Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The West Valley College 2012-13 roster

West Valley College Coach Scott Eitelgeorge has basically a brand new roster and it's a height-challenged one as the tallest talents standing 6-foot-4.

Here is Eitelgeorge's July roster:

* Chris Atchison, 6-foot-4, sophomore (Del Mar High)

* Cory Brown 6-foot-3, freshman (Newark Memorial High)

* Austin Carvahlo, 6-foot-3, freshman (Live Oak High

* Dionte Cook, 6-foot-1, freshman (Los Gatos High)

* Marshall Grasty, 6-foot-4, freshman (Evergreen High)

* Damon Jones, 5-foot-10, sophomore (Skyline High)

* Dvaughn Mann, 6-foot-4, sophomore (Kennedy High)

* Chris Martin, 6-foot-3, freshman (Santa Cruz High)

* Chris Murry, 5-foot-10, sophomore (Kennedy High)

* Brandon Nall, 5-foot-11, freshman (Branham High)

* Devon Rowland, 6-foot-0, freshman (Newark Memorial High)

* John Williams, 6-foot-2, freshman (Evergreen High)

The 2012-13 Solano College roster

Coach Ray Nagle heads the Solano College basketball program and he's another coach facing a distinct lack of heightm atleast with his July roster.

* Daniel Badger, 6-foot-2, freshman (Fairfield High)

* Terrance Dailey, 6-foot-3, freshman (Fairfield High)

* Jalen DuPree, 6-foot-0, freshman (Vallejo High)

* Corey Doran, 6-foot-4, sophomore (Fairfield High)

* Manny Gabriel, 6-foot-0, sophomore (Vallejo High)

* James Givens, 5-foot-10, sophomore (Fairfield High)

* Jacob Keys, 6-foot-3, freshman (Sacramento High)

* Mike McKinney, 6-foot-1, sophomore (Fairfield High)

* Tim Mohr, 6-foot-2, freshman (Davis High)

* Jamarae Moss, 6-foot-5, sophomore (Fairfield High)

A PHPS duo getting national pub

Eric Bossi on two of the finest in northern California:
Another West Coaster that deserves serious consideration for the class of 2013 Rivals150 is combo guard Darin Johnson. He was solid at the Reebok Breakout Challenge and looked good again playing with his summer squad Play Hard Play Smart. He is an athlete, he can shoot with range and he can definitely create for himself via the dribble. It's pretty difficult to see him not ending up on a high major roster and most of the Pac-12 has now offered him along with high-end, mid-majors -- if you can call them that -- such as San Diego State and Gonzaga.
and
A teammate of Johnson's on Play Hard Play Smart, Rivals150 wing Dakarai Allen proved again to be a high level athlete and defender. Indications are strong that San Diego State is ahead of the pack and will be very tough to beat in his recruitment. Rumors were swirling over the weekend that he could commit to the Aztecs any day now.

Simmons playing Seattle summer league ball

Percy Allen covering Desmond Simmons in a summer league game: "...Simmons did what Simmons does. He was relentless on both ends of the court. He appears as if he's still getting comfortable with his three-point shot. Early in the game he hesitated before taking (and missing) two open shots from the arc. However, late in the game he calmly stepped into a three-pointer and attempted a similar shot on the next possession that rimmed out..."

Hughes in the running

From HoopDirt: "Yesterday I mentioned that Dave Calloway and Justin Potts had both turned down the Georgian Court (NJ) job. Two new names have now surfaced…I have heard that former Berkeley College assistant coach Billy Diamond and current Bakersfield (CA) head coach Rich Hughes are in the mix. I have heard that there will be at least two interviews this week, with the possibility of more to follow. Not sure how long this process will take to complete."

Background on participation in club team hoops

It's about prep prospects from Arizona and Utah but Brandon Gurney has a nice piece up on club team basketball and player and parent involvement.

PHPS's Johnson will trip to Eugene

Garrett Tucker on Darin Johnson: "Darin Johnson says he will be making an official visit to Oregon in September, he says. Date is TBD"

A Gary Williams update

Gary Williams Handling His Business In Vegas
Anthony Ray  
July 28, 2012

Westwind Prep 6-foot-5, 225-pound prep guard Gary Williams is having an excellent summer performance, and is one of the top individual scorers in Vegas.

Westwind Prep International 6-foot-5, 220-pound unsigned prep guard Gary Williams is having an awesome showing for himself this summer. While playing for the Arizona Magic Elite 17U coached by Kenny Mullins, Williams has led his unit to a strong 3-0 start in Las Vegas at the Pangos Fab 48 event.

Williams has been the instrumental force for the team, and is one of the hottest prospects in Vegas this week, as he has averaged better than 30+ points per/game in his team’s three wins in the event.  As a

result of Williams’ play thus far, the talented and gifted bigger guard prospect has reeled in serious division-I interest from numerous college programs, including Marquette, Oregon State, Texas San Antonio, New Mexico and Portland State, just to name a few, with many more coaches now looking to get involved. Williams may opt

for a junior college program. National powerhouse Indian Hills Junior College (IA) is all over Williams to lead his team next season from the point position.

I spoke with Williams’ father,Gary Williams Sr. Friday evening, and he advised me that his son may opt to go to Indian Hills JC in an attempt to raise his college recruitment to it’s highest level.

“Gary welcomes the opportunity to play at the highest level,” sad Gary Williams Sr. “That’s what he wants.”

A native of the Bay Area in Northern California, Williams is a serious offensive talent that is capable of scoring almost at will, but is also able to make plays at a high rate for his teammates.  Similar to the NBA’s Jason Kidd (New York Knicks), Williams is a very big guard prospect that has a high motor and a high basketball IQ from playing countless hours in the parks and in leagues.

A native of Northern 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.

With his play thus far this spring, Williams has proved to be a force physically. He has excellent size and strength and is 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.

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. Excellent sleeper prospect.

NINE STAR CAMP 
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & EXPOSURE

Berkeley High School
                          August 11-12, 2012  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: Coach Antonio Scott
Email: AntonioScott@NSBasketballClub.com
Phone: (510) 776-6074

Morning: Offensive Skills Training 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Guest Speaker: 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Games: 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.

BONUS: Tryouts for NSBC CALIFORNIA Select Travel Teams BOYS Ages 12U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U

Head here to register.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Allen to the Crimson

Per Josh Gershon, Bay Area Hoosier and Palma player Noah Allen has gone with Harrrrrvard.

The 2012-13 San Francisco City College Rams

Community college basketball is Turnover City.

No, not the double-dribble or errant pass type but because player stays are short term. Rosters in the the two-year ranks are never static state and that's just the expected coming-and-goings and not the where-did-that-come-from talent movement.

It's no different at City College of San Francisco as Coach Justin Labagh is coming off a 12-0 conference record and a 27-3 overall finish. The Rams have a very solid mix of returnees plus some surprising newcomers as you'll read.

"We're real excited," Labagh said. "Our guys have a high basketball IQ."

The Ram roster mainstays:

* Gabriel Aguirre, 6-foot-10, center, sophomore

A Brazilian, he's the starter in the middle.

* Kanu Aja, 6-foot-10, center, freshman

Out of the Baltimore area and originally Lagos, Nigeria, he redshirted last season after a heralded prep career.

* Roderick Bobbitt, 6-foot-2, guard, sophomore

A returnee to the Bay Area, the former Castro Valley High backcourter averaged 9.5 points, 5.9 assists and three steals a game at Indian Hills Community College (Iowa) last season.

* L.J. Hegwood, 6-foot-5, wing, freshman

A Canadian, his father played at CCSF and also USF.

