Hardaway signs

Diablo Valley College's Jelani Hardaway has signed with Rocky Mountain College (RMC) in Billings, Montana.

Out of Freedom High, the 6-foot-4 Hardaway averaged 9.4 points per game this season for the Vikings while shooting 45%, 41% and 65% respectively. He also produced 3.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists an outing. He was honored as a First Team All Big 8 Conference selection.

RMC won the NAIA Division One national championship in 2009 and earned appearances in the national tournament the last two seasons.

The Tigers get frontcourt help

Dave Maravilla tweeted: "Congrats to Weatherford Junior College forward Tonko Vuko on committing to Pacific University! Beat those Zags."

He's a 6-foot-8 230 sophomore forward originally out of Croatia. Vuko earned First Team All-League honors for his play this season. NJCAA has him participating in 15 games in 2014-15 and averaging 15.4 points and 5.3 rebounds a game. He finished at 49% overall and 61% from the foul line. Another site has this: 15.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.77 assists and leading the team with 59 three-pointers.

Here's a December 2014 mini-story.

A new player for San Francisco

USF announces another basketball addition, a junior college sophomore guard: LINK

Play Hard Play Smart 17U

Here's the top Play Hard Play Smart team in 2015. It's the 17U squad from the Adidas Uprising Gauntlet Series - Indianapolis (alphabetized):

* Isaiah Blackmon 6-foot-4 shooting guard Grant High 2017

* Justin Briggs 6-foot-10 power forward/center River City High 2016

* Isaiah Brooks 5-foot-10 point guard Sheldon High 2016

* Philip Fayne 6-foot-8 forward Franklin High 2016

* Jordan Hollis

* Ian Miller 6-foot-5 small forward Sheldon High 2015

* Renathan Ona Embo 6-foot-3 point guard Findlay Prep 2017

* Arash Poorsina 6-foot-10 center St. Ignatius High 2016

* Charles Tooley 6-foot guard Granite Bay High 2016

* LJ Williams 6-foot-4 guard Sheldon High 2017

The Oakland Rebels 17U

Here's the top Oakland Rebels team in 2015. It's the 17U roster from the Adidas Uprising Gauntlet Series - Indianapolis (alphabetized). :

* Demetrius Anderson

* Mubashar Ali 6-foot-11 center 2016 Orangewood Academy

* Dontay Bassett 6-foot-9 forward 2016 Oldsmar Christian School

* Stokley Chaffee 6-foot-7 forward 2015 Amador Valley High

* Bryan Choice

* DeJon Davis 6-foot-7 forward 2016 Oakland Tech

* Jeremi Hanks 6-foot-4 guard 2016 Oakland High

* Brandon Lawrence 6-foot-3 guard 2016 Moreau Catholic High

* Tobias McGhee Jr.

* Sebastian Much 6-foot-8 forward 2017 Archbishop Mitty

* Sayeed Pridgett 6-foot-5 guard 2016 El Cerrito High

* Jaelen Ragsdale 5-foot-11 guard 2016 Weston Ranch High 

* Jordan Reed

* Frederick Scott Jr.

* Armond Simmons 6-foot guard 2016 Moreau Catholic High

* Kevin Warren 6-foot-3 guard 2016 St. Mary's High

Make it fair

The fifth-year transfer rule

If this rule becomes more restrictive, how about simultaneously passing a rule that allows the players to become free agents available to play right away if they transfer if a coach leaves a program due to a firing or a landing of a better position?

When a problem isn't

Mike DeCourcy demolishes the so-called concern over graduates with a year of eligibility remaining who are transferring up.

Arizona in 2015-16

So who on the 2015-16 Arizona roster can be expected to play in the NBA?

Maybe Kaleb Tarczewski.

JC transfer redshirt Kadeem Allen will be one to watch.

Newcomers Chance Comanche, Alonzo Trier with Ray Smith and Justin Simon are possibilities.

There's no need for concern about Sean Miller's roster talent level because he has some capable college guys plus recruits oozing potential. But next season will be a very good test of his coaching capability. Will the Wildcats be in the Top 20?

AD coaching hires

Bball Perspective serves up a number of thoughts regarding athletic directors and the hiring of coaches. Here are a few:

1) They hire based on calls.. D1 coaches call for their friends. A candidates' resume speaks truth. Friends don't.

3) They make "safe" hires. The AD is scared to fail so he/she makes a low risk/moderate reward hire.

4) They hire based on the candidates' most recent year instead of full body of work.

6) Because they can. AD's aren't held accountable like coaches are

8) They have an ego. AD's need to ask coaches, "What can I do to help?" Instead of, "This is what you need to do."

11) They don't understand the differences in culture between sports. Exp:Golf/W-Basketball=different personalities

12) They don't know where they are. They expect consistent success when it's not feasible.

Who Tim Duncan is

Former NBA-er Etan Thomas relays his Tim Duncan story. You can be a good human being while simultaneously being a competitor.

Aggies offer 2016 Orange County point

From Eyassu Worku: "Got a offer from UC Davis." He's a 6-foot-1 2016 guard out of Los Alamitos High and Pump N Run.

Chavez to the Nanooks

The Alaska Nanooks have announced the signing of College of Marin's Neal Chavez. He prepped at Drake High:

"Head men's basketball coach Mick Durham announced the signing of Neal Chavez on Wednesday afternoon, as the Nanooks add their fourth player in a busy offseason.

Chavez, a 6'4" junior forward from the College of Marin in California, led his previous school to a 26-4 record last season while he averages eight points, three rebounds and three assists so far throughout his career.

"Neal is a wing player that will be able to defend against the bigger wings in our conference (Great Northwest Athletic Conference)," said Durham. "He's a team player who is willing to sacrifice his game for the betterment of the team. Last season his team had a special year (26-4) and Neal was willing to cut down his scoring to help in other areas where his team needed it."

