Gomez is going places

Mario Gomez is an achiever.

Without the benefit of country club connections or influential family friends, he is taking a life path via the efforts of initiative, hard work and the value his skills add.

Currently the Director of Operations for Coach Justin Labagh at City College of San Francisco, Gomez came out of San Ramon Valley High with a background of playing football. The gridiron sport was his love and back then he envisioned working in some professional pigskin capacity. At least that was the dream.

But sometimes something that proves even more enticing appears and a course correction of sorts is required.

What are the bonafides Gomez brings?

First, two years as a student basketball manager at CCSF followed by a year as a Texas Tech hoops student manager and now his present position. Soon he'll be finishing up his academics at San Francisco State with a degree on recreation administration.

How did he land his initial position?

"The way I found out about the CCSF student manager position was because I used to take BART to school and when I would go to class, I would have to walk through the wellness center lobby to get there and the advertisement was on the gym door. "

Thus began his behind-the-scenes athletic involvement with the roundball.

One amusing anecdote he recalls is running around during practice at Texas Tech and Coach Pat Knight stopped the activity, pointed to Gomez and said, "this guy is outhustling you guys."

Gomez takes inspiration from a number of basketball coaches.

Current Brooklyn Nets Assistant Coach Lawrence Frank didn't play in high school. However, the two-time NBA head coach worked as a student manager at Indiana for Bob Knight. Joe Pasternack, now an associate head coach at Arizona, was also a four year student manager at Indiana although he did play prep ball.

So the road to the different levels of basketball employment don't necessarily require having participated in college hoops.

As for the future, Gomez offered, "I hope to stay in basketball. I'd like to work at a major school in the Pac 12 or the West Coast Conference." He's noticed that both California and Stanford have intern positions associated with their men's hoops teams.

Plus, as the CCSF Director of Basketball Operations and also by working the college coach entrance at many of Gerry Freitas' basketball recruiting events, Gomez has gotten to know Rex Walters, Mike Montgomery, Herb Sendek, Dave Rose, Sean Miller, Ron Verlin and many others.

"I know what it takes to work at a DI level."

Gomez has also branched out in keeping football as an employment possibility.He has worked minicamps and OTAs (Organized Training Activities) with the Oakland Raiders and is soon heading off to an internship with the Arizona Cardinals.  

The article would be incomplete without detailing a basketball version of the six degrees of Kevin Bacon separation element. Brad Duggan, the longtime CCSF coach and athletic director is longtime friends with Bob Knight. Justin Labagh was a CCSF assistant to Harry Pantazopolous while a senior at Cal and Labagh later interned with Knight when the latter was coaching at Texas Tech. Then Gomez became the student manager for Coach Pat Knight while in Lubbock.

It's a small world and Gomez is earning his rightful spot.

The Lakeshow Pump N Run Las Vegas report

How did the various Lakeshow Pump N Run teams fare in Las Vegas?

From Coach Joe Fuca:

"This past weekend we were very close to having both 17s in the championship games so  congratulations to both teams for representing the Lakeshow very well. 

* Lakeshow 17s Elite: 7-1, lost in the championship versus Double Pump.

* Lakeshow 17s Black: 6-1, lost to eventual champions from Oklahoma

The two Lakeshow 16s teams had their battles this past weekend. After having an amazing weekend the week before, both had losing records.
 
Off the court, our kids acted with class and very respectful. This makes us more proud than any play on the court.  Great group to travel with this past week."

The Gaels introduce Kerry Carter

St. Mary's athletics offers a feature on southern California JC transfer Kerry Carter. The most captivating part:

SMCGaels.com: Have you spent much time in the Bay Area before coming to Saint Mary's?
Carter: I had been up here twice before, once to Sacramento for a Junior College Final Four game and then we played Diablo Valley College once. I knew a little bit about the area but I had never heard of Moraga before Saint Mary's. To get here and see how small the town was, that's a blessing for me. I'm out of the way, I'm out of trouble. There's nothing to focus on but what I'm really here for and that's basketball and school. That's right up my alley.