* Chuks Iroegbu, 6-foot-4, guard, freshman

The Franklin High was a walk-on at Washington State University last season. Labagh calls him "a very tough kid."

* Joe Slocum, 6-foot-3, guard, sophomore

He's a Vallejo High alum.

* Shawn Smith,6-foot-6, forward, sophomore

Out of McClatchy High in Sacramento, Labagh said that "he had a tremendous summer."

* Quincy Smith, 6-foot-1, guard, freshman

At Deer Valley High as a high schooler, he did a post grad year at La Jolla Prep in San Diego in 2012.

* Delon Wright, 6-foot-5, guard, sophomore

The brother of former Golden State Warrior Dorell Wright, he averaged  10.9 points on 56% overall shooting last year, earning All-State First Team honors and being named Most Valuable Player in the North Coast Conference.

Santa Clara & a 2013 Texas wing

Eric Bossi on a wing offered by Santa Clara:
...Brandon Parrish came up big as a jump shooter for Urban DFW. The 6-foot-4 wing has really raised his stock over the past month and showed why as he hit big shot after big shot. A physical wing with some athleticism, Parrish is starting to look like a guy who could come in and specialize as a shot maker for a high major or be a featured guy for an upper end mid major. According to Parrish, he's got offers from Rice, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Santa Clara, while Marquette head coach Buzz Williams was there to watch. Texas Tech, Tulsa and Arkansas are among the others in the mix as well. 

St. Mary's involved with an Oregon wing

Eric Bossi writes:
We've written about southpaw wing Calvin Hermanson of the Clutch Players and Lake Oswego (Ore.) High a few times over the last year or so. Now, we need to start thinking about him as a legitimate high major wing prospect and a potential member of the Rivals150 in the class of 2013.

Thanks to a strong month of July, Hermanson has taken his game and recruitment to the next level. A tough wing with grit and a high skill level, Hermanson is comfortable working within a system to cut and move for open jumpers. The 6-foot-5 senior-to-be can utilize ball screens and simply create off the dribble in open space as well.

As a result, Hermanson has gotten more and more attention with even more to come. St. Mary's, Utah, UCSB, Oregon State and Drake have now offered, while Stanford, Washington State, Nevada and Gonzaga are among those showing more interest...
 

Lee dominating

Tracy McDannald/GOAZCATS.com on the play of Marcus Lee this past weekend:
Easily the most consistent player, Marcus Lee was a terror on both ends of the floor for Cal Supreme.

The four-star power forward started his day with a 12-point, 13-rebound effort in a 65-51 win over Chicago Demons. Lee also added three blocks and made five of his six field goal attempts...

...Lee [then] scored 19 of his 31 points in the first half of Cal Supreme's 67-58 triumph over Greg Monroe ASSISTS. The 33rd-ranked 2013 prospect converted 13 of 15 field goal attempts - including all five in the second half - and recorded another double-double with 10 rebounds to go with three blocks...


More praise for Irogebu

From Frank Burlison:
*Ikenna Irogebu (6-0/Mouth of Wilson, VA, Oak Hill Academy) – Belmont Shore
Frank Says: He played better during a couple of viewings at Rancho High than he had every time I watched him previously in the spring and early summer.
Does Ike return west for college of stay east?

Another Darin Johnson

Garrett Tucker tweets: "In case you missed it last night, Long Island offered 2013 combo guard Darin Johnson" 

Wonder why LI think it can get Johnson to the east coast?

Now it gets real on both sides

Jeff Linder gets to the point: "The two years of SO-CALLED OFFERS will be either become REAL or FAKE in the next 24 hours for the class of 2013"

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Scores out of Vegas have been minimal

Grabbed this from PremiereBall: "#MacIrvinFire over #OaklandSoldiers 66-60"

Jeremy Mallady on shooting floaters

Someone after my heart -- Jeremy Mellady:
"Shots from 6'-10' are among the lowest % shots in basketball. Better to pull-up w/ balance from 12'-15' or get to rim w/ chance to be fouled"
and
"When players take the 6'-10' shot, their brain isn't sure whether to shoot a floater, pull-up or lay-up. So their body does a combo of all 3"
Plus, this one had to be posted:
"Damn! I was gonna start a team and call them the "Select Elite All-Star Ballers Finest." Bad Idea?" 

Not Nor Cal-related but...

Jordan Conn writes about a trio of NBA fringe players showing their skills in Vegas and the attempts to keep hope alive.

The best line (and the reason for posting this): "...Adam Morrison wasn't as good at basketball as people who get paid to guess who will be good at basketball thought he would be. And because we've collectively decided that undeserved hype is akin to moral failure, Morrison is now guilty of one of the game's greatest sins..."

Succeed and we all want to ride in the collective bandwagon -- don't reach the vaunted heights prescribed for you and you're pond scum. What does that say about us?

Woodward tripping to UC Davis & Santa Clara

Minnesota prep point Graham Woodward is certainly garnering his share of press and admirers based on his play in Las Vegas and now he's hitting a pair of Nor Cal schools:

Chris Monter
Edina guard Graham Woodward is visiting Cal Poly today, Santa Clara this weekend and UC Davis Monday. He averaged 20.2 points as a junior
Frank Burlison
Graham Woodward (5-foot-11/Edina, MN) utilized his nifty playmaking, scoring and leadership skills to lead Minnesota PNR team to an 88-82 toppling of Southern California-based Dream Vision in the Round of 32 Saturday morning in the main gymnasium on the Rancho High campus.

Woodward doesn’t have a “national rep” but there wasn’t a better “true point guard” on the floor in the event Saturday.

Not only was he mostly oblivious to any defensive pressure offered by Dream Vision and, in the next round Saturday evening, the Minnesota Fury, but Woodward also repeatedly to the ball juniors-to-be in forwards Reid Travis (6-7/De La Salle) and Ian Theisan (6-8/Osseo)
Hoopniks
HUGE game from Graham Woodward at point guard as Minnesota Pump n Run gets by Urban DFW by a point. Woodward was tremendous! 

Gordon feted

Richard Stevens has some kind words for Drew Gordon who now holds the single season rebounding record for New Mexico.

Nike doess what benefits Nike, and it's not just Nike doing it

It's sad but predictable that Nike and all the others don't include fan consideration in their business equations.

However, it's not all about Nike but rather the bottom line for PK.

If corporations are people -- let the Founding Fathers choke and sputter on that one -- then there are some some pretty rank people corporations out there.

Here's a previous link.

Here's the godfather of modern club team basketball, Sonny V, making a surprise appearance this weekend. His fingerprints are all over the system as witnessed today despite the platitudes in the article.


Goodman on Gordon

From Jeff Goodman: "Heading home from Vegas as July recruiting period winds down. Not sure why Aaron Gordon hasn't received more consideration for No. 1 spot"

Another beaut from Jeff Linder

Jeff Linder: "Bill Belichick summed it up best, "Need is a bad evaluator."

Otherwise known as seeing what you want to see and not what is reality.

Lee to Westwood in mid-August

From Edward Lewis: "Hearing four-star forward Marcus Lee is targeting Aug. 18 for his UCLA visit"

Not good

This is sick. Betcha the "coach" wears a Bluetooth and sunglasses during games.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

The latest on Josh Akognon

Bob Padecky highlights what Josh Akognon has been doing on the court, especially of late, and also details the former Casa Grande High star's off-the-court values in a very insightful article.

Not a NorCal kid but wise words

D.J. Fenner is one wise young man:

...Besides his offensive display, Fenner exerted himself defensively, often trying to lock down the opposition’s best wing player.