David Granucci, head coach of the College of Marin, echoed Durham's analysis stating, "Neal is without a doubt the hardest working player I've ever coached. His passion and dedication to basketball, his teammates, and coaches is what makes him a special player."

"Along with his winning intangibles, Neal brings a diverse skill set with him to Alaska," continued Granucci. "He can play multiple positions, is a very intelligent player, and is balanced both offensively and defensively. Coach Durham's program and the University of Alaska are getting a great player, and an even better person in Neal Chavez."

Chabot adds a frontcourter

Via Chabot Men's Basketball: "New Gladiator commitment for 2015. Stanley Watson 6'8" 185 freshman. A big-time shot blocker, Stanley attended high school in Oakland before finishing up his last year in Los Banos, CA. Due to constantly moving with his family, Stanley was unable to play for any high school squad. After red-shirting with Chabot during the Spring semester Stanley has drastically improved and is hungry to continue his development as a Gladiator!"

Davis is getting a visit

From Illinois Wolves: "ILLWolves 2015 G Joe Mooney will visit UC Davis this weekend."

He had offers from Davis, Air Force and Truman State as of last January (but his brother recently decided to transfer out of the Air Force Academy).

Now, it's UIC, Western Michigan, New Hampshire, Denver, UAB and Marist added to the list.

Mooney with more offers

From Chicago Hoops: "2015 Niles Notre Dame G Joe Mooney of Illinois Wolves adds UIC, Elon and UWGB offers to his collection." But he is still tripping to UC Davis this weekend.

St. Francis big with another suitor

First Pacific and now UC Davis -- Peter Hewitt: "I'm excited to announced I've received an offer from UC Davis."

Weber offers Much

Via Sebastian (Archbishop Mitty) Much: "Blessed to have received an offer from Weber State today."  

The Tigers add to the backcourt

Pacific has signed a point with three years of eligibility remaining out of Saddleback College. What's especially interesting is the 'contract' being a financial aid agreement rather than a NLOI.

The latest projections from DE on the NBA draft

The latest (April 27)  Draft Express look at who is going where in the NBA draft has Delon Wright at #30.

Wood to Cal Baptist

From Joe Fuca: "Congratulations to Lakeshow Ben Wood - Las Lomas Class of 2015 committing to Cal Baptist. CBU is a top 20 DII program in the country."

The 6-foot-4 Wood also participated in football and volleyball. He'll be joining forces with Rick Croy, the former St. Mary's assistant.

Gator scholars

A trio of San Francisco State basketball players have been honored for their academic prowess. To be eligible for scholar-athlete status, candidates must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or higher. For first-year Gator scholar-athletes, candidates must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50.

Two are from the Bay Area:

* Sebastian Flores
* Chiefy Ugbaja
* Ryne Williams

Idehen receives Big West Conference offer

Via Richard Midgley: "Robinson Idehen just offered by UC Santa Barbara." Should be many more to follow. At 6-foot-9, 200 and at Modesto Christian High, he'll be entering his senior season next year.

San Diego now, too.

The Dons land a Florida backcourter

USF has officially announced the signing of 6-foot-4 Miami prep Marquill Smith.

Get thee to Montana if you want to be successful in coaching

Matt Piper/Kyle Goon detail Utah Coach Larry Krystkowiak's new contract.

More impressive (unless you are related to the Runnin' Utes coach and such is spelled out in his will), is the amazing number of successful D1 head coaches who have sprouted out of being a member of the Montana basketball program either as a player or assistant.

Try:

* Jud Heathcote (Washington State assistant, five years in Bozeman with an 80-53 record, then to Michigan State)

* Mike Montgomery (Boise State assistant, eight years in Bozeman with a 154-77 record, then to Stanford, the NBA and finally California)

* Larry Krystkowiak (played at Montana, coached there two years as an assistant and later was head coach in Missoula for two years, 42-20 record, coach and assisted in the NBA, then to Utah, 68-63 in four seasons)

* Wayne Tinkle (played at Montana, assisted for five years, head coach for eight years, 158-89 record), now at Oregon State

* Stew Morrill (assisted at Montana for eight years, five years as head coach, 97-52 record, then to Colorado State for seven years followed by 18 years at Utah State, 620-294 record)

* Blaine Taylor (played at Montana, assisted for seven years at Montana, head coach at Montana for seven years, 144-66 record), followed by 12 seasons at Old Dominion)

This is amazing! And Montana is a Big Sky Conference member.

Smith chooses Pitt

Coppin State guard Sterling (Chico High) Smith is going with Pittsburgh in his final season of college eligibility.

Paul Zeise: "Pitt lost a shooting guard last week when senior Durand Johnson was dismissed from the program but it didn't take long for Jamie Dixon to find his replacement.

Sterling Smith, a 6-4 shooting guard at Coppin State, will transfer to Pitt. Because he has graduated, he can play next season. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

Smith, who chose the Panthers over Wake Forest, Rutgers and Louisville, averaged 13.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season. He is a good 3-point shooter who made 42 percent of his attempts last season."

This weekend for 1Team1Dream Elite

Capturing 1Team1Dream Elite Twitter and Instagram posts:

* First game of the day a success 63-42 final over Nor Cal Jump Squad

* Close game at the end final score 61-58 win over SF Rebels

* 75-59 win over SABC Saints 17s well rounded effort spearheaded by great defense from @aaronpaschini3 and good effort from @chaines1997

* 67-58 final score over Golden City another 4-0 weekend for the boys in blue can't say enough good things about these kids they play hard!

