2013 Sacramento Sheldon SF Dakarai Allen"

Any more (and there will be) and Allen could win American Idol.

Ryan Salmonson to North Dakota

Tom Miller/Grand Forks Herald, writes about North Dakota landing a pair of bigs, one being 6-foot-10 Ryan Salmonson of Consumnes River College. It's an article from April 18.

SRJC's Erik Hanson to Cal Maritime

Missed this one from earlier: Erik Hanson of Santa Rosa Junior College has aligned his college future with Cal Maritime Academy. He stands 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The Lakeshow 17s Black team

Joe Fuca has affiliated Lakeshow with the Pump N Run organization this year.

Here is the top Lakeshow underclass squad:

Lakeshow 17s - Black (all 2013 unless as noted)

* Raymond Bowles (Modesto Christian High). 6-foot-4

Named Trans-Valley League Most Valuable Player

* Henry Caruso (Junipero Serra High), 6-foot-4

A First Team All West Catholic League honoree

* JJ Crum (Bishop O’Dowd High), 5-foot-11 2012

* Aubrey Dawkins (Palo Alto High), 6-foot-4

A First team All De Anza League honoree and, yes, the son of Stanford Coach Johnny Dawkins

* Michael "Mikey" Eggleton (College Park High), 5-foot-11

Named Co-NVP of the Diablo Valley Athletic League

* Ali Faruqbey (San Lorenzo High), 6-foot-1

A First team All Haywaed Area Athletic league honoree

* Edrick Floreal (Palo Alto High), 6-foot-4

A First team All De Anza League honoree

* Liam Hunt (Sir Francis Drake High), 6-foot-6

A Second team All Marin County Athletic league honoree

* Matt Mareno (Redwood High), 6-foot-5

A First team All Marin County Athletic league honoree who is reclassifying to the 2013 class

* Jason Webster (St. Patrick St. Vincent High), 6-foot-0

A Second Team Bay Shore Athletic League honoree

The Lakeshow 2012 Seniors


Lakeshow is fielding a 2012 squad this spring and summer with a mix of talents from around the Bay Area. Coach Joe Fuca has also affiliated with the Pump N Run organization.

Lakeshow 2012 Seniors Team

* Jonny Crosthwaite (Northgate High), 6-foot-4

A First Team Diablo Valley Athletic League honoree

* Paris Davis (Skyline High), 6-foot-4

Named Most Valuable Player in the Oakland Athletic League

* Drew Dickey (St Francis High ) 6-foot-9

A First Team West Catholic League honoree 

* Israel Hakim (Palo Alto High) , 6-foot-2

A First Team All De Anza League honoree

* McHayl Harnell (Livermore High), 6-foot-3

A First Team East Bay Athletic league honoree

* Kendall Jackson (Bishop O'Dowd), 5-foot-7

It looks like Jackson will do a post-grad year ar Suffield Academy in Connecticut.

* Connor Jean (Northgate High), 6-foot-1

A Second Team All Diablo Valley Athletic league honoree

* Alex Lacy (St Joseph Notre Dame High), 6-foot-2

* Cole McConnell (Sacred Heart Prep), 6-foot-5

A First Team All West Bay League honoree

* Casey Norris (Newark Memorial High), 6-foot-2

Named the Most Valuable Player of the Mission Valley Athletic Leagueplus a First Team All-East Bay member per the Contra Costa Times

* Ryan Swain (Buchanan High), 6-foot-5

A First Team All Tri-Rivers League honoree

* Abu Tratter (St. Francis High), 6-foot-6

* Keith Wilson (Alhambra High), 5-foot-9

The Bay Area Hoosiers, version 2.0

Here's an update about the current Bay Area Hoosier roster. This year's squad will be co-coached by Rob Jones and Phillip Doherty, longtime Hoosier and northern California hoops fixtures.