As impressive as he looked at times during the Summer Jam, Fenner thinks he is better in a more structured setting.

“In AAU, not a lot of people play defense,” Fenner said. “I know if I can go out there and play defense, I’m not only showing college coaches I can play defense but I’m working on my defensive skills. When you play defense, defense wins these games for us. I don’t care if it’s pickup ball, AAU or high school basketball. AAU is only preparing me for college.

“Honestly, I’m not really a big fan off AAU basketball simply because it’s not really a set system. It’s a lot of star athletes coming in and kind of runnin’ and gunnin’. I feel like I fit better in a system.”

Allen getting Pac-12 interest

From Jason Scheer: "Ben Howland and assistant, Johnny Dawkins, Tad Boyle and assistant, Arizona here to see Jordan McLaughlin and Noah Allen"

It's two for Bird

Via Ashley Nevel: "Jabari Bird just told me it would take a coaching change or something crazy for him to change his mind about Washington and Cal"

One more from Phil Beckner

"When there is a culture & standard set for your program, it is easier to scratch guys off the list versus finding guys to put on!" -- Phil Beckner

A zinger

Have to love the wit of Jay Bilas: "Looking forward to the re-enactment of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845 at the Opening Ceremony"

Rimshot.

Jalen Canty opening eyes

Frank Burlison on Jalen Canty: "Watch for 6-7, 220-pound Jalen Canty (a junior-to-be at Vallejo, CA/St. Patrick-St. Vincent) to be one of the program’s hubs a year from now when the likes of Gordon and Byrd are attending summer school sessions at the colleges of their respective choices. There was a stretch of eight or nine minutes in the second half when he appeared to grab every defensive rebound for his club."

and

Joel Francisco: "Oakland Soldiers have an up and coming 2014 big man in 6-7ish Jalen Canty (St. Patricks/St. Vincent)..No nonsense 5-man"

Former Sacto talent Iroegbu getting noticed

Jeff Borzello is impressed: "This might be the best I've seen Ikenna Iroegbu play in awhile. Knocking down 3s, getting into the lane at will, finishing. So quick"

and  

Frank Burlison: "Another point guard, Ikenna Iroegbu (6-1/2013/Mouth of Wilson, VA, Oak Hill Academy), played as well as he has all spring and summer while pacing Belmont Shore to an overtime 81-80 victory over M33M (its players are from Memphis and surrounding communities). Iroegbu is always quick and vertically explosive but Friday he also played on balance and hit most of his jump shots."

Find the fit

Richard Obert has a piece on Dame and fit and no, that is not the name of the latest detective series on USA.

Friday, July 27, 2012

The 2012-13 Fresno City College roster

Coach Ed Madec and Fresno City College return as the defending state champions. Here's the July roster for the Rams:

* Mike Crawley, 6-foot-6, sophomore (Antioch High)

* Olajuwan Garner, 6-foot-2, freshman (Deer Valley High)

* Thomas Hammock, 5-foot-9, sophomore (Compton Centennial High)

* Randall Jackson, 6-foot-2, sophomore (Graces High)

* Tim Jaegal, 6-foot-1, freshman (Mt. Shasta High)

* Daniel Johnson, 6-foot-4, freshman (Hoover High)

* Thomas Jordan, 6-foot-1, sophomore (St. Francis High)

* Junior Morgan, 6-foot-7, sophomore (Liberty High)

* Udun Osakue, 6-foot-6, sophomore (Roosevelt High)

* Alex Perez, 6-foot-2, sophomore (Otah Ranch High)

* Chris Sterling, 6-foot-4, freshman (Delano High)

* Ryan Swain, 6-foot-4, freshman (Buchanan High)

Basketball drought

Doesn't it seem like the news emanating from the various tournaments currently taking place in Las Vegas is but a trickle as compared to last summer? The Twitter posts from the national guys are Nor Cal deficient for some reason.

Three standing out at COS

College of the Sequoias Coach Rusty Smith has some talents on hand this season who will be bringing a large number of four-year coaches to the COS gym in Visalia.

The 6-foot-7 Smith, who has averaged 21 wins a season during his tenure, himself played at El Camino College and then Montana State before playing-for-pay abroad. After a successful assistant coaching tenure at Cal State Northridge, he's become a fixture at the community college level.

There's a trio of Coach Smith's players standing out in particular:
 * Bill Borekambi

The 6-foot-6 smooth-as-silk wing averaged a team-leading 14.6 points per game last season, shooting 51% from the floor and 89% at the foul line. He also grabbed 8.6 boards each time out, also tops on the team. Borekambi was named to the All-Central Valley Conference squad as a frosh. According to Coach Smith, Borekambi "is a natural, finesse  mid-range scorer, someone who is athletic and can put up numbers in bunches." He's from Germany.

At the Foothill JUCO Summer Slam earlier this month, Borekambi would receive a pass, use a dribble or two to maneuver and rise to get his shot off. It was very difficult for defenders to prevent him from getting good looks.

* Troy Norris

As Reggie Jackson said (about himself), the 6-foot Norris is the straw that stirs the drink for COS. Last year, he averaged 7.7 points while nabbing 62 steals best on the team and earned an honorable mention All-Central Valley Conference selectionfor his play. Norris was a Cal Hi Sports all-stater in 2011 while at Atascadero High as well as being the San Luis Obispo Tribune's County Player of the Year as both a junior and senior.

Per Smith, Norris "is a point guard who can also score. He does a lot for us with ballhandling, distributing and scoring and is an integral part in making us go."

Norris was very impressive at the Summer Slam, controlling tempo while connecting from outside and on dribble-drives. It was apparent he was in charge.

Smith added, "so many guys with skills at his size so it's important to find  something that separates you from the other guys and Troy showed that at Foothill."

* David Love

A transfer from San Francisco State where he averaged 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds as a freshman, the 6-foot-6 Love played for Tulare Union High. According to Smith, Love returned home to try and earn a D-I scholarship.

During the Foothill event, Love displayed good strength and inside toughness, with the ability to pop facing the basket.

Also, Phil Ward, one of the few sophomores on last season's squad, has landed a scholarship at Cal State Stanislaus. The 6-foot-6 Ward endured an injury-riddled season and eventually had to shut down early but impressed Stanislaus Coach Larry Reynolds enough.

Loved this description

Venerable Frank Burlison offered this great description in his latest post. Speaking of Jordan McLaughlin, a 2014 SoCal guard prospect, playing in Vegas:
"The 6-footer has reached the point where high school defenders don’t “stop him” – he just misses shots because they don’t happen to fall."

Allen impressing in Vegas

From Jeff Borzello: "Dakarai Allen continues to state his case as one of the best defensive players in 2013. Has guarded PGs, wings, forwards. Lockdown"

and 

Jason Scheer: "2013 small forward Dakarai Allen is now claiming an Arizona offer on his list"

Are the new admittance rules for JUCOs fair?

Fair is such an awkward term because everyone has their own definition but here is what the NCAA has instituted: at the conclusion of the 2013 academic year, JC transfers must have a 2.5 GPA in their transferable credits in order to be eligible for a four-year school. That is up from 2.0 and different from high schoolers who must now earn a 2.3.

It does seem separate and unequal.

Michael Felder checks in on the subject.


Transfers

It's love 'em (if you're the coach or "your" team as a fan is the recipient) or hate 'em (if you as the coach or "your" team as a fan is losing a talent).

Luke Winn looks at college transfers, in particular "up-transfers" in a very interesting read.