Nor Cal repped in JUCO Showcase

From Brad Winton after his JUCO Showcase this weekend in Los Angeles: "Some really impressive 2016 JUCO prospects here @JUCOShowcase in LA. Emmanuel Malou, Vasilje Saraba, Jarrell Tate, Rich Bivens + many more."

Others Nor Cal players on the invite list:

* Ismail Ali, Antelope Valley College
* Sammy Allen, Lassen College
* Jordan Belton, DeAnza College
* Jalen Canty, Pasadena City College?
* Isaac Clark, Monterey Peninsula College
* Jalen Coates, Yuba College
* Israel Hakim, Cañada College
* Andre Miller, Allan Hancock College
* Zerrion Payton, Salt Lake Community College
* Kamar Reese, Ohlone College
* Josue Salaam, San Jose City College
* Chris Sterling, San Jose City College
* Kellen Sweetwyne, Chabot College
* Nate Vieira, De Anza College

Jackson joins NBA draft

Former Lassen College big Charles Jackson has cast his lot as a play-for-play baller -- RealGM: "Tennessee Tech junior center Charles Jackson has declared for the 2015 NBA Draft and signed representation with agent Scott Nichols to turn pro, sources told RealGM.

As a rapidly developing fringe prospect, Jackson is expected to entice NBA teams in the second round of the draft with his youth and raw abilities at 6-foot-10. In 30 games this past season, Jackson ranked eighth in the NCAA in double-doubles with 18 -- tied with UNLV's Christian Wood and ahead of UCLA big man Kevon Looney.

Jackson plans to go full force in pre-draft workouts with the intention to stay in the June draft, and he could use the process to rise into a selection based on potential and positional skill. Still, the 21-year-old has until June 15 to elect to pull out of the draft and play the season in the NBA Development League or overseas.

Jackson stood just six feet early in his high school career and began his collegiate career in juco at Lassen for the 2012-13 season.

After transferring and spending one year at Southern Idaho, Jackson played his lone season of Division I basketball at Tennessee Tech where he was awarded the Ohio Valley Conference newcomer of the year. He averaged 13 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting 57 percent from the field this past season.

For draft preparation, Jackson is working out in his hometown Sacramento under Gus Armstead, who trains NBA players including the New Orleans Pelicans’ Ryan Anderson.

Swain signs

From Joe Fuca: "Congratulations to Lakeshow alum Ryan Swain who committed to Biola University today!!!"

The 6-foot-5 Swain prepped at Clovis High then Fresno City College where he earned All Central Valley Conference honors this season after averaging 7.0 points and 4.7 rebounds. He shot 43%, 51% and 83% respectively.

MJC Hoops adds a talent

Coach Paul Brogan/MJC Men's Basketball announce: "We are excited to welcome Braxton Hicks @bj_getbuckets2 from Edison-Fresno to our program. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1427178/highlights/249218376/v2 …"

Hicks is a 6-foot point.

Coach Bob Walsh serves up an article featuring Pat Riley riffing on a myriad of basketball-related subjects.

It begins: "In Riley’s words, “the hardest thing to do as a coach or as a manager or as a president is to get players to do the things they don’t want to do in order to achieve what they want. And the objective of the player and his agent is for us to do everything that we don’t want to do to help him. And this is great. Because what he talks about is there must be a tension, a nice tension that’s ongoing that doesn’t create crisis but where you can collaborate with both sides….Because that’s what creates an edge...”

Fitzhugh goes with the Keelhaulers

T.J. Holmes reports that 6-foot-1 Andrew (Enterprise High) Fitzhugh will be playing next at Cal Maritime in Vallejo. The sophomore averaged 6.8 points and 2.9 rebounds last season at Shasta College.

The Urban Knights land a point

Cobe Williams, a 5-foot-11 point out of Arroyo Grande High, has given a verbal to Academy of Art: "Proud to announce that I have officially committed to play basketball at Academy of Art University in San Francisco."

Williams earned All County First Team status from the San Luis Obispo Tribune for his play this season.

Below is video from 2013:

Rubattino honored

Cardinal Newman High's Connor Rubattino is the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat All-Empire Large-School Player of the Year.

Here's the other All-Empire honorees:

CalHiSports honoring California underclassmen

The CalHiSports folks have posted their top freshman, sophomore and junior talent selections. The southern half of California predominates but there are some northern California honorees.

"College Basketball's Crossroads"

Jon Solomon's "College Basketball's Crossroads" points an incriminating finger at coaches -- at least those individuals he interviewed primarily do so. As with most anything bearing criticism, multiple factors are in play. A shorter shot clock isn't going to magically induce better skill levels.

An NBA draft first-round look

Chris Mannix offers his latest NBA first round draft projections -- notice how quickly the 'sure bets' abruptly come to an end.

VanderBeek departing the Bee

A big thank you goes out to Brian VanderBeek who is leaving The Modesto Bee. A job well done sir. We will miss his game reports and features next season.

Moneke to Aggieland

Via Verbal Commits: "2015 Northeast CC (NE) F Chima Moneke has signed with UC Davis."

The 6-foot-7, 220 forward, out of Nigeria, Australia and Northeast Community College, tripped to Aggieville last weekend. His numbers this season: 17.0 points and 12.1 rebounds, shooting 58%, 35% and 70% respectively. 61 blocked shots too.

He had offers from Fresno State, Oral Roberts, Appalachian State, Albany, St. Bonaventure, Iona, San Diego, Jacksonville and others.

Here's a September 2014 interview.

Roach to Whitworth

Whitworth University basketball found a good one in Cardinal Newman High's Kenny Love a couple of years back and just signed 6-foot-4 Kyle Roach out of Marin Academy. He averaged 35.8 points per game this past season with a game high of 53 points.

Tollefsen a Wildcat

Jeff Borzello: "San Francisco grad transfer Mark Tollefsen tells ESPN he has committed to Arizona."