Sounds like he came to realize what was best off the court for himself and went with it. Carter moved up as he orginally signed with Cal State Northridge in November 2012 -- prior to a head coaching change.

Robinson going Minin'

UTEP loses Isaac Hamilton and heads to The City for a backcourter -- from CCSF's Dulani Robinson: "I verbally committed to UTEP. Going to sign my papers this week"

The Miners' top man in assists graduated after last season so there is a need.

This also makes it sound like Tim Floyd is now going to release Hamilton from his LOI.

By the way, backcourter McKenzie Moore, who was second in assists, will be entering his sophomore year in El Paso. He was recently named to the 2013 Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average)

Pope ordains nine

From Josh Gershon: "Malik Pope is down to 9, per Team Superstar coach LeRohn Dodson: Kansas, Arizona, Washington, UCLA, USC, SDSU, Oregon, Gonzaga and Cal"

Walters want a veteran point

Via Verbal Commits: "San Francisco & UTEP have offered 2014 New Mexico JC PG Jeff Newberry"

Newberry is 6-foot-2, 185 and also has offers from West Virginia, LSU, Murray State and Rhode Island. Two months ago, he told Brad Winton: "Jeff Newberry (6-2/G/2014) of New Mexico JC tells me West Virginia is currently at the top of his list. Will make decision in September"

Here's video:

Lillard and Team USA

Damian Lillard is making his move for a spot on Team USA.

Nor Cal talents projected as Big Sky starters

Big Sky Basketball forsees the starters for each Big Sky Conference squad and here's the northern California selections:

Sacramento State
C Eric Stuteville, Fr.
F Joey Quigley, Sr.
G Cody Demps, Sr.
G Mikh McKinney, Jr.
G Dylan Garrity, Jr.

Weber State
C Kyle Tresnak, Sr.
F Joel Bolomboy, Soph.
F Davion Berry, Sr.
G Gelaun Wheelwright, Jr.
G Jordan Richardson, Sr.

Smith and Farr earn California Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) All-Academic honors

Congrats to a pair of CSUEB basketballers who are acing it in the classroom:

Senior Jason Smith won the award for the second time in his two seasons at East Bay. He was joined by junior Kenneth Farr II. the Pioneers' recently elected Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President, who posted a team-best 3.44 gpa.

Dawkins to 2014

Thanks to New Hampton School Director of Communications Will McCulloch, the landing spot for Palo Alto High's Aubrey Dawkins is now known:

Palo Alto's Aubrey Dawkins will attend New Hampton School in the fall and will be a member of the Class of 2014. New Hampton has been one of the leading basketball programs in the country over the years and has produced numerous players who have gone on to play and coach at the collegiate level. Indiana University freshman Noah Vonleh is the most recent high profile grad. Former St. Francis (Mountain View) standout and Duke captain JD Simpson attended New Hampton for a postgraduate year in 1997.

Current college players include ACC Rookie of the Year Olivier Hanlan '12 (Boston College), Zach Auguste '12 (Notre Dame), Brady Heslip '10 (Baylor), and California natives Will Davis and Travis Souza (UC Irvine) among others.The list of former players includes Josh Kroenke (President of the Denver Nuggets), Chris Wallace (Grizzlies GM), as well as NCAA head coaches Pat Knight (Lamar), Wes Miller (UNC Greensboro), Ed Cooley (Providence), and Cuonzo Martin (Tennessee). Former NBA players Darius Songaila (Wake Forest) and Rashad McCants (UNC) also attended New Hampton.

Founded in 1821, New Hampton School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school of 305 students who come from over 20 states and 24 countries for grades 9-12 and postgraduate. New Hampton School, which is an International Baccalaureate School and an Apple Distinguished School, cultivates lifelong learners who will serve as active global citizens. Students benefit from an average class size of 11 and a student-faculty ratio of five to one.