Benjamin Miraski riffs off Winn's post.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The 2012-13 San Joaquin Delta College Mustangs

Rich Ressa coaches San Joaquin Delta College and his July roster looks like this:

* Terrence Broussard, 5-foot-9, sophomore (Armijo High)

* Lonnie Ellis, 6-foot-3, freshman (Stagg High)

* Joseph Facey, 6-foot-1, sophomore (Santa Monica High)

* Ryan Gaarder, 6-foot-3, sophomore (Lodi High)

* Jerrel Green, 6-foot-6, sophomore (Bear Creek High)

* Devin Hayward, 5-foot-8, sophomore (Cordova High)

* Jamel Kelly, 6-foot-5, freshman (Edison High)

* Erik King, 5-foot-8, sophomore (Venture Academy, Stockton)

* Richard Perry, 6-foot-3, sophomore (Foothill High)

* Kyle Porlaris, 5-foot-9, freshman (Cosumnes Oaks High)

* Mitch Postle, 6-foot-7, sophomore, (Harbor High, Santa Cruz)

* Dan Schwartzberg, 6-foot-1, sophomore (Union Mine High)

* Alex Simmons, 6-foot-3, freshman (St. Mary's)

* Mourice Tolliver, 5-foot-10, sophomore (Oakland Tech)

* Chris Woods, 6-foot-3, freshman (Delta Charter High)

The 2012-13 Contra Costa College Comets

Always keep in mind that player additions and deletions will occur but here goes with the Miguel Johnson's Contra Costa College roster. He has a nice mix of enough size upfront and a handful of speedy backcourters:

* Fletcher Brown, 6-foot-0, freshman (Balboa High)

* Omariayea Broughton, 6-foot-1, sophomore (Valley High)

* Joshua Bynum, 6-foot-6, freshman (Bethel High)

* Johnathan Caldwell-Hudley, 6-foot-1, sophomore (Wood High)

* Shakeel Carpenter, 6-foot-9, freshman (Kimball High)

* Daseion Cole, 6-foot-4, freshman (Bethel High)

* Antonio Davis, 5-foot-8, freshman (Oakland Tech)

* Pershante Hill, 5-foot-8, sophomore (Hercules High0

* Derius Johnson, 5-foot-8, freshman (St. Elizabeth)

* Davion Mize, 6-foot-1, freshman (Salesian High)

* Jacob Monroe, 6-foot-5, sophomore (Inderkum High)

* Juan Parker, 6-foot-7, sophomore (Sacramento High)

* Trayvon Rogers, 6-foot-1, freshman (New Horizons Prep, MS)

* Philip Secrease, 6-foot-2, freshman (Pinole Valley High)

* Tyler West, 6-foot-6, sophomore (Beaverton High, OR)

Dwayne Benjamin impressing

Hoopniks has tweeted: "6-6 2013 wing Dwayne Benjamin has been awesome for PHPS and they are going into overtime against Team Loaded in a good one. 88 all"

NBE Basketball posted this on July 15:
Dwayne Benjamin is another basketball player who is also a standout on the gridiron. The prep school-bound 6’5 small forward really impressed in both Play Hard Play Smart games that NBE Sports saw. A talented wing who can really shoot the ball from deep, Benjamin also possesses the ability to attack off the bounce. Additionally, he works on the defense end and contests shots.

Providence paper confirms Gardner's status

It's stashed behind a paywall but various twitter posts are confirming what was already known: Kiwi Gardner is no longer at Providence.

Welcome to Friartown: "Full Kevin McNamara ProJo piece on Ledo: "Ian Baker isn’t likely to join the program, and neither will Kiwi Gardner" per Ed Cooley"

This was already apparent due to him not in summer school in Rhode Island and also not participating in the NCAA newly approved summer training conducted by the respective college coaches but some held out hope.

Mills pulling down a million

San Antonio's Patty Mills can buy the next round.

From Luke Adams: "The salary details for Patty Mills, who will earn $1,085,120 this season, were already known, but according to [Mike] Monroe, Mills' second year (at about $1.13MM) is a team option. [Mark] Deeks had reported that it was a player option, so hopefully we'll get some clarification on the matter one way or the other."

Trace Yager honored

Phil Barber reports on Trace Yager being named the All-Empire Small School Player of the year.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Nor Cal JC players in Vegas

Besides the various high school tournaments taking place in Las Vegas right now, there is also a junior college basketball event showcasing players primarily from the western part of the U.S -- the All-American JUCO Showcase.

Among the Nor Cal or Nor Cal-based prospects participating are:

* Jamal Ford, 6-foot-5, San Francisco City College

* Jarred Jourdan, 6-foot-5, Las Positas College

* Demetrius Lee, 6-foot-3, Sheridan College

* Meredith Dion, 6-foot-5, Merritt College

* Kevin Thomas, 6-foot-5, Lassen College

* Gabriel Kindred, 6-foot-1, Salt Lake City College

* Mike McKinney, 6-foot-1, Solano College

Josiah Turner & Kiwi Gardner

Kiwi Gardner and Josiah Turner. Josiah Turner and Kiwi Gardner.

What's with the scorn and the I-told-you-so's? Is such a behavioral reaction providing some degree of warped satisfaction?

Jeez.

Two young men, regardless of basketball-playing capabilities, are stumbling and struggling in life.

It's a situation which calls for empathy, understanding, a willingness to help with a steady and sturdy hand and a reasonable mindset.

Yes, a DUI is a deadly serious matter.

And tossing a basketball in the face of an opponent is a blasphemy on the game but, more so, an outright act of cruelty. 

But wishing for woe or taking some sort of glee from personal difficulties is not exactly getting your mail at a high moral address.

Don't get it wrong -- absolution isn't being offered here.

That would be inappropriate.

First, both young men need to earn their way back into respectability, beginning with their selves.

However, don't forget it's also a number of the adults in the life equations of these individuals who have come up short. You know them -- the card-carrying what's-in-it-for-me crowd who either cannot see beyond the moment or could care less.

Is it really too much for adults who invite themselves into the lives of kids to look out for the long term healthiness of the youngsters in their orbit?

Some are providing aid to the pair at this moment. Call them the actual adults, the ones who can see and act beyond the me-me-me and focus on concern for building the fabric of a life because it, in turn, will also benefit community.

That's really what is at stake here -- not simply basketball-playing futures.

With both consistent and appropriate guidance and a willingness to change their respective mindsets and decision-making processes, Turner and Gardner can turn it around, on and off the court.

That should be what everyone is wishing to see.

Training with Jeremy Russotti in Napa coming up

Jeremy Russotti is conducting a basketball skills training camp in Napa from July 30 to August 3.

The camp is for third-through-ninth grade boys and girls players and will take place at Napa Valley College daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Russotti, who trains players such as Josh Akognon (Sacramento Kings), Shabazz Muhammad (UCLA), and Adonis Thomas (Memphis), will be running the proceedings.

The event will be co-directed as well as Steiv Boyd (Marin Catholic).

All attending players will receive an official 1% CLUB Training Backpack and a free ticket to a Napa Valley College basketball game.

For more information:

* call (707) 849-1212 or sign up at Training Napa

A Stephen Domingo update

Jeremy Balan offers the latest on Stephen Domingo and Georgetown.

Congratulations to Domingo on his achievement, no ifs, ands or buts. He will be playing for a national level team and have the opportunity to gain a topnotch education.

Thumbs down on why GT has chosen to go so incommunicado. It's just silly, especially so in this situation.