Right after Stanley Johnson declares. Hmmm.

Bruce Pascoe reports.

Down to top two at Fresno Pacific

From Hoop Dirt: "I have heard that DII Fresno Pacific is down to two in their search for a new head coach.  The names that I’ve heard are Andy Newman (head coach Texas-Permian Basin), and Adam Wall (assistant coach Metro State).  Both guys have Fresno ties – Newman was the DBO at Fresno State before a ten year run as an assistant at Cal-Fullerton.  Wall spent two seasons as an assistant at Fresno City College as an assistant, and he played there for two years.  It sounds like they have both interviewed on campus, and a decision should be made shortly."

Newman played and later assisted at West Valley College many moons ago.

Markus headed to Grace

From Lassen College Coach Devin Aye: "Wilson Markus, (6'8" 220) freshman post has accepted scholarship offer to Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska. He has 3 years remaining."

Jacobsen to Hawaii

No Caphorn but Adam Jacobsen instead  -- Brian McInnis reports on Eran Ganot's hiring of Adam Jacobsen away from Pacific..

The 2015 East Bay Nets 17U

Coach Ed Hawkins is back this season with his 17U East Bay Nets squad.

"Our 17U team is real solid mixture of talented young men who are looking to build their resumes this spring and summer in some of the top events in Northern California as well as trips to Anaheim for the Best of the Summer and The Las Vegas Classic at the end of July."

The 17U Nets roster includes the following players:

* D'Angelo Finley 6-foot-4 Wing/Forward (Foothill High School) Class of 2016

* Muhammed Gilchrist 5-foot-10 Shooting Guard (Averros High School) Class of 2015

* Edrees Mesklieger 5-foot-10 Shooting Guard (American High School) Class of 2015

* Mazae Boyd 6-foot-4 Wing / Small Forward (Newark Memorial High School) Class of 2016

* Tyler Klingenbeck 6-foot-4 Wing/Small Forward (Moreau Catholic High School) Class of 2015

* Jordan Cisneros 5-foot-10 Point Guard (Livermore High School) Class of 2016

* Miko Hadeshian 6-foot-22 Point Guard/Shooting Guard (Berkeley High School) Class of 2016

* Isaiah Mays 5-foot-9 Point Guard (Newark Memorial High School) Class of 2017

* Anthony Hall 5-foot-10 Wing (Skyline High School) Class of 2017

* Alafin Oluwasogo 6-foot-4 Forward/Wing (American High School) Class of 2015

* Jordan White 6-foot-4 Forward/Wing (Moreau Catholic High School) Class of 2016

* Anthony Silva 6-foot-0 Shoot Guard (American High School) Class of 2016

* Matt Ricafrente 5-foot-11 Wing (Moreau Catholic High School) Class of 2016

The Nets' schedule includes this weekend's NorCal Spring Showcase plus:

* Soldiers Bay Area Spring Classic (May 2- 3)
* City Championships at City College (May 16-18)
* LakeShow / Hoops Review.Net Memorial Day Classic (May 23-26)
* Nor Cal Summer Tip Off (July 9-12)
* Double Pump Best of The Summer (July 15-19)
* Big Foot Hoops Las Vegas Classic (July 22-26)
* Bay Area Competition Clinic (September 12)

Oliver tripped to Reno

From a Chris Murray article about Nevada's recruiting targets now that Eric Musselman is heading the program:

"...Cameron Oliver signed with Oregon State when Wolf Pack assistant coach Doug Stewart was the Beavers' associate head coach but never enrolled at the school. The 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward from Sacramento tore his ACL his junior season but recovered to receive a lot of Pac-12 interest. Oliver visited Nevada's campus last weekend..."

Aaron Gordon's numbers

With the regular season completed, here are Aaron Gordon's statistics for his rookie year:

* 47 games, 17.0 minutes a contest
* 5.2 points on 45%, 27% and 72% shooting (gotta like that last one)
* 3.6 rebounds

River City High's Justin Briggs has cast his lot with Chico State University: "Big day for @ChicoState men's hoops as Justin Briggs from River City HS (West Sac) joins the fold! Welcome to the #WildcatFamily Justin!"

Briggs stands 6-foot-8 and played spring and summer ball with Play Hard Play Smart.

Owens to L&C

Bellarmine College Prep's Kyle Owens has signed with Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. It's a DIII school in the Northwest Conference. The 6-footer was a Second Team All-WCAL honoree for his play this season.

Mat (St. Ignatius College Prep) Collins, Jonathan (Central Catholic High) Boddie and Evan (St. Ignatius College Prep) Davison are northern California players currently on the Pioneer roster.

Two signings from up north

T.J. Holmes reports on two signings up Redding way: Joseph Bosetti to Southern Oregon University and Beau Hamilton to Simpson University.

Davidson's all-staters

For Max Preps, Joe Davidson details his Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, followed by First Team through Fifth Team honorees.

Nor Cal Transfers

Just Kendall Smith of all the northern California D1 transfers so far this season has announced a new D1 home. More should be announced soon.

Here they are:

* Dominic Artis, Oregon

* Derrick DJ Clayton, Western Kentucky

* Trevor Dunbar, Washington State

* Frankie Ferrari, USF

* Joseph Frenchwood, Montana State

* Darin Johnson, Washington

* JoJo McGlaston, Utah State

* Dulani Robinson, Pacific

* Kendall Smith, UNLV (Ca State Northridge)

* Sterling Smith, Coppin State

* Jamaree Strickland, Cincinnati (Tallahassee Community College - although the school is still searching for its new head coach)

* Mark Tollefsen, USF

Taylor to the Broncos

Via Jeff Goodman: "USC transfer Brendyn Taylor is headed to Santa Clara, sources told ESPN."