The 2012 Hoosier roster:

* Noah Allen, 6-foot-6, Palma High, 2013, Tri-County Athletic League MVP - "USF and St. Mary's are interested" - PDoherty

* Dylan Alexander, 6-foot-3, Weston Ranch High, 2013, 19.5 points per game, led Valley Oak League in scoring - "Dylan is bouncy and shoots really well, USF is interested" - PDoherty

* Chris Bailey, 6-foot-5, Clovis East High, 2013, brother of Kevin Bailey now with the Portland Pilots

* Aaron Cochran, 6-foot-9, Buhach Colony High, 2013

* Duke Doulphus, 6-foot-7, Edison High, 2013

* Aubrey Dawkins, 6-foot-3, Palo Alto High, 2013, De Anza League First Team honoree

* Jermaine Edmonds, 6-foot-5, Salesian High, 2013, coming off a state championship season

* Devin Koeplin, 5-foot-8, Dublin High, 2013, a lefty and an Honorable Mention All-DFAL

* Markel Leonard, 6-foot, Salesian High, 2013 - "Princeton and Columbia are really on Markel," - PDoherty

* Guillermo Nunez, 5-foot-10, Sierra High, 2013 - "a combo guard who plays basketball and football (quarterback), he is a fierce competitor and can shoot the lights out" - PDoherty

* Elliott Pitts, 6-foot-6, De La Salle High, 2013, First Team All-EBAL - "Cal, Georgetown, UCLA and Arizona State are among his suitors, efficient offensively, Noah doesn't require a lot of shots to score, he can really pass and has great vision, he's also grown and gotten really long, he'll be a one and a two at the next level and a one in the NBA" - PDoherty

* Alfredo J. Vargas, 6-foot-8, School-TBD, 2014

* TJ Viney, 5-foot-9, Edison High, 2013

Additionally, Pitts and Doulphus boast 4.0 or 4.0+ grade point averages, Nunez checks in at 3.9 and everyone else is at 3.4, 3.5 or higher.

The Hoosiers will be participating in the Fab 48 in Las Vegas come late July plus a number of tournaments before and afterwards, including the Adidas Spring Classic in Indianapolis on April 27-29.

Marcus Hall to Portland State

Fresno City College guard/wing Marcus Hall is now a Portland State Viking.

Pressley a Pilot

Portland officially announces the signing of Jesuit High's Bryce Pressley.

Hayes to Marin County

Bill Paterson breaks the news that Yuba City's Matt Hayes is going to be playing for Coach Booker Harris and Dominican University next season.

Jeremy Russotti upping Shabazz Muhammad's game

Phil Barber caught the action -- Jeremy Russotti working out UCLA signee Shabazz Muhammad up in Sonoma County this past weekend.

Some wise words from the article, which demonstrates why talent seek out Russotti:
“We’re not worried about his shooting right now,” Russotti said. “He has everything he needs to be a shooter. It all comes down to making him the hardest guy to guard. What we want to do is take his strengths — his conditioning, his intensity, his desire — and make him just a menace on the court, guys chasing him around like a Ray Allen or a Rip Hamilton. Because he never stops.”

Hooper goes with Lavin

Adam Zagoria has the scoop that Max Hooper, formerly of Harvard, has committed to St. John's.

Fetzer goes Keelhaulin'

St. Helena High's Alec Fetzer has gone anchors aweigh with Cal Maritime Coach Brian Rooney and Keelhauler basketball.

Vince D'Adamo and Cal Maritime offer features on the signing of the all-around talent.

Pope and Allen per Joel Francisco

Here's Joel Francisco with a pair of NorCal players he observed this past weekend in Las Vegas:
Malik Pope (Sacramento, Calif./Burbank)
2014, WF, 6-7, 180 pounds

The sinewy wing-type has blossoming perimeter skills, excellent quickness and magnetic hands. He rebounds well in his area and can lead the break due to his nifty handle and astute court vision. He handed out a number of high-level passes and he can knock down the 3-point shot. He is conservatively one of the top five prospects out west for the Class of 2014

Noah Allen (Salinas, Calif./Palma)
2013, WF, 6-6, 195 pounds

Allen is a relative unknown on the West Coast, however, if he continues to play with this sense of urgency his popularity amongst coaches and scouts will escalate considerably. The smooth wing-type has a lengthy frame with very long arms and he can score in a variety of ways. He gets great lift on his pull-up jump shot and can slash his way to the rim as well. However, the most significant change in his game may have been his sense of urgency (50-50 balls, rebounding, etc.) he exhibited at both ends of the floor.