Updates on Allen and Pitts

A pair of tweets from Philippe Doherty:
"6'6 2013 Wing Noah Allen of Palma HS was just offered by Colorado, Utah, and San Diego State. Bay Area Hoosier AAU wing has had big summer"
"6'5 2013 Combo Guard Elliott Pitts of De la Salle HS, CA was offered by Univ. Of Virginia last night. Bay Area Hoosiers AAU combo guard" 

Ong signs local

Chabot College's Kurtis Ong has signed with Holy Names University in Oakland. The 5-foot-11 former St. Ignatius backcourter will be playing for Coach Omar Sanchez.

Ong averaged 4.8 points per game this past season, shooting 45% overall and 45% from three-point range. He passed for 2.6 assists a contest.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The 2012-13 Diablo Valley College roster

For the first time in what seems like an eternity (that's how it must also feel for Viking opponents), Coach Steve Coccimiglio's squad is without Brian Goins.

But fret not DVC fans for a young but hungry squad, one that will only get better as the season goes on, will be taking the court this season.

Again, additions and/or subtractions may take place prior to November.

* Juwan Blakely, 6-foot-1, freshman (Liberty High)

* Jelani Hardaway, 6-foot-3, freshman (Freedom High)

* Mike Harris, 6-foot-4, sophomore (Monte Vista High/Cal Lutheran)

* Conner Jean, 6-foot-1, freshman (Northgate High)

* Damon Jones, 6-foot-3, sophomore (St. Elizabeth)

* Justin Johnson, 6-foot-3, freshman (El Cerrito High)

* Kunle Fasala, 6-foot-4, freshman Clayton Valley High)

* Noah LaBonte, 6-foot-5, freshman (Deer Valley High)

* Joe McNiff, 6-foot-3, freshman (De La Salle High)

* Kairon Moore, 6-foot-5, freshman (Pinole High)

* A.B. Najee, 6-foot-3, freshman (Berkeley High)

* John Ocon, 6-foot-8, freshman (Fairfield High)

* Devon Pouncey, 6-foot-4, sophomore (Rodriguez High)

The 2012-13 Santa Rosa Junior College roster

Sama Taku and Company have moved on but Coach Craig McMillan is back with his latest version of the Bear Cubs. Santa Rosa is coming off a 22-5 overall record, 13-1 in conference action.

Here you go:

* Victor Aguero, 5-foot-11, sophomore (Central Catholic/Portland)

* Brandon Chavers, 6-foot-4, sophomore (Warren High)

* Luke Cochran, 6-foot-9, freshman (Del Oro High)

* Kai Drewery, 6-foot-3, freshman (Redwood High)

* Max Fujii, 5-foot-10,l sophomore (Analy High)

* Jajuan Hammond, 6-foot-2, freshman (Bullard High)

* Tyler Imhoff, 6-foot-1, sophomore (Napa High)

* Connor Gillet, 6-foot-6, sophomore (La Mirada High, SoCal)

* Darren Grayer, 6-foot-7, freshman (Roseland Prep)

* Brian Johnson, 6-foot-5, freshman (Maria Carrillo High)

* Alex Kobre, 6-foot-1, freshman (Montgomery High)

* Xavier McCall, 6-foot-3, sophomore (Cardinal Newman High)

* Bobby Sharp, 6-foot-0, sophomore (Cardinal Newman High)

It's all about the kids

Tristan Aird has some of the details on the adults -- since corporations are now people -- fighting over participation in this week's tournaments in Las Vegas.

Yes, it's all about the kids.

Right.

Great story on Andy Newman

The murkiness is still there about Bob Burton's departure but Mark Whicker cuts through it by offering a fine piece on interim Cal State Fullerton Coach Andy Newman, formerly of Chico State and West Valley College.

More on Orlando Johnson

Here's an interview with now Indiana Pacer Orlando Johnson.

Dominican signs a pair of newcomers

Courtesy of Dominican University Associate Director of Public Relations David Albee:

The Dominican University of California men’s basketball team has signed two Southern California recruits, led by Devin Golston, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound transfer from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo who was an All-CIF player at Gahr High School in 2009.

Golston will be coming to Dominican with Jonny Bates, who won 49 games the past two seasons at Capistrano Valley High School.

They will join a 2012-13 recruiting class that already includes Sacramento-area products Kevin John (K.J.) Logue of Bella Vista High School, Matt Hayes, the all-time leading scorer at Yuba City High, and Christopher Schwartz-Edmisten of Waldorf High who led California prep boys’ basketball in scoring with a 34.1 points per game average last season.

“We are excited to add Devin and Jonny to our class,” said Dominican head men’s basketball coach Booker T. Harris. “This group will help us as we try to become more competitive in NCAA Division II. We will have more versatility with players who can compete at multiple positions and can find different ways to score. It also will allow us to add to our group of young men who represent the University and what we want Dominican basketball to be on and off the court.”

Golston averaged 6.9 points and three rebounds a game for a 20-9 Gauchos team last season. He was second on the team in field goal and free throw percentage. Prior to that, Golston played as a freshman at Cypress College, starting 28 games and averaging 14.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game to lead the Chargers in rebounding and field goal percentage (.545).

The power forward had a brilliant four-year career at Gahr High School in Cerritos. With the Gladiators, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals a game in his senior season when he was named First Team All-CIF Division III Southern Section. He scored 30 points in his final high school game in the semifinals of the CIF South Div. III playoffs.

“Devin is a player that will play multiple positions for us and give us flexibility on the floor,” Harris said. “He comes from successful winning programs and has athletic ability to add quickness and length for us on the floor. We expect him to be a helpful addition to the returners that we have coming back.”

Bates, a 6-4, 215-pound swingman, averaged 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds last season for the Cougars while shooting 52 percent from the floor, 47 percent from 3-point range and nearly 80 percent from the foul line. He had a career-high 17 points and four 3-pointers against Westchester on Feb. 4 after the Cougars had won 21 of their first 23 games. He made 11-of-12 free throws in a 14-point, 10-rebound performance against Dana Hills on Jan. 13.

“Jonny also comes from a very successful program and that appeals to us,” Harris said. “He has the ability to play around the basket and make shots from the perimeter.”

The Penguins, who won eight of their last 11 games last season to finish in fourth place in the Pacific West Conference, open play this season on November 10 at home in the Conlan Center against Cal State Stanislaus.

Johnson compiling huge number of offers

Now it's San Diego State greenlighting PHPS's Darin Johnson, according to Scott Sommer.

Johnson has close to every team out west offering, short of a few in the Pac-12.

Garrett Tucker recently tweeted this: "Expect Colorado to be a big player for Darin Johnson. Their recent guard play could be a big factor" 

After Colorado said we want you, Oregon also extended a web to Johnson yesterday. Arizona State jumped in today. 

D'Erryl Williams get another nod

Per Josh Gershon: "2013 Sacramento Sheldon PG D'Erryl Williams picked up a USC offer"

Per Rivals, Fresno State, Loyola Marymount, Long Beach State and San Francisco also want to go steady with Williams.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Travon Abraham to be playing in Colorado

Sent a query to Adams State Coach Louis Wilson regarding word that former Sacramento High guard Travon Abraham will be playing for him in 2012-13.

Coach Wilson replied: "He has signed to play for us for 2012-2013 season."

Alamosa, Colorado-based Adams State went 19-9 overall, 15-7 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play last season

There will be some northern California company for Abraham as Shaheed (San Leandro High) Young and Marcus (Center High) Thompson were Grizzlies last season.

Wilson has California ties as he was formerly the associate head coach at Cal State Northridge.

The 2012-13 Yuba College roster

It's going to be an interesting year for Coach Doug Cornelius as the vast majority of his roster has moved on and the need to gain experience will be foremost for the 2012-13 49ers in order to be up there as usual at the end.