Plus this (scroll down to the bottom):

Aubrey Dawkins, the son of Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins, is planning to reclassify to 2014 with a postgraduate year at New Hampton Prep in New Hampshire after graduating from Palo Alto High. A 6-foot-5 shooting guard, Dawkins is plenty athletic to generate a lot of interest after somehow flying under the radar in the last year despite suggesting he was a full qualifier. 

Tyson offered by Pacific

From DI Circuit: "Seattle Rotary Style SG D'Marques Tyson picks up offers from Seattle U & Pacific"

Chriss with another Pac-12 offer

Via Verbal Commits: "2015 Pleasant Grove (CA) F Marquese Chriss has picked up an offer from Arizona State"

More on the Norcal Wildcats Elite

From Brandon Tatera/California Preps (a Rivals sub is required):

"Marquese Chriss and Colin Slater had good tournaments as they led the Nor Cal Wildcats Elite team to the 17U Platinum Division Championship.

Chriss looks much more confident in himself and his abilities. I really believe that the impressive performance he had against McDonald's All American Marcus Lee in the Nor Cal Regional Championships in March, at which I was court-side, jump started his Spring and Summer.

He is a bouncy forward that runs the floor like a small forward. His coordination has improved and he has the size (6'8 looking to be pushing 6'9) of a power forward. He had a few slam dunks and impressive rebounds.

Slater has had a huge July. The Clovis North guard is lightening quick with the ball and carried the Wildcats in a few games in this tournament with his scoring ability. He can get his shot off against bigger players in the lane despite his current 5'10 size.

The Wildcats will certainly be one of the premier travel teams on the West Coast next year as they return Chriss 2015, along with 2016 Slater and a pair of promising Sacramento High teammates in wing Christian Terrell and post Solomon Young."

Plus this from Eric Bossi:

"For a program that is just getting started, the NorCal Wildcats feature a lot of young talent. We discussed 2016 power forward Solomon Young earlier in the week, and they also have four-star 2015 power forward Marquese Chriss. Chriss showed flashes of his big-time athleticism and improving skill game. The guy who stood out on the last day, though, was 2016 point guard Colin Slater. Slater isn't the biggest guy at about 5-foot-10, but he is a true floor general who gets others involved and has quickness to go with his feel for the game. Slater looks like a knockdown jump shooter as well, and he'll surely be tracked by high-major programs."

For a program that is just getting started, the NorCal Wildcats feature a lot of young talent. We discussed 2016 power forward Solomon Young earlier in the week, and they also have four-star 2015 power forward Marquese Chriss. Chriss showed flashes of his big-time athleticism and improving skill game. The guy who stood out on the last day, though, was 2016 point guard Colin Slater. Slater isn't the biggest guy at about 5-foot-10, but he is a true floor general who gets others involved and has quickness to go with his feel for the game. Slater looks like a knockdown jump shooter as well, and he'll surely be tracked by high-major programs. - See more at: http://californiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1529845#sthash.jBsG2Eyu.dpuf

For a program that is just getting started, the NorCal Wildcats feature a lot of young talent. We discussed 2016 power forward Solomon Young earlier in the week, and they also have four-star 2015 power forward Marquese Chriss. Chriss showed flashes of his big-time athleticism and improving skill game. The guy who stood out on the last day, though, was 2016 point guard Colin Slater. Slater isn't the biggest guy at about 5-foot-10, but he is a true floor general who gets others involved and has quickness to go with his feel for the game. Slater looks like a knockdown jump shooter as well, and he'll surely be tracked by high-major programs. - See more at: http://californiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1529845#sthash.jBsG2Eyu.dpuf

For a program that is just getting started, the NorCal Wildcats feature a lot of young talent. We discussed 2016 power forward Solomon Young earlier in the week, and they also have four-star 2015 power forward Marquese Chriss. Chriss showed flashes of his big-time athleticism and improving skill game. The guy who stood out on the last day, though, was 2016 point guard Colin Slater. Slater isn't the biggest guy at about 5-foot-10, but he is a true floor general who gets others involved and has quickness to go with his feel for the game. Slater looks like a knockdown jump shooter as well, and he'll surely be tracked by high-major programs. - See more at: http://californiapreps.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1529845#sthash.jBsG2Eyu.dpuf

The Golden Gate Summer Shootout

Dave Curtis has the scoop on the upcoming Golden Gate Summer Shootout which will feature some foreign teams.