More national pub for Elliot Pitts

Dave Telep in his listing of breakout performers from the two weekend tourneys in Vegas:
Elliott Pitts
2013, SF, 6-5, 190 pounds
The cerebral, skilled forwards always carry a premium tag. Pitts isn’t a one-trick pony with a single shot. He’s a handler, passer and shooter. The great shooters aren’t married to a single spot on the floor and Pitts can make shots from midrange and deep. His overall feel for the game is easy to spot and has to be valued. He needs strength to handle versus pressure and play through contact. It’s a credit to his game that Pitts is tough to pin down position-wise. He said Arizona State and California were on him the hardest. UC-Davis, Santa Barbara, Portland and Santa Clara will face stiff competition with Boston College in the mix. Lookout for Georgetown, UCLA, Oregon and Colorado; they would be players if they elected to enter the mix.
This is from Joel Francisco, attending the same tournaments:
Elliott Pitts
2013, WF, 6-5, 190 pounds

Cal, Arizona State, Boston College, Santa Clara, Portland and UC Davis are his current offers and there will be more to come -- especially if he continues to play at the level he exhibited at the Pangos Spring Spectacular. Pitts plays with great pace and he is always on balance (utilizes the jump stop) when converting play after play. He can knock down jump shots from all over the court and he’s an excellent driver (solid first step) as well. He is one of the few players who have a solid midrange game to boot and he appears to be getting more confident with each event.

Cal Maritime and the Daily Show

College Park High seniors John and Michael Daily have joined forces with Coach Bryan Rooney and the Cal Maritime men's basketball program.

Monday, April 23, 2012

PHPS wins Pangos

Chad Groth offers a photo of the Pangos champion Play Hard Play Smart crew repping Sacramento and NorCal.

Noah Allen's popularity growing

Per this Phil Doherty tweet: "Harvard and Penn have reached out and offered 2013 6'6 Wing Noah Allen of Palma HS in CA. This past weekend with BA Hoosiers in Pangos Event"

Marcus Lee getting more attention

Some of the Big Boys, besides the Pac-12 schools, are beginning suitorship.

From Alex Schwartz: "Kansas and Indiana have both offered Marcus Lee of Deer Valley (CA)"

and

From Neal Nieves: "2013 Forward Marcus Lee (Cal Supreme) picked up an offer from Florida according to a source"

Malik Pope putting coaches in the seats

Malik Pope, out of the Sacramento area, is creating interest and offers:

Josh Gershon: "USC, Cal, Washington, Arizona and San Diego State just watched 2014 F Malik Pope of Team Superstar 16. First offer comes from USC"

Then a short while later, Josh typed: "Malik Pope also picked up an offer from Boise State"

Dakarai Allen getting Pac-12 and more love

One of Cameron Schott's latest tweets: "Dakarai Allen will be on the UNLV campus on Monday. Arizona, Arizona St, Cal, Colorado, SDSU, Wash St, UCLA, UNLV & USC saw him play today"

Josiah Turner & St. John's

Adam Zagoria reports on the recruitment of former Arizona backcourter Josiah Turner by St. John's.

All-State Boys Hoop Nominees

Here are the All-State Boys Hoop Nominees for the ESPNHS site -- nominees are still being accepted.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Jeremy Lin, the anomaly

Daryl Morey, the General Manager of the Houston Rockets, weighs in on the emergence of Jeremy Lin, accepting blame for missing what assets Lin had to offer (when the latter was a Rocket) but also detailing a number of other factors explaining why there are multiple Lin-types available come NBA draft time and why it is impossible to pre-determine who will make it and who won't.

Joel Franciso on D.J. Wilson

ESPN's Joel Francisco is liking a young Sacto talent: "Like 2014 D.J. Wilson (Sacramento/Capital Christian)... rangy/bouncy/skilled.savvy..Team Prospects 16s..like'm"


Malik Pope turning some heads

Sacto's Malik Pope apparently is putting on a show this weekend.

