McFerren to the Wildcats

It came to light last week that Castro Valley High and Oakland Rebel point Jalen McFerren is heading to Chico State after his senior year. That's the surface news, the headline of the story. But the how and why is the most intriguing element of this meeting of the minds partnership.

The 5-foot-11 McFerren had DI visits and opportunities but couldn't locate the school and basketball program culture he desired. Settling is not in his makeup.

With Chico State, he encountered a family of sorts, similar to the one he enjoyed as a longtime member of the Rebels.

"I made a list of the bigger things I wanted in a school. With Chico State, I even did some research on YouTube. On my visit, I saw them work out and I really liked it. It wasn't long but fast-paced and energetic and they got the job done. The older guys help the newcomers and, off the court, the community seems so strong and everybody knows everybody. It's everything I want out of college."

McFerren also desired a strong player-coach relationship and found that connection with Head Coach Greg Clink and Assistant Coach Chris Cobb.

Academically, he is thinking about a double major in the business program: finance and administrative management.

Probably not best of all but right up there is McFerren now feels a sense of peace.

As he described it, "Now I can enjoy my senior year."

It wasn't always strictly basketball for him. "Growing up, my Dad didn't push any sport. I played basketball, football, track, soccer and baseball. In football, I worked hard but had no drive to do extra. I had a passion for basketball. Whenever I was in a bad mood, I could go into a gym and feel better."

McFerren cites both his father and Oakland Rebels Coach Raymond Young as basketball and life influences. "My Dad was never a cheerleader. He helped keep me humble. After a game, we would talk about what I could do better. Coach Ray taught me discipline and life lessons. I talk to him everyday."

"I came into high school as a wing and Coach Ray was real to me. He said 'you're 5-foot-7 so you have to be able to dribble.'"

McFerren also recalled taking part a few years back in a basketball camp up in Portland where he experienced an epiphany of sorts: "where you want to get in life takes working hard."

As for best basketball moments, he offered "my freshman year at Castro Valley when we won the NCS. I didn't play a lot but it was wonderful with all the guys celebrating." Plus, when we (the Rebels) beat the Atlanta Celtics in Indiana this summer in a game where everyone contributed."  

The Wildcat-to-be offered thanks to "my Dad, Coach Raymond Young, Coach Phil Taylor, all my brothers on the Rebel team, my training partner Temidayo Yussef, Joey Frenchwood and Derrick Clayton."