Merritt College 2013-14

Coming off an appearance in the State Final Four, Merritt College is back for more with a 2013-14 'youth is never wasted on the young' mantra. The Thunderbirds will be young -- the majority will be freshman -- but the collective potential is looms large.

Coach Keenan McMiller has assembled quite the group -- "It's the most physical group I've ever had."

In alphabetical order, the newbies are (the commentary in quotes is supplied by McMiller):

* Esmir (Encinal High) Ahmeovic -- "he was 6-foot-3 in high school but is 6-foot-6 now. Esmir is very skilled, he can shoot, he has a high IQ and understands his role. I call him a glue guy. Esmir is also a really good student."

* Sammy (Encinal/Alameda Highs) Allen is back from a year at Lassen College -- "Sammy is 6-foot-1, 205, plays bigger and actually looks for contact. Strong and powerful, he's a smaller version of Charles Barkley. He practices hard and is going to be one of our catalysts. Sammy averaged 11 points, five rebounds and three assists last season. He has DI potential."

* Trent (Las Lomas High) Archer -- "his father played at Sacramento State and Trent was in my very first recruiting class and is now back. He jumps very well and can be a double-double guy but still needs to develop consistency. He's 6-foot-7." Archer's uncle was the late Phil Smith of USF and Golden State Warrior fame.

* Maceo (Skyline/McClymonds Highs) Bell -- "a freakish athlete, he is a sky riser at 6-foot-5 and 180" -- having him running the fastbreak on the wing is going to be frightful for opposing coaches.

* Sam (Freedom High) Bide -- "Sam is 6-foot-2 and may redshirt but he is a tremendous defender who has a good feel for the game. His perimeter shooting needs improvement."

* Keiland Encinal High) Callum -- "he averaged 15/8 as a 6-foot-5, 215 senior and was the team's leading scorer. Keiland is physical and very skilled but has to get his motor up. There's DI potential there."

* Andrew (Pinole Valley High) Cox-Gilmore -- "he has long arms, loves physical contact and he's working his tail off. At 6-foot-6 and 225, Andrew has a strong inside presence. He just missed averaging a double-double as a senior with 10.8 points and nine rebounds a game and he's another with DI potential."

* 6-foot-3 Jelani (Freedom High) Hardaway has come over from Diablo Valley College after averaging 12.2 points and 4.5 assists a game -- "he adds a different dimension with his size as Jelani can get to places on the floor and he shoots the three pretty well. He definitely is a DI player."

* Wayne (Antioch High) Johnson -- "at 6-foot-6, 6-foot-6 and a half, Wayne is very skilled, he shoots it well from three and mid-range and can stretch defenses. His IQ is good but he needs to improve his athleticism."

* Darien (St. John Bosco High) Williams -- "Darien is 6-foot-8, 225 and a centerpiece kind of kid. He can post up or face the basket and shoot the three and he can pass. Finding out he didn't qualify has put a chip on his shoulder. he's coming from southern California but has lived in San Francisco and Sacramento. He is mid-to-high major prospect."

Regarding the returnees, it currently looks like a quintet will be hitting the floor:

* 6-foot-4 Greg (Deer Valley High) Calvin (redshirted last season) -- "a tremendous defender and athlete who can guard the two, three and four spots."

* 6-foot-3 Jalil (Berkeley High) Eppenger -- scored 6.4 points per contest in 2012-13.

* 6-foot-2 Marcus Bishop O'Dowd High) Green -- scored 10.6 points alongside 3.2 rebounds last season.

* 6-foot-2 Anthony (El Camino High) Knight -- scored 8.0 points an outing last go-around and finished second on the Thunderbirds with 52 steals.

* 6-foot-4 Delvon (McClymonds High) Nisby -- scored 15 points per game this past season

* 6-foot-3 Anthony (Antioch High) Tabor -- "Anthony came a out of Antioch High School. He is a great teammate who comes ready to play with a great attitude each day. He has applied himself and has become a better student. Anthony is very long, athletic and is capable of playing multiple positions such as the 2, 3 and 4. He has been working on his perimeter shooting and is looking forward to this season."