Evan Daniels: "It only took 10 minutes for Malik Pope to win me over. 6'7, long, mobile, athletic and plays the game the right way. 2014 prospect"

Stephen Domingo back on track

After a so-so prep season Stephen Domingo is back impressing.

Evan Daniels: "Stephen Domingo and Isaac Hamilton are a heck of a wing duo for Dream Vision. Both are shooting it very well from 3"

Elliot Pitts impressing

Bay Area Hoosier backcourter/wing Elliot Pitts is impressing the evaluators.

Joel Francisco: "Concord De La Salle 2013 wing Elliot Pitts is lighting it up. Multi-skilled wing has his whole offensive arsenal working in this one"

and

Josh Gershon (with multiple tweets)

Arizona site on Dakarai Allen

From Jason Scheer at the Wildcat Authority:
"Dakarai Allen: At this point, there really is not a lot about Allen that we can tell you that you probably do not already know.

Allen is a superior defender, but lacks any type of offensive game in the half court. He is strong in transition and a good finisher, but shuts down a ton offensively when the game is slowed down and his team was forced to run a set offense.

The potential is there and if Arizona does not land him, he is almost certain to play in the Pac-12. However, it is not an easy decision depending on how you view his offensive capabilities and whether or not they can improve."

Frank Burlison impressed by the Hoosiers

Frank Burlison after catching the Bay Area Hoosiers last night:
"And in one of the more well-played games of the evening, the Arizona Select 17s edged the Bay Area Hoosiers, 68-62 ...
... The Hoosiers have some of Northern California’s best juniors, notably 6-4 Elliott Pitts (Concord De La Salle), 6-6 Noah Allen (Salinas Palma) and 6-0 Markel Leonard (Richmond Salesian)"

A future Gael looking sharp

Dave Telep tweeting about a future St. Mary's signee: "Cullen Neal is a Pac12 player. St Mary's was fortunate. He and Alford are heady, skilled guards. Neal has size and confidence"

Coach Randy Bennett is hoping Neal's father doesn't land a head coaching positi0on as that might interfere with this plan. Craig Neal, an assistant at New Mexico, was in the final mix for the Colorado State position earlier this month.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Patty Mills back in the NBA

Just caught this: former St. Mary's backcourter Patty Mills is back in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs. Here's videotape (also below) of Mills working out with Kelvin (The KP Project) Potts and Anthony Eggleton of the Advanced Sports Training Institute."

Lucas Devenny located

Saw an article that UC Riverside has signed five new players (including Taylor Johns and Josh Fox, plus three signed back in November, including Tajai Johnson) and inside it was the news that former Piner High big Lucas Devenny is now a Highlander. He is at Riverside Community College this academic year, having moved over from UC Santa Barbara, and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

USF formally announces two signings

USF has posted the official announcement of the signings of De'End Parker and Matt Glover.

Williams going back down south?

Per Jack Pollon, it looks like former USF backcourter Mike Williams is Cal State Fullerton bound.

Salmonson to the Big Sky

Joe Davidson reports that 6-foot-10 Ryan Salmonson of Cosumnes River College has accepted a basketball scholarship from North Dakota, a member of the Big Sky Conference.

Friday, April 20, 2012

What's up with Ramon Eaton?

Just saw this: " ... Tevin Harris is the second student-athlete to sign a letter of intent this week following Corey Hall of Ventura College. Harris and Hall, along with Sacramento High's Erik Kinney who signed in the Fall signing period, will join a Roadrunner squad that finished a program-best 16-15 last season at the Division I level and returns 8 players from that team along with redshirts Javonte Maynor, Brandon Barnes and Kregg Jones ..."

Anyone know about Ramon Eaton's situation? Word was the former Sheldon High big had selected Cal State Bakersfield after leaving Pepperdine but there has been no official announcement despite the signing period beginning last week.

Jabari Bird selected to compete

Jimmy Durkin has the news that Jabari Bird has an opportunity to earn a spot with USA Basketball Men's U18 National Team.  

Congrats to Jabari.

Anyone know why Aaron Gordon wasn't offered?