The Yuba roster:

* Akachi Akugo, 6-foot-0, freshman (Jesuit High)

* Jacob Courage, 6-foot-7, sophomore (Lincoln High)

* Yev Dyachenko, 6-foot-4, sophomore (River City High)

* Gary Melvin, 6-foot-5, freshman (Jesuit High)

* Tahron Morrison, 6-foot-7, freshman (Vanden High)

* Gage Ostanik, 6-foot-6, freshman (River City High)

* Darrell Pollee, 6-foot-2, freshman (Global Charter High)

* Andy Schmidt, 6-foot-7, freshman (Roseville High)

* Chris Smith, 6-foot-3, freshman (Center High)

* Derrick West, 6-foot-2, freshman (Kennedy High)

* Vic West, 6-foot-5, freshman (Burbank High)

* Chayson Williams, 6-foot-2, freshman (Leuzinger High, SoCal)

* Floyd Wormly, 6-foot-7, freshman (Highlands High)

The 2012-13 Foothill College roster

Coach Shanan Rosenberg unveiled his Foothill College Owl 2012-13 squad during the Foothill JUCO Summer Slam but with others to be added come fall classes.

Here goes with the current Owls:

* Igor Anderson, 6-foot-5, freshman (Camarillo High)

* Jack Biebel, 5-foot-9, freshman (Archbishop Mitty)

* Ryan Cali, 5-foot-11, sophomore (Harker School)

* Brendan Carroll, 6-foot-3, sophomore (St. Lawrence High)

* Stephan Grossy, 6-foot-5, freshman (Serra High)

* Ashanti Hunter, 6-foot-1 freshman (Homestead High)

* Suhail Mohommadi, 6-foot-0, sophomore (Carlmont High)

* Victor Rodrigo, 6-foot-2, freshman (Homestead High)

* Nicholas Wahls, 6-foot-9, freshman (Westmont High)

* Daryl Wong, 6-foot-3, sophomore (Mills High0

Dame's playing says bring on the regular season

A pair of tweets from the Trailblazers:
Damian Lillard has been named Co-MVP of the 2012 NBA Summer League. (Shares award with Memphis' Josh Selby)
Co-MVP Damian Lillard finishes Las Vegas Summer League ranked first in scoring (26.5) and seventh in assists (5.3). 

Bird leads Soldiers to EYBL title

Raphielle Johnson has the details of the Oakland Soldiers capturing the Peach Jam event as Jabari Bird clutched it at the end.

Adam Zagoria has more.

PHPS Elite wins in LA

Monika Choi captures the Full Court Press Cream of the Crop champions: Play Hard Play Smart Elite

Dunn likes three right now

Mario Dunn have three current faves -- Montana, UC Irvine and Santa Clara -- but is looking for more suitors as Alex Schwartz reports (a Rivals sub is required).

Lillard's game in Las Vegas analyzed

Here's more on Damian Lillard from an internal Trailblazer source.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

A Jamaree Strickland update

From Alex Schwartz (near the bottom of the article) comes word that former McClymonds High big Jamaree Strickland is playing basketball for the Hunting Park Warriors club team out of Philadelphia and will be attending a prep school in North Carolina.

San Jose State University has offered: "In addition to the Spartans, Hajj noted that Strickland is hearing from San Francisco, Missouri State and CSU Bakersfield..."

Strickland hasn't played competitive hoops for two or so years due to an ACL tear and resulting complications so it's a matter of shaking off rust, getting into playing shape and seeing what is the level of competition at which he can play and succeed. Here's a link with more information. 

Here's the HPW Facebook page.

Yet another Johnson offer

A Future150 tweet: "Utah just offered 2013 combo guard Darin Johnson of PHPS (CA)" It's getting hard to keep track.

Akognon continues to impress

Marilyn Kenyon is now a Josh Akognon fan -- Josh-sanity in 2012-13? If so, it couldn't happen to a more deserving young man.

Looking into the crystal ball but with glasses off

So here goes:

* Aaron Gordon eventually heads to Washington

* Jabari Bird makes it a two-fer for Lorenzo Romar

* Marcus Lee is an extremely tough one to forecast but we're going with Arizona.

Come time, feel free to fire away with incoming ordnance or, if accurate, send money and chocolate, not necessarily in that order.

A wry observation

Jeff Linder strikes again: "You can tell the economy has been down with the lack of tattoos on the younger players"

More praise for Marcus Lee

Alex Schwartz recently tweeted: "Marcus Lee's upside is through the roof. Ridiculous physical talent. Pushing the top-10 in 2013, IMO"

Tanner Giddings honored

Phil Barber writes about another honor for Windsor's Tanner Giddings, who is moving on to Fresno State.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Peters, Kamler and Hendricks walking on up in Stockton

Former Archbishop Mitty wing Thomas Peters is now listed as a walk-on with Pacific, as is Reed Kamler, a backcourter out of San Rafael High. Earlier, it was announced that Aaron Hendricks, a guard out of Del Oro High, would be walking on in Stockton.

Praise for Pitts

Matt Moreno caught DLS and Bay Area Hoosier star Elliott Pitts in action:
This was our first chance to see the Concord (Calif.) De La Salle prospect since the Pangos All-American Camp earlier in the year. Obviously seeing him play in a camp setting is going to be different than seeing him play with his travel team - the Bay Area Hoosiers. UA was front and center to see the Northern California standout and he did a lot of good things for his squad.

Pitts does a lot of things well, some make it in the box score and others don't. The 6-foot-5 prospect would fit into many different programs because he is a versatile player. He can play the point guard position - which he has done in the past - or he can play off the ball, which is what he did for most of Thursday night's game.

One thing that definitely stood out about Pitts on the first evening of action was his commitment on the defensive end of the floor. Even though he picked up a couple fouls for being a little over-anxious, he was still competing hard on the defense to make sure his man didn't score.

Handling the ball and knocking down deep jump shots is what he's going to be known for, but he really showed something on defense Thursday night.

The latest on Malik Pope

Alex Kline/The Recruit Scoop (No Rivals sub required) on the Next Big One in northern CA:
Under Armour Summer Jam Recruiting Tidbits - Day Three

2014 Team Superstar small forward Malik Pope was limited to only a few touches, and, therefore was not able to produce on the court. Nevertheless, the highly recruited No. 14 player in the Rivals100 has a vast amount of scholarships on his plate. Pope holds offers from Arizona, Baylor, California, USC, UCLA, Washington and Colorado, among others. With no focus on his recruitment, Pope played in front of a number of high-majors for his morning game and continues to draw positive buzz on the west coast.

Manny Nodar interviewed

Kevin White goes deep with St. Mary's Coach Manny Nodar.

More press on Dame

Ben Golliver offers more on Damian Lillard and the Trailblazers.

The Hornets want a down-the-road point

Coach Brian Katz is thinking really long term -- post Dylan Garrity -- as Josh Gershon tweets: "Sacramento State offered 2015 SG Tyler Burch, per coach Ryan Silver"

Leonard receives another offer

Supreme Coach T tweeted: "Markel Leonard 2013 PG Salesian Pride Richmond Ca, Bay Area Hoosiers offered by UC Riverside yesterday he holds 4 offers"

PHPS guys getting the looks

Check the flight manifests for planes landing in Sacto during early November as Josh Gershon tweets: "Mark Few, USC, SDSU and Cal are watching Dakarai Allen and Darin Johnson"

Wes Hanspard's season's stats

In 31 games (25 starts and 22.7 minutes per contest), Lindsay's (Columbia, KY) Wilson's Wes Hanspard averaged 8.1 points and 3.7 rebounds a game. He shot 54% overall, 64% from the foul line.