Taylor is a 6-foot-3 guard who prepped in southern California. It looks like he didn't play this season so he should have two years of eligibility remaining.

Scholl to San Diego

Santa Clara Associate Head Coach Sam Scholl has joined the new staff at San Diego. That's where he played collegiately and he also previously assisted Brad Holland there.

You gotta really love the game

Playing basketball in ........... Iraq.

Atanga's Santa Clara time is over

Yannick Atanga's bid for a sixth year of eligibility was denied thus ending his Santa Clara playing career.

He sure looks like the epitome of a student-athlete.

SC Coach Kerry Keating tweeted: "Yannick used his first year to develop and then used the extra time to get a second degree. We need to reconsider how rules are written..."

Transferring isn't always on the player

Maybe the keepers of the transfer lists need to note the different reasons why for each departure. LINK

Garry Parrish checks in on the subject. A snippet:

...The point I'd rather make today is one I think we can all agree on, and that's how there's a pretty terrible unintended consequence to the NCAA no longer allowing waivers for transfers to play immediately, and that pretty terrible unintended consequence is this: Players who are run off by their coaches are now basically screwed.

"It's wrong," said one college coach who requested anonymity because he didn't want to speak out publicly against policy. "You're telling me I can sign a kid, keep him for a year or two, decide I misevaluated him and pull his scholarship, and then that kid has to sit a year no matter what? That's [expletive] up, man. That's just [expletive] up..."

Which, if any, is an epidemic?

Geoff Grammer notes: "Higher coaching (HC and ACs) turnover rate in DI than player transfer rate. Yet we seem to be OK casually criticizing only the kids for it."

Then another: "Which will be higher %: Division I scholarship players transferring or DI coaches/assistants transferring? One we call an epidemic."

Football related but still funny

Darren Urban tweeted: "[Arizona Cardinals] GM Steve Keim on weighing off-field issues for prospects: "If Hannibal Lecter ran a 4.3, we'd probably diagnose it as an eating disorder."

A tidbit on Tollefsen and San Diego State

A portion of a recent Mark Ziegler article: "USF junior Mark Tollefsen has visited SDSU in early April and tweeted: “Had a great weekend in SD. When is SD not great – lol.” He a 6-foot-9 wing – long, athletic, versatile, 3-point shooting range – who is ranked as the nation’s 11th-best transfer by ESPN but might not fill a pressing need with [Winston] Shepard back and Zylan Cheatham coming off a redshirt year..."

A bit on Dakarai Allen

An excerpt from a recent Mark Ziegler piece on San Diego State: "...This year, it’s different. With Kevin Zabo’s transfer they have two scholarships available for the upcoming season and possibly another depending on whether sophomore Dakarai Allen returns (although the deeper we get into the spring increases the likelihood that he will...)

Coach Bob Walsh on Coaches of the Year

Coach Bob Walsh argues that selecting coaches of the year is a simple process -- it's who won league.

The Fresno Bee's boys basketball selections

Colin Slater and Darrin Person Jr. lead the Fresno Bee's basketball honorees as Co-Players of the Year.

Here are the other Fresno area honorees.

Brown selected

Woodcreek High freshman Jordan Brown has been named as a member of the 2015-16 USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team.

Hardy selected

Bishop O'Dowd freshman Elijah Hardy has been named as a member of the 2015-16 USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team.

2009-10 is NCAA ancient history

Coach Mike Wolf: "Crucial! Spread the word. Eye opener: 43% of D1 qualifiers in 09-10, wouldn't qualify under the new '16 standards."

Better also get on the academic grind.

Williams Jr. coming home

Gary Williams Jr. has signed with San Jose State University. Good for the Spartans to land a Bay Area talent.

The 2015 San Francisco Rebels

The San Francisco Rebels program is entering season 25, an outstanding achievement considering the here today/gone tomorrow nature of spring and summer travel ball organizations.

This season's Rebel 17U/Varsity squad features some of San Francisco’s top talent. The Rebels are 6-1 so far with the only loss coming from the Lakeshow Black team down at the Double Pump Tournament. Keith Smith and Marcel Gilton are the coaches for the 2015 squad.

The Rebels lineup:

* Anthony Porter, 5-foot-9, Mission High, 2016

Anthony is one half of the relentless backcourt that plays for Mission High and led them to the second round of the Nor Cals. A true ball handler who makes everyone around him better.

* Frank Hall, 5-foot-9, Mission High, 2016

Frank is an undersized two guard who can also play the one. As the other half of the Mission High backcourt, he is deadly from behind the arc as well as speedy and crafty. He enjoyed a great tournament at the Double Pump event.

* Clayton Ladine, 6-foot-2, Burton High, 2016

Clayton was the MVP of the Second Division in the AAA, a third team All Bay Area selection and the third leading scorer in the country with a 32 points per game average. He can put the ball on the ground and go to the hoop and his main asset is his three-point shot.

* Armani Collins, 6-foot-5, Stuart Hall High, 2015

Armani was the San Francisco Region San Francisco Chronicle Player of the Year and led Stuart Hall to a DV semi final appearance in the Nor Cals. He is currently deciding between colleges but will suit up for the Rebels through April.

* Ikenna Anigbogu, 6-foot-8, Gateway High, 2016

Ike is a big who has a great work ethic and has gotten a lot stronger on the block. A solid student.

* Timothy Alford Jr., 6-foot-5, Marshall High, 2016

A big lefty with a soft touch who can get in and bang around with the bigs.

* Ezekiel Crawford, 6-foot-5, Stuart Hall High, 2016

Zeke is a smooth lefthander who gets to the rim nicely. A hard worker with a great attitude.

* David Loville, 6-foot-3, Lincoln High, 2016

David has been under the radar but will turn heads this summer.