Brown signs with the Seawolves

Ben Enos reports that Richmond High's Isaiah Brown is now one with Sonoma State University basketball.

Frank Burlison issues honors

Longtime SoCal basketball maven Frank Burlison selects his 2012 All California honorees.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The punch at Dream Courts makes Channel Five news

CBS Channel Five offers a news report -- video and print -- on the Dream Courts punch of last Sunday afternoon.

Meet the 2012 Bay Area Hoosiers

Yes Virginia, there is an edition of the 2012 Bay Area Hoosiers. This year's squad will be co-coached by Rob Jones and Phillip Doherty, longtime Hoosier and northern California hoops fixtures.

Here's the roster:

* Noah Allen, 6-foot-6, Palma High, 2013, Tri-County Athletic League MVP - "USF and St. Mary's are interested" - PDoherty

* Dylan Alexander, 6-foot-3, Weston Ranch High, 2013, 19.5 points per game, led Valley Oak League in scoring - "Dylan is bouncy and shoots really well, USF is interested" - PDoherty

* Duke Doulphus, 6-foot-7, Edison High, 2013

* Markel Leonard, 6-foot, Salesian High, 2013 - "Princeton and Columbia are really on Markel," - PDoherty

* Joe McGlaston, 6-foot-4, Dublin High, 2013 

* Eric Nielson, 6-foot-8, Dublin High, 2013

* Guillermo Nunez, 5-foot-10, Sierra High, 2013 - "a combo guard who plays basketball and football (quarterback), he is a fierce competitor and can shoot the lights out" - PDoherty

 * Elliott Pitts, 6-foot-6, De La Salle High, 2013, First Team All-EBAL - "Cal, Georgetown, UCLA and Arizona State are among his suitors, efficient offensively, Noah doesn't require a lot of shots to score, he can really pass and has great vision, he's also grown and gotten really long, he'll be a one and a two at the next level and a one in the NBA" - PDoherty

* TJ Viney, 5-foot-9, Edison High, 2013

6-foot-9 Marcus Lee, a 2013 out of Deer Valley High, is a maybe. Lee has seemingly a gazillion offers including most of the Pac-12 and Big 12 Conferences.

Hey, there's no Jimmy Chitwood nut heck he might not even make this team.  

Additionally, Pitts and Dolphus boast 4.0 or 4.0+ grade point averages, Nunez checks in at 3.9 and everyone else is at 3.4, 3.5 or higher.

The Hoosiers will be participating in the Fab 48 in Las Vegas come late July. Prior to that, it will be Hal Pastner's Grand Opening in Sin City April 20-22 plus other tournaments.

A D-1 transfer backcourter to USF

Alex Kline/The Recruit Scoop has a Penn State guard headed to The Hilltop: "San Francisco has landed a commitment from Penn State transfer Matt Glover, per a source"

He's a SoCal kid. Glover made 21 starts and is known as a physical, tough player but he really struggled with his shooting -- 23%, 18% and 55% respectively -- last season.

A Florida prep guard goes with San Francisco

A high school backcourter out of the Orlando area -- Coltin Gelb -- has signed a letter-of-intent with USF and Coach Rex Walters.

Collin Gruber has a new school

Former Harbor High (Santa Cruz) star Colin Gruber had the ultimate in a 'welcome to the world of the business of college basketball' introduction as a freshman this season at Northern Arizona University and now he's moving on to position himself for a return to D-1.

Andrew Young to College Station

John Devine/Monterey Herald has the details of Monterey Peninsula College's Andrew Young and his commitment to Texas A&M of the Southeastern Conference. When you can choose from between TAM, Oregon and Northern Carolina State (and that's after narrowing down his suitors), you've obviously been doing something majorly right.

Here's another look at Young's evolution.

A Hornet recruiting target

From Bob Gottlieb, of the Branch West basketball organization: " ... Kjon Mack 6'2 outstanding gd from CIF Champion Serra H.S. was on an official visit to Sacramento State ..."

Mack is 6-foot-2, 145 pounds  and quite the athlete.

Here's some print on Mack. 

Check out Mack in the 17-second mark of this video.