Danny Mahoney riding the Dog

John Murphy recounts the Mahoney family journey back from Las Vegas (from the Luxor to Baker) and that's putting it mildly.

Why Josh Fox departed the Highlander program

Allan Steele features Josh Fox and the reasons for his departure from UC Riverside.

Gordon to Turkey

Nikolaus Spanos tweeted: "Drew Gordon of @BDASportsINTL is the new player of Banvit. Playing under coach Itoudis played major role in his decision. Good luck Drew"

Banvit is a Turkish basketball club.

Agony and ectasy in Las Vegas

Made it back alive to a degree but with the urgent feeling of needing to go on a very restful vacation...

New Heights NYC captured the adidas Super 64 basketball tournament 17U championship division final at Rancho High School. 

 DC Assault took the Fab 48 event.

The Seattle Rotary won the Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic tournament.

...tried to catch as many outside the area talents as possible this past week since the opportunity to do so doesn't present itself often so apologies for those locals and regionals we missed or overlooked

...yes, hundreds of coaches from all levels were in search of the Holy Grail of hoops: athleticism, skills, intelligence, motor and eligibility

...we visited the Adidas 64 and the Las Vegas Classic (Bigfoot Hoops) but never made it out to Bishop Gorman for a look at the Fab 48 -- here's a plea surely to go unheeded: how about just two tournaments next year so as to generate higher quality and closer games prior to the last day's matchups?

...saw a lot of shooters -- just not many consistent ones and plenty of what-were-they-thinking, ill-timed, ill-advised attempts

...balanced by moments of absolute grace that will appear much more often once bodies are chiseled and skills honed

...with quite a few backcourters displaying blinding quickness -- being in front of a defender one moment and, poof, they re-appear having left said opponent in the proverbial dust

* the jump stop on dribble-drives continued to be AWOL as milk carton status is fast approaching

 ...Oakland Soldier Stanley Johnson's life and that of his family is going to dramatically change in say a year and a half -- sure, more strength is needed but hey, he just finished his junior year -- his game is siky, his shot is seemingly guided by radar and he is destined to become a top scorer in the NBA

 ...Teammate Ivan Rabb at his tender age also needs to fill out but displayed a nice touch on his shot (a nifty left-handed hook in one game) and shotblocking prowess

...out of southern California, Soldier Max Hazard enjoyed a stretch in one game where his opponent just couldn't go anywhere on his dribble

...wanted to see a Mac Irvin Fire 2014 6-foot-10, 260 Jamil Okafor - Dream Vision 2015 7-foot, 215 Stephen Zimmerman matchup but it was not to be

...the former already has an NBA body and will provide an immediate professional payoff -- he's strong, agile, with a great first step, excellent hands and is marvelously coordinated for his age

 (adidas/Kelly Kline)

... the latter is a year younger and offers an offensive game similar to Kevin Durant's style -- his body has a long way to go but he runs well, maintains decent balance despite his thinness, forces opponents to come out to unfamiliar territory (three-point range) or pay the price and blocks or alters shots

... so who has the better long range potential?