* Joe Grima, 5-foot-8, Lincoln High, 2016

Joe is a coach’s dream at the point. He always thinks of his teammates first and is relentless on the defensive end.

* Ishmann Ghuman, 6-foot-4, Serra High, 2015

Ish is undersized for his position but can bang with the best of them. His workman-like attitude is a force to be reckoned with.

* David Benjamin, 6-foot, Jefferson High, 2016

An all-out hustle point guard who can fill it up beyond the arc.

 Here's the Rebel schedule:

 * April 25-27 - Gerry Freitas Showcase - Jamtown, Oakland

* May 9 - Fairfield Ballers Tournament

 * May 16-17 SF Rebels/Team Select Tournament

 * May 23-25 Bay Area Memorial Day Classic - Jamtown, Oakland

 * July 11-12 NorCal Preview CCSF

 * July 16-20 Las Vegas Live

 * July 22-26 Las Vegas Classic

Cal Maritime with two additions

Thomas Lawrence writes of two Stockton area talents going with Coach Brian Rooney and the Cal Maritime Keelhaulers.

Jonamar Jacinto features Johnson's signing.

Stapes breaks the ice

Noah Stapes, 6-foot-5, 2016, of St. Francis High has been offered: "Blessed to say that I have received my first college offer from Point Loma University."

King looking at UC Davis

From Ronnie Flores: "Leland King, who has 3 years to play 2, reportedly will also make visits to UC Irvine & UC Davis with others showing interest."

The 6-foot-7 215 King is a Brown University transfer.

UC Davis gets a verbal

Garrison 'Garry' Goode, out of Milwaukee, has committed and will sign soon with UC Davis. He's a 6-foot-8 and 210 high schooler: "I am blessed to say that I will be a student athlete at The University of California Davis for the upcoming years..."

Mark Stewart offers a mid-March feature.

From the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (not sure of date):

"NCAA Division I scholarship offers from Milwaukee and Sam Houston State.
Bio: Skilled big man who can play in the post or step outside and make perimeter shots. Attended Milwaukee Marquette and played varsity basketball as a sophomore and for part of his junior season before transferring to Dominican. Young for his class and a strong student. Appears to have a bright upside as he continues to mature physically."

Sacto's all-time best

Joe Davidson offers the best high school-to-professional basketball players out of the Sacramento area. His guidelines:

"...we cobbled together an all-time area team, based on all levels of play. Each had to play at least two seasons of high school ball in Sacramento and have professional experience..."

CRC with another commit

From CRC Hawks: "#CRCbasketball welcomes Trevor Hooper 6-2 175 G Washington Union HS to the program..."

Gotta love the name. He averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season down in the Fresno area.

Pribble to St. Martin's

St. Martin's University has announced the hiring of Alex Tribble as head coach.

Renfro to The Hilltop

It came down to USF and Call State Fullerton for Arizona prepster Nate Renfro and he went with the former.

Here's a family photo.

Patrick Patterson's advice to NBA rookies

Patrick Patterson of the Toronto Raptors provides an open letter to the next NBA newcomers -- short summary: change is coming at you and how you deal with it will make all the difference.

Meet Seaside's Finest

Coach Jason Hieb's  Seaside's Finest AAU program is one on the rise. In an area of the state -- the Monterey Peninsula -- not known as a hotbed for basketball prospects, his top team is laden with promising youngsters, like four sophomores and a freshman. "These are all high IQ guys who understand the game of basketball at a young age -- their level of play is above their grade"

The roster:

* Wyatt Maker, 6-foot-7, 2016 Palma High, 14.7 points plus 9 rebounds a game

The Most Valuable Player of the Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division, he led
Palma to a 12-0 league record and powered the Chieftains to become the first Monterey County team ever selected to the CCS open division. Maker was also named The Monterey Herald Most Valuable Player and to the Prep2Prep Second Team All CCS squad.

Hieb: "Wyatt has some really good post moves and passes well off of double teams. When his feet are set ,he's shoots the three ball extremely well for a guy who only plays the post in high school. He will be a stretch four at the next level."

* Jordan Graves, 6-foot-2 2016 North Monterey County High 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3.5 steals a contest

The Most Valuable Player of the Monterey Bay League Pacific Division, Graves was front and center in pacing North Monterey County to a 12-0 league record. The Salinas Californian honored him as The County Player of the Year and he was also a Prep2Prep All CCS Honorable Mention selection.

Hieb: "Jordan can shoot and also attack the basket very well. He's a very physical guard. Jordan is a dynamic playmaker who makes plays for himself and others."

* Brad Sendell, 5"11 2017, Pacific Grove High, 15.7 points an outing

The Most Valuable Player of the Mission Trail Athletic League, Sendell powered Pacific Grove to a league title. He was an All County honoree with both The Monterey Herald and The Salinas Californian as well as the Prep2Prep CCS Sophomore of the Year.

Hieb: "He can really shoot and attacks the basket well and can really finish. He's a kid who won't be out worked and plays extremely hard."

* Jamaree Bouyea, 6-foot 2017, Palma High

A point, he was an All-County Monterey Herald selection in addition to being All CCS Honorable Mention by Prep2Prep.

HIeb: "One of the most dynamic players on the team, he can shoot it and take guys off the dribble and is a great passer who can score it easily but loves to get his teammates involved. He is a difference maker and should grow into his size 13 shoes."

* Parker Olin, 6-foot-1, 2017, Stevenson School, 15.5 points a game, 89 treys

The crafty guard led Monterey County in three-pointers made and also was a member of The Salinas Californian All County team.

Hieb: Parker is a knock down three-point shooter who understands how to get his shot. He can also put it on the deck and get to the basket . A true student of the game of basketball."