Salmonson to North Dakota

Jonathan Reed/Big Sky Basketball has the news of former Colfax High and current Consumnes River College big Ryan Salmonson inking a letter-of-intent with new Big Sky Conference member North Dakota. This should be the first of many for CRC Coach James Giacomazzi.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Jeremy Russotti working out Shabazz

Here is 23 minutes of Jeremy Russotti working out the Bishop Gorman High squad and therefore UCLA signee Shabazz Muhammad:

Sac State adds a pair of players

Coach Brian Katz has signed two more talents, including forward Jordan Salley out of Santa Rosa Junior College, to his Sacramento State Hornets squad.

Dwight Nathaniel's new book

Jimmy Durkin writes about Dwight Nathaniel's new book, written by Chris Nguon, about Coach Moe's going to hell and back.

Team City gets by Team San Francisco 98-94

Zack Farmer has all the details on the Michael Gragnani Memorial City All-Star Game outcome, the MVPs and other highlights.

Agents for NorCal NBA draft prospects

Damian Lillard has gone with Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management.

Jared Cunningham is being fronted by Sam Goldfeder of Excel Sports Management. If they don't line Jared up with a Subway sandwich endorsement or with a certain jewelry company ...

Orlando Johnson has Bill Duffy of BDA Sports repping him.

Eli Holman is aligned with Scott Nichols of Rize Management.

No word on Wendell McKines or Drew Gordon as yet.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Andrew Young to ...

6-foot-8 Monterey Peninsula College big Andrew Young is Lone Star State bound, per this tweet from John Devine.

He'll be playing for Coach Billy Kennedy and in the Big 12 conference.

It looks like 6-foot-8 senior David Loubeau, a starter, is graduating and 6-foot-7 junior Khris Middleton has declared for the NBA draft -- so they are departing. Plus, 6-foot-9 freshman Daniel Alexander and 6-foot-9 sophomore Kourtney Roberson had but four starts between them this past season.

However, 6-foot-9 Ray Turner enjoyed a solid year and will be back for one more while 6-foot-10 soph Keith Davis started 14 games.

McKines named All-Tourney

Wendell McKines was named to the All-Tournament team based on his play over the weekend at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. He averaged 15.7 points and 12.3 rebounds over three games and measured out at 6-foot-4 and a quarter and 239.8 pounds, with an 80 inch and a quarter wingspan.

An Eli Holman update

Eli Holman participated in three games over the weekend as part of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. His numbers: 8.3 points (48% shooting) and 4.7 rebounds a game. He measured out as 6-foot-7 and a half and 258 pounds with an 88 inch and a quarter wingspan.

Blackwell to Washington

Mark Knight/The Husky Haul reports on Perris Blackwell's move from USF to the Washington Huskies and the Pac-12.

Aaron Gordon honored as state POY

As impartial as we can be despite our residential location, Aaron Gordon has rightfully been selected as the California Player of the Year by CalHiSports.

Battenberg retires

Bill Paterson has the details of Coach Terry Battenberg stepping down from his Capital Christian High post after one season.

K.J. Logue to Dominican

Per Bill Paterson, Bella Vista High basketball talent K.J. Logue has decided to sign with Coach Booker Harris and Dominican University.

Monday, April 16, 2012

A Gary Williams update

Fromer Castlemont High star Gary Williams is now making a name for himself in Arizona.

Westwind’s Gary Williams A Nice Prospect Late
Anthony Ray
Arizona Hoops review
April 14, 2012

One player that has really burst onto the recruiting scene so far this spring is Westwind Prep’s 6-foot-5, 225-pound prep guard/forward Gary Williams.

A native of Oakland, California, where he attended Castlemont High School, Williams ventured to Westwind Prep this year after a brief stint at ABCD Prep in Texas.

While a late member of Westwind Prep International’s post-graduate program, Williams missed out on much of the fall recruiting, while he moved destinations and Westwind Prep went through it’s share of problems with the basketball program.

This spring, Williams has more than made up for his lack of exposure quickly, while performing at a high level with his club program the Arizona Magic-Pump N’ Run-2013 squad – helping the team to an undefeated spring thus far.  Williams helped lead his team to the championship of this year’s 2012 Southwest Showcase Main Event, and also an undefeated performance last weekend in the Area Codes Easter Classic.