...The Mac Irvin squad also enjoyed the presence of 6-foot-10 Cliff Alexander who had his moments but banged up a hip or leg on Saturday

 ...6-foot-5 Kodi Justice of the Compton Magic (and an Arizona State commit) was the best catch-and-shoot markman witnessed in four days of viewing -- his range is NBA remarkable

 (adidas/Kelly Kline)

...6-foot-5 Brandone Francis of the Florida Elite will probably be an off-guard at the next level -- a couple of his drives in which he reversed his dribble without a loss of speed -- actually a blurring increase -- just smoked his would-be defenders

 ...6-foot-9 Ian Theisen of Minnesota DI Hoops was the best face-the-basket shooting big on display as he showed mid-range prowess all the way to three-point proficiency

...Liked the play of 6-foot-7 southern California 2014 forward Derrick Newton -- solid scorer, shooter and rebounder

...Bishop O'Dowd 5-foot-10 guard Paris Austin starts for a very talented Dream Vision 17U squad

...Hey, if you call yourself Hard To Guard, be it and if you're splashing Elite on your jersey, demonstrate it

A Bit Off Topic

...Translated into English, Las Vegas means "the meadows" but we all know the real answer is 'extract maximum dollars in the minimum amount of time'

cue up "Master of the House' from Les Miserables:

Residents are more than welcome 
Bridal suite is occupied 
Reasonable charges Plus some little extras on the side! 

Charge 'em for the lice 
Extra for the mice 
Two percent for looking in the mirror twice 

Here a little slice 
There a little cut 
Three percent for sleeping with the window shut 

When it comes to fixing prices 
There are a lot of tricks he knows 
How it all increases 
All those bits and pieces Jesus! 
It's amazing how it grows! 

...Subtlety has been exorcised from each and very Las Vegas dictionary -- example #50719: the billboard on 215 advertising a medical marijuana evaluation at Dr. Reefer.com

...Maybe it was a dream, maybe not -- when talking about temperatures, thinking the television weatherman actually said "anything beyond naked is overdressing for tomorrow"

...Finally, entering a casino is like receiving an epinephrine injection directly into the brain -- a cacophony of bells, lights, whistles, smoke, neon, a variety of humankind, did we mention smoke?

Norcal Wildcats Elite take Big Foot Platinum

The Norcal Wildcats Elite team won the Big Foot 17U Platinum Championship Sunday afternoon.

Hawkins on the way back

Here's wishing for a speedy recovery for Blue Devils and Moreau Catholic Coach Ed Hawkins from shoulder surgery. No sling is going to keep him out of the gym.

Solomon Young lauded

From this article (a sub is required):

...In the class of 2016, power forward Solomon Young is quickly racking up fans. A 6-foot-6 power forward from Sacramento, Young has reached beast status and he was impressive on Friday. With a strong frame, long arms and athleticism, Young plays much bigger than his size. It looks like he will be a solid shooter when facing the hoop. Young just turned 15 a few months ago, and he already looks like a high-level prospect...

An Ivan Rabb national update

From Eric Bossi:

...Already in the top five of the class of 2015, 6-foot-9 post man Ivan Rabb is looking like he will stay there. Rabb always has been a good athlete with length and quickness, and that shouldn't change. But he is starting to add strength and his skill level is noticeably improved.

Rabb plays with much more power, and because he's a threat to hit short jumpers, make jump hooks or whip passes to cutters in the lane, he's only going to become more difficult to guard. Rabb always rebounds the basketball, and he plays with toughness on each end of the floor. It was two summers ago, when he was a freshman to be, that Rivals.com first wrote about the power forward's potential, and he continues to get better each time out...

Rabb getting some solid company

 (Flores photo courtesy of MaxPreps/Todd Shurtleff)

Via NorCalPreps: "College Park 2014 G/F Sebastian Flores has transferred to Bishop O'Dowd. He scored 23 points in the NorCal final win over Dublin"

Earlier, BOD added 6-foot-7 Isaiah Thomas from KIPP.

Verlin reaching into the Cornhusker State

From NebraskaHSHoops: "2014 F Logan Power of Lincoln Christian and Ne Bison Red picked up a D1 offer from Pacific late last night"

Here's a March 4, 2013 feature on the 6-foot-4 Power.

He also pays quarterback if the Tigers want to have at it in resurrecting football.