The former Oakland Tech and Los Medanos talent's NAIA team won the Mid South Conference championship this season, going 21-10 overall, 12-4 in league.

Dakarai Allen doing the Aztec two step?

Alex Schwartz tells readers that Dakarai Allen is feeling it with San Diego State.

It would be a smart choice if SDSU turns out to be the one. His skill set would dovetail with the style of the Aztecs, he would certainly earn playing time and he would be win a lot of games.

* major props if you 'get' the musical reference in the headline bit it's mighty obscure

Gordon and Bird convincing the national scouts

Brian Bosworth/NBE Basketball was impressed @ Peach Jam by a pair of NorCal talents:
Aaron Gordon (Oakland Soldiers 2013) – After missing a large time of time this AAU season with a foot injury, Gordon seemed determined to erase any question marks about his health moving forward. He was better than ever before making plays from the wing that weren’t in his arsenal 12 months ago. Gordon flashed off the dribble skills that firmly project him as a SF going forward and make him an even more devastating player than I previously thought. In addition to his improved handle, Gordon remains the most electric finisher in high school basketball around the rim. He drew more than a few Blake Griffin comparisons after a series of ridiculous dunks in transition.

Jabari Bird
(Oakland Soldiers 2013) – Bird has elite size for the wing standing 6’6” with unusual length. He showed a complete scoring package in a morning victory making 3-pointers, midrange pull-ups, and smooth dunks at the rim. These skills have always been there for Bird but he was far more demanding in calling for the ball and forcing his teammates to run offense through him. For some players this could be viewed as a negative but for a young player of Bird’s talent wanting and demanding the ball is exactly what he should be doing. As long he continues being confident and aggressive, there is seemingly nothing Bird can’t do offensively.

Friday, July 20, 2012

The 2012-13 CaƱada College roster

Always keep in mind that player additions and deletions will occur but here goes with the Matt Stanley-coached current CaƱada College roster:

* Qaadir Ali, 6-foot-0, freshman (Tennyson High)

* Arakel Aristakessian, 5-foot-11, freshman (Mills High)

* Alex Boyce, 6-foot-1, sophomore (Serrano High)

* Rashaad Brackeen, 6-foot-0, freshman (Franklin High)

* Corey Carlson, 6-foot-0, sophomore (ISA)

* Marquis Glenn, 6-foot-3, freshman (Fremont High - Oakland)

* Rohndell Goodwin, 6-foot-4, freshman (West High)

* Paul Hawkins, 6-foot-5, freshman (More High)

* Peter Hawkins, 6-foot-4, freshman (More High)

* Stephen Johnson, 6-foot-4, sophomore (Bulringame High)

* Zayn Kirkendoll, 6-foot-0, sophomore (Valley Christian High)

* James Osorio, 6-foot-2, sophomore (St. Francis High)

* Nick Seyer, 6-foot-6, freshman (Mid Peninsula High)

* James Testa, 6-foot-2, freshman (Carlmont High)

* Justin Tuason, 6-foot-1, freshman (El Camino High)

* Colin Wan, 5-foot-11, sophomore (Archbishop Mitty High)

Dame-mania unabated

Joe Freeman has the details on Damian Lillard owning the NBA Summer league.

No rust for Gordon

Adam Zagoria reports that Aaron Gordon is back killing it.

A Jabari Bird update

From Point Guard U: "Jabari Bird has named a top 2 of Cal and Washington. He is still looking at Arizona"

He may eventually be more important than landing Aaron Gordon since Bird will be in college two to three years.

Don't forget -- amidst all the HS tourneys there is a Bay Area JC one

Las Positas Coach Tony Costello is hosting his annual "Las Positas Shootout" on July 21-22 at the Livermore campus.

For spectators, it will be a $5 daily admission fee.

For four-year college coaches, a weekend pass and packet is $30.

Here's the schedule:

Saturday July 21

Court 1

11:00 - DVC v CaƱada

noon - Foothill v Cosumnes River

1:00 - DVC v Las Positas

2:00 - American River v Foothill

3:00 - Alameda v Lane (Oregon)

4:00 - Alameda v Shasta

5:00 - Ohlone v Lane (Oregon)

6:00 - Mendocino v Shasta

Court 2

11:00 - Las Positas v Delta

noon - American River v West Valley

1:00 - Delta v CaƱada

2:00 - West Valley v Cosumnes River

3:00 - Ohlone v Clackamas (Oregon)

4:00 - Mendocino v Delta

5:00 - Clackamas (Oregon) v Contra Costa

6:00 - Delta v Contra Costa

Sunday, July 22

Court 1

11:00 - Columbia v Cosumner River

noon - Columbia v Lane (Oregon)

1:00 - Mendocino v Lane (Oregon)

2:00 - Mendocino v Clackamas (Oregon)

3:00 - American River v Las Positas

4:00 - Sacramento v West Valley

5:00 - Las Positas v Contra Costa

6:00 - Foothill v Contra Costa

Court 2

11:00 DVC - Ohlone

noon - DVC - Clackamas (Oregon)

1:00 - Ohlone v Cosumnes River

2:00 Shasta v West Valley

3:00 - Shasta v CaƱada

4:00 - Alameda v Foothill

5:00 - American River v CaƱada

6:00 - Sacramento v Alameda

Stuteville offered

From Alex Schwartz: Sacramento State has offered 6-foot-9 Eric Stuteville of Casa Roble High. He's a 2013-er who averaged 13.1 points, 7.4 boards and 3.2 blocked shot a game as a junior.

Three Soldiers standing out

Eric Bossi @ Peachjam:
"Aaron Gordon, Stanley Johnson and Jabari Bird are playing at a crazy high level right now"

and
"They got a word to describe Aaron Gordon where I come from.......PRO"
Here's Corey Albertson: No one team has a more impressive "Big Three" than the Oakland Soldiers trio of five-star 2013 forward Aaron Gordon, four-star 2013 forward Stanley Johnson, and four-star 2013 guard Jabari Bird. In a blowout win over Team Final, that trio was phenomenal, led by the athletic and high energy play of Gordon. That was made even more impressive by the fact that the No. 5 player from the Rivals150 had not competed in game action in almost four months due to injury. Gordon was flying above the rim to finish alley-oops, attacking the basket off the dribble, and seemed like he had the ball glued to his hands when pursuing rebounds around the basket. Bird and Johnson both showed impressive athleticism of their own, combined with good ballhandling skills for their size, as they attacked the basket on the break and scored with ease and consistency. That "Big Three" has Soldiers coaches thinking Nike Peach Jam title as teams cannot find ways to match the physicality or effort of those elite prospects"

Modesto's Mabry making an impression

Chad Groth covering the Jerry Mullens JC event in St. Louis writes about those who shined, including:
Tashawn Mabry, 6’7 220 SF – Modesto JC (CA) – signed with Rhode Island out of HS

Thursday, July 19, 2012

The 2012-13 American River College roster

Always keep in mind that player additions and deletions will occur but here goes with the current Mark Giorgi-coached American River College roster:

* Jay Callis, 6-foot-6, freshman (Delta High)

* Chad Haysbert, 6-foot-9, sophomore (Center High)

* Kelly Jackson, 6-foot-9, sophomore (Hogan High, Solano College)

* Caleb King, 5-foot-10, freshman (Antelope High)

* Bryant Langston, 6-foot-5, sophomore (Center High, Sierra College)

* Lejon Mabrey, 5-foot-4, sophomore (North Carolina)

* Colton Passey, 5-foot-11, freshman (Elliot Christian High)

* Marcus Reeves, 6-foot-10, freshman (Johnson High)

* Daniel Smith, 6-foot-2, freshman (Center High)

* Mardell Thompson, 6-foot-2, sophomore (Rio Americano)

* Jarvis Watkins, 6-foot-2, freshman (Antelope High)

USF got a visit

From Percy Allen's UW basketball blog - 6-foot-11 Florida International transfer Gilles Dierickx checked out USF:
(What other schools were you considering?) "I took a visit to San Francisco and USC since I've been back on the West Coast. Mainly those two, but I also contacted LMU and Pepperdine and Cal-State Fullerton."
Dierickx chose Washington.