With his play thus far this spring, Williams has proved to be a force physically as he has excellent size and strength - able to overpower his competition off the dribble on strong, slashing drives to the basket, while also being able to make plays from the perimeter for himself or his teammates with excellent ball handling and passing of the basketball.  Williams has also shown a consistent shooting stroke out to three-point distance, and has displayed a nice mid-range game, which makes him very difficult to defend.

A native of Northern California’s toughest high school league, Williams is a throw-back performer that likes to get others involved and seems to get much more delight from making an excellent pass to an open teammate or setting up a teammate off a strong drive towards the basket.

Williams advised me that he is currently hearing from numerous schools as of late, including UNLV, UTEP, Texas Christian, Houston, Weber State, DePaul, Houston Baptist, Missouri State, St. Louis and Hawaii Pacific. Each program has shown very strong interest in Williams as of late, and will look to evaluate him over the April evaluation period this month.

Williams told me that he will consider a school where he has an opportunity to play and be successful.  He plans to re-evaluate things for himself later this month, when he will take his visits before making a decision.

“I love Gary,” said his club coach Jeff de Laveaga.  “He has a great attitude and is a yes-sir, no-sir kid. I would recommend him to any program recruiting him. He is a nice talent.”

Williams is also already an academic qualifier and an excelelnt student – possessing a 3.0 CUM GPA and already receiving a 1200 on his SAT college entrace examination. He also told me that he plans to major in Sports Broadcasting with a minor in Journalism. Williams was also his school’s class president in high school.

I will continue to follow Williams’ recruitment closely this spring, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.

Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report:  Williams is a nice-looking wing prospect that is very skilled and is capable of playing either the point guard position, off-guard or the small forward position on the floor. A talented and gifted player, Williams has a very good motor and competes with excellent energy. He likes to have the basketball in his hands where he is able to make plays off the dribble for himself or others with excellent court vision. Likes to play the point position and is a very big guard as a result.  Has a very nice handle of the basketball. Is also a very good mid-range shooter and has range out to three-point distance. Has a very strong physical frame that allows him to overpower most guards in the post, where he is able to score effectively around the basket and also rebound and finish the play. A very strong rebounder. A triple-double waiting to happen here, since his size allows him to do so much on the floor.  Rebounds hard on both ends of the floor, and uses his size and body to make plays.  Also a good defender with good lateral quickness. Has the ability to become a lock-down defender with more focus in this area. An excellent teammate that enjoys winning, and has a great attitude on and off the floor with good professionalism as a player. Very mature.

Robert Upshaw, Tanner Giddings and Jerry Brown

It's not news anymore but Fresno area big Robert Upshaw, after committing to Kansas State but then having that coach move on to South Carolina, decided to stay local, going with Fresno State.

Upshaw's commit may possibly effect Tanner Giddings, another high school big out of Windsor High who is headed to the Bulldogs and also Jerry Brown, a junior-to-be at FSU who did a very good job holding down the paint this past season but deserves a chance to play at his natural position.

Giddings just may have the option now to redshirt and Brown can swing between small and power forward but a quality 10-15 minute per game backup for Upshaw in the 2012-2013 season needs to emerge or still be signed.

Kevin Aronis visited New Mexico State

Jason Groves tweets that New Mexico State had a backcourt visitor this weekend, Kevin Aronis of Santa Rosa Junior College. He's a catch-and-shoot distance marksmen who finished second on the SRJC team with 12.3 points per game, going 99-247 from long distance (40%), taking but 83 two-point attempts, as part of an offense built around precision patterning.

Ugly, ugly, ugly

An adult came on to the court and punched a player during yesterday's game between teams from the Oakland Soldiers and Oakland Rebels organizations. It ended the contest.

Here's the basketball message board 'discussion' of the incident courtesy of Nor Cal Preps.

Here's the short video.

The Gragnani Memorial City All-Star game is tonight

Don't forget -- the Michael Gragnani Memorial City All-Star Game will be played tonight at St. Ignatius. It's being put on by SanFranPreps and the Bay Area Warriors.