Chriss receives some Aztec love

From Verbal Commits: "2015 Pleasant Grove (CA) PF Marquese Chriss has received an offer from San Diego State"

John lands second invite

A.J. John tweeted on July 26: "Received my 2nd Scholarship offer from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo today"

Yep, this is what lies ahead

It's Las Vegas time -- we're going Luddite as zero electronic devices will be along for the ride (try that sometime, you'll like it) -- so this blog will go dark after this and, if no jackpots are hit (hah!), brighten back up on Monday.

No, not everything that will happen in Vegas will stay there but it's a guarantee there will no events (unless they take place on the basketball court) that will rival anything in Hangovers I, II or III. Sorry to disappoint you but we have taken a vow that no tigers, capuchin monkeys or giraffes will be harmed during our getaway.

Wish it could be said that the return home will bring even more energy applied to posting but here's Jim Boeheim vividly demonstrating what being in the thirteenth gym that day, despite the efforts of full-blown air conditioning, is really like:
.

Ugbaja getting national notice

From ESPN:

Team Pan-Africa standouts

The Pan-Africa team was talented, extremely competitive and played with a high motor in every contest. Four Pan-Africa players who play high school ball in the United States stood out in particular.

Rising senior point guard Jiday Noble Ugbaja (Daly City, Calif./Archbishop Riordan) was the breakout star of the Global Challenge. Everyone knows the big names of summer basketball, but what is special is when a prospect is virtually unknown and has no scholarship offers but plays his way into impressing coaches. Coming into the Global Challenge, Ugbaja had only interest from a few West Coast schools, but his play over the weekend will earn him a spot somewhere. He received his first offer from the Citadel, while George Washington and Tulane have reached out. "He is going to be a player because within a short period of time he absorbed a lot and without resistance,” said Herman Harried, the head coach at Lake Clifton High School in Baltimore who coached Ugbaja at the Global Challenge. “He was always trying to do what I asked as his attitude is to get better."

Williams not yet done

Have it on good authority that Gary Williams Jr. has not committed to Arizona State. He will visit the Tempe campus next month before formally deciding so discard any other "news" on the subject.

Otis at #7

Big Sky Basketball has Weber State's Frank Otis as its #7 departing talent.

Hawkins, Sypkens and Adenrele powered

UC Davis athletics looks at the Aggies 2012-13 basketball season.

Martin returns home

Add Miles Martin's name to the list of those who left the comfort and security of home in order to better themselves in their chosen field. Also add him to the tally of those who succeeded.

Martin recently received NCAA clearance and will be an active member of the 2013-14 San Jose State University basketball team. He will add another big body -- 6-foot-10, 240 pounds -- to the Spartan roster

So how did all of this come about?

"I played two years at Homestead High [in Cupertino, beginning his sophomore year]." This was at 220 pounds and also versus nobody near his size as there is a dearth of bigs throughout Santa Clara County.

"With the aid of my AAU Coach Nelson Washington," Martin transferred to Westwind Prep in Phoenix where he faced better competition in practice than he did during the season back home.

Westwind is well known for getting prospects to the DI level.

Asked what his goals were upon arriving in Phoenix, Martin said, "better my grade point average, face better competition and get stronger.

Mixing sports metaphors, he went three for three. He actually got to 255 pounds at one point but has reduced that by 15.

So what will be be bringing to SJSU basketball? "My size and a low post presence who can play with his back to the basket and score with both hands." It's been some time since that appeared for the home team at Walt McPherson Court.

It was last year's coaching staff that began the initial pursuit of Martin but he credits "Coach Washington in helping keep the new staff interested." He also calls Washington his biggest basketball influence because "he noticed me at Homestead and brought me on to his AAU team."

What's interesting to keep in mind is that fellow Mountain West Conference member Nevada extended an offer for Martin to redshirt there next season "but I had more contact with Coach Wojcik and Coach Kennedy" and that communication turned the tide to SJSU's favor.