* Dominic Johnson, 6-foot-5, 2016, Palma High

Hieb: "A very athletic kid, he can rebound in space and score within 12 feet. A late starter to the game of basketball, he's developing into a really good basketball player with a tremendous upside. He can defend on the perimeter as well as in the paint."

* Jack Brusa, 6-foot, 2016, Palma High

Hieb: "A high IQ guy with the best mid-range jumper on the team, he's a willing passer who has great court vision and and can get to the rim and finish."

* Andrew Wirtz, 6-foot-1, 2016, Monterey High

Hieb: "He's a big body 6-foot-1 and probably our best physical guy. He shoots the corner three extremely well. A really good rebounder for a guy his size, Andrew understands how to use his body "

* Josh Kesilica, 5-foot-6, 2016, Palma High

Hieb: "Josh is our sparkplug, an energy guy. He's our best on-ball defender, can knock down the three ball and excels in transition. As a point guard, he really understands how to run a team offensively."

* Gavin Rippere, 6-foot-5, 2017, Salinas High

Hieb: "Gavin hurt his meniscus and won't play until the end of May but he's an above-the-rim type of player who can put it on the deck and get to the basket and he knows how to finish. We're excited for him to get healthy."

* Garrett Maker, 6-foot-4, 2018, Palma High

Hieb: "A quarterback on the football team, he is a natural athlete who can get to the rim and finish with authority. He's shoots the ball really well,  is only a freshman and we expect really big things in the future for him.

Seaside's Finest will be participating in a number of the major tournaments this spring and summer. Having just gotten back from the Pangos Spring Spectacular, it's the late April Nor Cal Spring Showcase at Jamtown in Oakland next, followed by the City Championship games at City College of San Francisco and then the Bay Area Memorial Day Classic. In July, Hieb's crew will be participating in the Nor Cal Summer Tipoff, then the madness in Las Vegas late in the month quickly followed by a tournament in Anaheim.

A Cameron Oliver sighting

From Ronnie Flores in his April 13 article Pangos Spring Spectacular Recap:

"... [Horace] Spencer also neutralized post-graduate Cameron Oliver, Compton Magic Red’s 6-foot-8 power forward who dominated and intimidated with his power dunking and shot blocking in games leading up to the title tilt with Belmont Shore. Oliver had his baseline jumper going in the championship game and finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, but it was Spencer who dominated the championship game in the interior and kept Oliver at bay with regards to owning the paint..." 

and

"... Compton Magic Red advanced to the title game courtesy of a 82-77 semifinal win over I-10/Arizona Magic Elite. Oliver finished that game with 29 points. He had 18 points in the 60-50 quarterfinal win over Las Vegas-based Hard To Guard..." 

Davidson on the CRC coaching situation

Joe Davidson offers:

CRC coach moves on

James Giacomazzi, who coached the Cosumnes River College men’s basketball team to two conference championships in the past five seasons, has accepted the same post with Las Positas College in Livermore, where he and his family live. Giacomazzi had six playoff berths in his 10-year stint with CRC. Longtime CRC assistant coach Nicholas Podesta, an on-campus coach with a reputation as a strong local recruiter, is in the running as a replacement.

Irony abides

Mike DeCourcey nails it: "[Cleveland State Coach] Gary Waters is mad because his leading scorer transferred to Louisville; wasn't so mad when the same player transferred from Penn State?"

An update on former Gael Kyle Rowley

Via E Carcia: "Kyle Rowley agreed to terms with Bilbao Basket, as reported by Solobasket. The player from Trinidad and Tobago will help the team during practices and in the ACB games. Rowley as played with Coruna this season averaging 9.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game in Adecco Gold."

After transferring from Northwestern to St. Mary's, he never had much of an effect  on the court despite being a 7-footer.

The pride of Marin County

From April 19 Hoop Dirt: "I have heard from multiple sources that Eastern Washington assistant Alex Pribble is the leader for DII St. Martin’s University (WA). The Cal alum joined the EWU staff prior to last season. He has also been an assistant at San Francisco State, and a HS coach in CA. St. Martin’s is searching to replace Michael Ostlund who was dismissed after two seasons at the helm."

Stockton Records' selections of area's best basketball talents

Thomas Lawrence/Stockton Record honor the area's best basketball players.

The 2015 Nor Cal Spring Showcase

The 4th annual Nor Cal Spring Showcase will be held Friday (6-11 pm) Saturday (8:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m.) Sunday (8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.), April 24-26, 2015 at Jamtown in Oakland.

The event will be NCAA certified allowing Division I coaches to attend. Sixty four teams  will participate.

For more information contact event director Gerry Freitas at 408-998-1327 or via email: gerryfreitas@hotmail.com.

Townsend graduating

Via Earl Allen Jr. comes word and photo of former Sac High talent James Townsend graduating from UC Santa Cruz. He averaged 10.1 points and 6.9 rebounds this season for the Slugs.

Juwan Anderson update

Latest Juwan Anderson tweet: "Final visit will be to San Jose St May 6."

Juwan Anderson also tweeted: "Excited for this visit to LIU Brooklyn Tuesday."

Report on the 2015 So Cal Senior Showcase

The sixth annual Southern California Senior Showcase was held Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Cerritos College in Norwalk. Approximately 210 players in the class of 2015 participated.

Here is a report on the event.

Below are some of the participants from northern California:

Names to note: (*Indicates highest consideration for this category) 

6’2” PG Jacob Aruta of St. Mary’s HS 2015 (Lakeshow Seniors White)

Heady one man with good handle, pretty good athlete, good vision in the open court, good shooter from 3.

*6’9” C Justin Briggs of River City HS 2015 (Independent #5)

Big body post, active player, good on the glass, runs well, ok hands, finishes around the basket, can block and change shots, offense needs development.

