The 2012-13 DeAnza Dons

It's early but DeAnza College Coach Jason Domjanovic has released the as-of-now roster for the Dons.

There's a handful of returnees alongside a bevy of newcomerswith 13 high school qualifiers, a total unheard of in the community college ranks.

First, the sophomores (descriptions provided by Coach Damjanovic):

* Rich Azure, 5-foot-6 (Lincoln High, transfer from Cañada College)

"A transfer from Cañada, he is tough, can shoot the heck out of the ball and plays with a chip on his shoulder"

* Denzel Copeland, SO, 5-foot-10 point (Santa Teresa High)

"Our poster player, he will lead us" - Copeland averaged 10.9 points and chalked up 65 assists last season, second and first on the team respectively which earned him All-Conference honors

* Stefan Demirovic, 6-foot-4 post (Serbia)

"A wide body, he's been very impressive"

* Jimmy Escudero, 6-foot-1 shooting guard (Modesto Christian High)

"A lefty, he lived the life of a shooter for us last season"

* George Henderson, SO, 6-foot-1 point (Emery High, Oakland)

"A combo guard who is strong and defensive minded"

* Armin Paris, 5-foot-8 shooting guard (American High, Fremont)

"A zonebuster, he singlehandedly beat Monterey Peninsula last year with six threes"

* Nolan Williams, 6-foot-5 wing (Chicago)

"A difference-maker and a go-to-guy, he can shoot and get to the basket"

The frosh:

* Buddy Ames, 6-foot-6 (Milpitas High)

" Strong and very toughm he'll be all over the floor diving for loose balls" - a Second Team All DeAnza League pick

* Devonte Bryant, 6-foot-5 (Overfelt High)

"A four and five for us, he is someone who can shoot and can play rim to rim but is raw"

* Shaquille Gilbert, 6-foot-5 (Aquinas High - San Bernardino)

"Sat out at Chaffey College last year, he is the best rebounder on our team, someone who plays bigger than he is -- Chico State and Cal State East Bay are showing interest"

* Deryck Llanan, 6-foot-2 (Moreau Catholic High)

"Ultra-talented, he'll play the wing and four for us as he's a wide body" - a 2012 All Hayward Area Athletic League Honorable Mention selection

* Shamil Sharma, 6-foot-7 (Mt. Eden High)

"A true five and post player for us, he's a good shotblocker"- a First Team Hayward Area Athletic League honoree last year

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

"He's the epitome of athletic and will play the wing at the next level"