While he isn't sure of his major just yet but he has interest in sports medicine and physical therapy.

Ask to recall his best basketball moment, Martin offered, "It was in the summer league of my junior year, we were down by eight and a teammates threw me a lob pass that I dunked and got an andone. Nobody expected it and we came back to win that game."

So why basketball for Martin and not some other sport? "I played every sport but I was tired at the end of each season of every one but basketball. It was a passion for me and I never needed or wanted a break."

The 2013 Los Medanos College summer roster

Here's the summer roster for Coach Derek Domenichelli's Los Medanos College squad:

* Marquis Aaron, 6-foot-4, sophomore, Mt. Daiblo High

* Darius Brown, 6-foot-4, freshman, Liberty High

* Jeff Brown, 6-foot-0, freshman, Deer Valley High

* Drew Cones, 5-foot-11, sophomore, Antioch High

* Zack Corby, 6-foot-1, sophomore, Northgate High

* Wayne Engelstad, 6-foot-4, freshman, Heritage High

* Marcus Franklin, 6-foot-2, freshman, Pittsburgh High

* Noah Labonte, 6-foot-4, freshman, Deer Valley High

* Patrick Lefiti, 5-foot-11, sophomore, Mt. Diablo High

* Aaron Silva, 5-foot-9, freshman, Clayton Valley High

* Brandon Silva, 5-foot-9, freshman, Clayton Valley High

* Justin Smith, 5-foot-9, sophomore, College Park High

* Robert Smith, 6-foot-4, freshman, Heritage High

The 2013 Napa Valley College summer roster

Here's Coach Steve Ball's Napa Valley College summer roster:

* Ty Arnold, 6-foot-0, sophomore, Oakland Tech

* Donte Baldwin, 5-foot-11, sophomore

* D'Monte Britt, 6-foot-3, sophomore, Rodriguez High

* Steve Carter, 5-foot-6, sophomore, Rodriguez High

* Nick Cary, 6-foot-3, sophomore, St. Patrick's High

* Jalen Dupree, 5-foot-10, freshman, Fairfield High

* Chris Edens, 6-foot-5, sophomore, Hogan High

* Christian Edens, 6-foot-4, sophomore, Hogan High

* Rodney Fisher, 5-foot-10, sophomore, Rodriguez High

* Dan Galarza, 5-foot-9, sophomore, Wood High

* Kristian Grobecker, 6-foot-0, sophomore, Pacific Grove High

* Sky Geerts, 6-foot-3, sophomore, Winters High

* Justin Herbert, 5-foot-7, freshman, Vintage High

* Naaman Hightower, 6-foot-7, freshman, Vanden High

* Rae Hubbard, 5-foot-7, freshman, Fairfield High

* Ben Jazuk, 6-foot-5, sophomore, Benicia High

* Dan Jazuk, 6-foot-4, freshman, Benicia High

* Ed Moore, 5-foot-10, freshman, Bethel High

The 2013 DeAnza College summer roster

Here's the summer roster for Coach Jason Damjanovic's DeAnza College squad:

* Devontae Bryant, 6-foot-6, sophomore, Overfelt High

* Alex Bull, 6-foot-5, sophomore, Emery High

* Kyle Connor, 6-foot-2, freshman, Bellevue High

* Kimo Francisco, 5-foot-10, freshman, Leigh High

* Tecson Gacrama, 5-foot-7, freshman, Fremont High

* Shaquille Gilbert, 6-foot-5, sophomore, Aquinas High

* Peter Hawkins, 6-foot-4, freshman, St. Thomas More

* Tajai McGahee, 6-foot-4, freshman, Santa Teresa High

* D.J. Rodriguez, 6-foot-2, freshman, Oak Grove High

* Kenny Robinson, 6-foot-5, freshman, Deer Valley High

* Nick Ruotolo, 5-foot-11, sophomore, Amador Valley High

* Kamar Stephens, 5-foot-8, freshman, Tennyson High

* Nate Vieira, 5-foot-9, freshman, Los Altos High

* Deryck Ylanan, 6-foot-1, sophomore, Moreau Catholic High

On relationships as part of the college recruiting process

Sean Morrison writes about college basketball recruiting, with the focus on Purdue Assistant Coach Jack Owens.