SanFranPreps with oits All-City honorees

SanFranPreps has posted its All-City teams, plus the Player of the Year and the Coach of the Year.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Allen checking out Gael-Land

A Phil Doherty tweet: "Noah Allen 6'6 2013 wing from Palma HS in CA unofficially visited St. Mary's College yesterday. A deep stroking threat with bounce"

Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Gragnani Memorial City All-Star Game on April 16

Don't forget -- the Michael Gragnani Memorial City All-Star Game will be played at St. Ignatius on April 16. It's being put on by SanFranPreps and the Bay Area Warriors.


Another Sacramento transfer

Joe Davidson has the scoop on The Pope making a move up Sacto way.

Eli Holman sized up at the Portsmouth Invitational

Grabbed this from the Draft Express site: "Eli Holman isn't the biggest prospect out there at 6-7 ½ without shoes, but his 7-4 wingspan ties for the second longest measured at Portsmouth"

A Markel Leonard update

Cameron Schott tweets the latest on Markel Leonard: "2013 Salesian PG Markel Leonard picked up his first offer today from UC Davis on an unofficial visit"

Checking in on Dominique Lee

Dominique (St. Mary's) Lee was at Casper Community College this season. Injured the first half of the schedule, he ended up participating in seven games.

His numbers: in seven games (an average of 12 minutes each time out), Lee scored 5.9 points and grabbed 3.3 rebounds a contest. He shot 52%, 29% and 60% overall plus went for a nice right assists to just a pair of turnovers.

Brother Demetrius, redshirted this season.

Remember Gabe Kindred?

Gabe (Fremont High) Kindred played this season at Salt Lake Community College, this after transferring over from Loyola Chicago.

How did he perform?

In 29 games (24 as a starter), he scored 9.1 points and grabbed 3.2 rebounds a game, shooting 39%, 25% and 76% respectively. He nabbed 42 steals (second on the squad) and passed for a team-leading 101 assists.

Joel Francisco's take on a trio of NorCal talents

Here's Joel Francisco of ESPN on some NorCal ballers he witnessed at the recent SoCal Hoop Review:

* Marcus Lee (Antioch, Calif./Deer Valley)
2013, PF, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds

Lee, who may remind some of current UNLV redshirt PF Khem Birch, is a sinewy 4-man who can affect the game in a variety of ways. First and foremost, is his ability to change the game with his shot-blocking prowess. He possesses that lethal combination of extreme length and cat-like quickness. His offensive game is raw, but he is an astute passer with a nice feel for the game. If his assertiveness stays consistent and his offensive game develops, he is potentially a top-15 prospect in the class. He claims offers from the entire Pac-12 and Big 12, but he says VCU has been recruiting him the hardest.

* Dakarai Allen (Sacramento, Calif./Sheldon)
2013, SG/WF, 6-4, 175 pounds

Allen is one of the more unique prospects in the country. His jump shot needs consistency, but his length, feel for the game and assertiveness is impressive. He is the ultimate slasher and his knack for locating open teammates off the bounce is notable. In addition, his intangibles (long arms, quick hands and competitiveness) make him a possible lock-down defender at the next level. Most of the Pac-12 is heavily involved.

* Stanford’s Johnny Dawkins should be proud of the improvement of his son 6-5 junior Aubrey Dawkins (Palo Alto, Calif./Palo Alto). He has a deceptive burst to the rim where he can hang in the air, absorb the contact and finish -- not too mention his jump shot is much smoother.

Another Yuba College basketball signing

This was tucked in at the bottom of Jimmy Graben's article on Spencer Butterfield's signing with Utah State: "Yuba sophomore Anto Olah signed a letter of intent to play for Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. Olah earned a full-ride scholarship to play for the NCAA Division II program, which competes in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference."

Olah is a native of Australia.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Mikhael McKinney lands scholarship to Sacramento State

Former Washington High (Fremont) star backcourter and current Ohlone College talent Mikhael McKinney is moving on to Sacramento State, a member of the Big Sky Conference. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.