More offer to Pope

Here's Josh Gershon with another Malik Pope update: "Two more offers for 2014 Team Superstar SF Malik Pope: Oregon State and Fresno State. Duke also watched him last night"

Major credit to Damian Lillard

Bet very few, if anyone at all, knew this: Weber State University had a higher attendance than 6 Pac-12 schools, 6 WAC schools, and 5 Mountain West schools in 2012.

Gives you something to think about when choosing a basketball program.

More on Darin Johnson

Per Alex Kline (a Rivals sub is required). Darin Johnson has four faves -- USC, Gonzaga, WSU and Virginia Tech -- with UTEP gaining ground.

Sacramento is just loaded with big time prospects.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

A prospect at Prospect

This is not a tale of the emergence of a prodigious talent on the national prep scene, one who sends the hearts of talent scouts fluttering and scribes rushing to their keyboards.

It's about more important matters, concerning the strides made, both personal and on the basketball court, of a young man in San Jose.

He is Tharon King of Prospect High.

His playing basketball serves mightily as a means of self-expression and also belonging, the being a member of something larger outside himself.

However, it's the involvement of the 6-foot-1 senior-to-be in particular with the West Valley Basketball Club (WVBC) that has served as a critical component in his evolution.

Fresh to the world of basketball, no breaks or handouts were forthcoming, nor expected by anyone.

Everything would be earned, be it playing time on the team or moving forward in the classroom.

King understood and appreciated that.

Slippage wouldn't be buried but acknowledged and previous markers of success reached again and surpassed.

The still blossoming result?

Greater confidence.

Greater understanding.

Each an integral factor in both paving and staying on the path to success.

But there is no mistaking his burning passion for basketball nor his respect and appreciation for a number of the adults in his life such as family friend Clara Adams and Coaches Al Grigsby and Bob Bramlett of the WVBC.

Raised by a strong and caring mother, it was also the factors of Adams, Grigsby and Bramlett coming into his life which positively affected King's orbit. Call it the "it takes a village" maxim at work, however limited the population.

So who is King?

In his own words, "vocal and calm."

Someone who dreams of "playing in the NBA (Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose are his favorite  talents) or working as a basketball coach or a mental health therapist. The latter is because "I want to help people with their issues and make their lives much better."

But finishing high school comes first plus additional effort in getting "faster, stronger and jumping higher" so as to carry on his love of roundball.

Asked about his earlier exposure to basketball, King offered, "I didn't make the team in seventh grade (Moreland Middle School) because I didn't know the fundamentals of basketball."

That has changed.

"I became more responsible and more motivated, realizing I can't wait until the last minute if I want a good life," King explained.

In talking about King, Grigsby said, "He always came to our workouts [since the eighth grade] but he never made our traveling team until this season. But he should have been on it last year."

Grigsby added, "He is a very appreciative kid, someone who is really shy and doesn't say much. Tharon never asks for anything and in today's world where players have expectations, you like a kid like that."

King provided some surprises to the WVBC coaching staff this spring.

"In his first game, he played quite well. I had no idea, " Grigsby recalled. "With Tharon, pleasant surprises are now expectations."

Yes, the effort in the classroom must remain as well as progress on the court. College will be the next big challenge.

About roundball at the next level, Grigsby said, "Tharon has a chance."

That's all King wishes.

Here's Coach Bramlett, breaking one of his usually steadfast rules of not speaking publicly about any of his WVBC participants, talking about Tharon:

"Clara Adams called me and mentioned that this young man she knew who needed some structure and she felt we could offer it. The first time I met him, it was clear that Tharon did not have any real basketball experience. He could not dribble, had poor coordination and yet you could see the greater person inside screaming to get out.

It was very important to me that he be treated not as the only special case but one of the special cases. We tell our parents that you have the luxury of loving one player,  we have the responsibility of loving them all.

We talked about commitment. He was assigned the responsibility of calling me every Friday to let me know he was coming on Sunday.

Not one time did Tharon fail to call with the lone exception being his mom had him call once from her phone because she confiscated his because he broke a rule with her.

At these practices he was at, he struggled initially to even remember what he was suppose to do. When the group was punished, some kids actually resented him. My brother recalled a moment when he was sitting near a parent who made a disparaging remark about Tharon holding up the progress of the entire groups.

Soon enough, because we do not accept anything less than compassion from our players for those trying to get it right, unless they are not working hard, kids started encouraging him, helping him, thereby avoiding the penalties associated with mishaps and mistakes.

They brought him into the fold.

The first big step for me as far as realizing truly what kind of young man he is, came when he went to a couple of the players after a session and thanked them for helping him understand the correct way to do a drill he was struggling with and therefore getting the team in trouble. They worked with him during the break in order to insure he would be more comfortable doing the drill. 'They' are Michele Rebozzi and Morgan Woodrow, now of Fresno Pacific and San Diego respectively. It was a lesson that benefited so many more than just Tharon.

From that point on, Tharon went from being an adopted player to a valued member, graduating into the position of even demonstrating drills at the onset of them.

This year, I invited him to come to our Saturday Practice. His response was 'Me, why?' It was asked in an innocent way, which also defines Tharon. I told him that he was traveling with us. His Mom called immediately afterwards because she said Tharon was very confused. I told her that he had earned the right to travel and was selected by the staff. That's the thing. He EARNED it. This is not charity. Some may argue that initially we gave him a chance and, if that is the truth, then there really is something to be said for 'each one reach one and teach one.' He is actually playing well and has a perfect attendance record.

I informed him last week that he was one of our Woodie Award Winners. This is an award named after one of the guys who established the program, Mike Woodie. It is given to the athlete who best resembles the 3 C's: Commitment, Competitiveness and Compassion. Tharon caught up with me after the award announcement and asked me why he had been selected over another player who he believed was the hardest working player in our program  Talk about from the mouth of the innocent.

Tharon falls into that undesirable category established by our society to ascribe our futures and places on earth. He had every reason to fail, prescribed to failure. Ask him how many adults outside his family and Clara, Al and I have invested any time in him.

We will never read about Tharon playing in the NBA. Most of us, unfortunately, wait to hear about their failings either in statistical categories or on the news. We assign them a path and then that path becomes their reality. Tharon is breaking the mode. Truth and honesty is prevailing. The good guys get to win."

Marlo Bramlett, Bob's brother added this: "At the beginning, Tharon had no basketball skills whatsoever. He was very quiet and kept to himself. He went from the kids not wanting to be paired with him to them wanting to play alongside him now. He won't land in D-I but the answer to can he play at the next level is yes. We all need an identity and Tharon achieved his. One day on my way to work, I saw Tharon dribbling a basketball on his way to school -- he took his commitment to a whole new level. Tharon is the poster child for West Valley Basketball -- it's what the program is about. Our goal is to have the kids become better basketball players and persons -- it's more than turning out the best basketball player."