Yes, the fatigue is real but keep in mind that digging a ditch, picking crops or working an assembly line -- that's the hard work.

Who is going to see who?

Raphielle Johnson writes about recruiting and recruiting coordinators.

Finally located the whereabouts of Ramon Eaton

As is typical, while looking for something else, the new home of former Sheldon High frontcourter Ramon Eaton was located.

It's North Carolina Central University, which is coming off a 22-9 overall season, 15-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. He played this past season at New Mexico Junior College.

Fenner to WJU

Former St. Mary's High and San Joaquin Delta College basketball player Sean Fenner is staying local.

The Broncos send an offer south

Josh Gershon tweeted: "Santa Clara offered 2014 Pangos Elite PF Tavrion Dawson"

Here's a truncated ESPN analysis of the 6-foot-7, 210 prospect: "Dawson is a late-blooming face-up 4-man who impacts the game in multiple ways. He can step out and hit the mid-range jump shot, but the lefty is most effective when he's rebounding and filling the lane in transition. He impacts the game with his work on the boards"

Ugbaja becoming popular

Add one more via Cameron Schott: "2014 Riordan PG Jiday Ugbaja adds an offer from Tulane. Seemed to have a breakout week at the Nike Global Challenge"

John rings up a Patriot League request

From AJ John himself: "I have officially received my first college scholarship offer from Colgate University in New York" 

John is a 6-foot-7 2014-er out of Maria Carrillo High.

Galloway gets a WCC offer

From Phil Doherty: "University of Pacific has just offered 2014 6'10 PF/C Jonathan Galloway of Salesian HS and @NorcalWildcats Elite."

Cal Poly offered the other day.

Romar wants Terrell

Another Phil Doherty tweet: "Lorenzo Romar of University of Washington has offered 6'3 2016 Combo Guard Christian Terrell of Sacramento HS and @NorcalWildcats Elite"

Young desired by The Land of Enchantment

To complete the trifecta from Phil Doherty: "Univ. Of New Mexico has offered Solomon Young 6'6 2016 PF of Sacramento HS and @NorcalWildcats Elite programs"

Meet Sammy Allen

Sammy Allen is back home this season after a year of books and hoops at Lassen College. The former Alameda High/Encinal High backcourter is enrolled at Merritt College and ready to aid his team in any way possible.

Asked what Thunderbird fans will see from him this coming season, he replied, "High intensity, full commitment and leadership on the court and in the classroom."

To a query regarding his best basketball skills, Allen offered, "a high basketball IQ as I have a lot of feel for the game. I work hard and my defense is great. I also have a good mid-range jumpshot. I'm working on my perimeter game."

A basketball, baseball and football participant growing up, the fact that his father was a good player influenced him towards roundball.

At the next level, he's looking to major in kinesiology and business, with an interest in becoming a real estate agent once his basketball days have concluded.

Allen offered this straight advice to those upperclassmen still in high school: "work hard, hang with the right friends, books come first before ball and put hours in the gym, even after practice."

Feeling that "some looked past me because I wasn't highly ranked," Allen is determined to make a mark in his sophomore season.

Here's Merritt College Coach Keenan McMiller on his newcomer: "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."

Don't forget Hooper

The NY Post isn't letting readers forget that former Valley Christian High shooter deluxe Max Hooper is going to be on the court for St. John's this coming season.

John Green is back

Injuries forced John Green away from the basketball scene last season but now he is back, healthy and ready to demonstrate his skills for the Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara. The 6-foot-5 redshirt freshman forward, out of Castlemont High and Westwind Prep, is going to surprise some of those recruiters who overlooked him.