6’2” G Andre Green II of Bear River HS 2015 (Independent #2)

Athletic guard who plays hard, good defender with long arms, good shooter from 3, good passer, can play one.

*6’0” PG Kiree Hutchings of Santa Cruz HS 2015 (Tucson Heat)

Smart and heady guard, good passer, scores around the rim, good handle, good open shooter from 3.

*6’1” PG/G Kameron Johnson of Granada HS 2015 (Lakeshow Seniors Black)

Strong guard, fast in transition, goes hard to the basket, can post up and score, really tough defender on the ball, has improved perimeter shooting

There are close to ten more Nor Cal participants detailed so hit the link.

A Sterling Smith update

Dan Markus profiles Sterling Smith's search for his new school. Degree in hand, Smith is being very careful about his next spot.

The Gators land another recruit

Via John Bynum: "Sophomore Brantley Bynum (College of the Sequoias) has committed to San Francisco State University."

A pair of Napa Valley College players are moving on

From NVC Basketball: "So proud of these 2 great young men. Jalen Dupree signs w/ AK-Fairbanks and Sita Sesay w/ Panhandle. 8 signees in 3 yrs."

Dupree is a 6-foot sophomore point out of Vallejo High who averaged 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists this season.

NVC Coach Steve Ball: "I am extremely proud of Jalen for the achievement of his life-long goal of competing at the university level. In his two years as a member of the Storm basketball family, Jalen has dedicated himself to making himself and his teammates better. He put in the long hours outside of practice time to improve his game and is a model for what the community college system is about."

Continued Ball, "He worked hard in the class room to maintain over a 3.7 grade point average while exceeding his obligations to the basketball program. In addition to his studies and work on the court, Jalen worked with at risk kids in the little free time that he had in his schedule."

Sesay put up 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds a contest. He was born in Sierra Leone and raised in New York City. Sesay posted a 3.52 grade point average last year.

More on Delon Wright

Chris Dortch looks at Delon Wright's decision to return for his senior season.

Ford and the Golden Bears

California is definitely pursuing Jordan Ford.

Johnson goes with Cal State Monterey Bay

Danny Penza reports that 6-foot-1 St. Bernard High backcourter Carter Johnson has signed with Cal State Monterey Bay.

Here's video of the signing.

Meet Jonathan James

New Las Positas College Coach James Giacomazzi had made his first assistant coach hire and it's Jonathan James, a Cosumnes River College (CRC) assistant coach who is now heading to the Livermore campus.

Here's why: “Coach Jon is an outstanding coach, teacher of the game, and mentor to the players he encounters. I’m ecstatic to have him on board with me again as this will be our fifth year together. He knows me on and off the court and we have a similar philosophy so the transition will be seamless.”

The 6-foot-6 James is a Valley High graduate and a CRC alum, playing for Jim Clark. He played DII ball at University of West Georgia and later overseas in Ireland, returning to Sacramento to become a basketball skill development coach. He started Mylaces Skill Development Association.

Did he see coaching in his future early on? "When you're younger, all you think about is playing basketball. I didn't know what I wanted to do [once the playing ceased] but I always had people tell me you're going to be a coach someday.'"

Once back in Sacramento, James got a call from the Valley High head coach asking if James wanted to help out. "I said sure and became an assistant with the varsity and the junior varsity head coach." Then he moved over to Pleasant Grove High acting in the same capacities.

After a few years, "I had learned all I could learn and accomplish at this level." James began looking at community college opportunities. "I’ve always felt the community college level would be a great fit for me, being able to relate to players is important. I am a product of community college athletics. I understand their challenges as student athletes and how to overcome them. The balance between academics and athletics is vital. Every kid wants a scholarship but doesn’t really understand what it takes both on the court and in the classroom. I lived it, Coach Gio as well. We prepare our young men the best we can. Coaching is more than X’s and O’s, there is a teaching and mentorship aspect as well. I live for all three.”

"I reached out to Charles Wilder," a longtime assistant at Cosumnes River College. James was told to sit tight and that Wilder would get back to him. "He called back and we met with Coach Gio. We clicked and I was hired."

"I played every position at every level but how to be successful as a four and five at the JC level was kind of my niche. I finished as the seventh leading scorer in the state my sophomore season at CRC. I was a scorer. I could face up or play with my back to the basket."

James has multiple tenets for becoming a post player at the four and five. "Ask yourself, how can I stay on the floor? Every coach needs defense and rebounding. You also have to learn how to dominate this position, meaning when a smaller guy is on you, you get on the block and bury him. With a bigger guy, you take him outside. Make him defend away from the basket, make him uncomfortable."

For James, the gold standard for being or becoming a good post player isn't muscle mass or size. It’s having a relentless work ethic, a by-all-means-necessary attitude and it's footwork, maneuvering your feet. "You've got to have really good feet. It's playing in space, in a small area, whether you're attacking the rim or rebounding. If you're feet are quicker or better, you will win the battle."

Can good footwork be taught? "Absolutely. It's muscle memory, and repetition, teaching your feet how to move. It's making awkward movements become natural movements. Even someone with slow feet can develop precise movements."

There are also other elements applicable to all positions. "Think a play ahead by being a good actor. Make your opponent think you're going to get the ball. That changes defenses and creates openings even if a pass doesn't come your way."

James is also a proponent of becoming one with the weight room. "Lifting conditions the body and gets you in shape and, from a mental aspect, it provides confidence."

Having such an asset on staff should be a positive recruiting lure for Las Positas basketball since so much of what James teaches is not often taught at the high school level.

Ganot reaches back to Moraga connections

From The Honolulu Advertiser:

Adam Caporn is expected to be the first assistant named to new head coach Eran Ganot's coaching staff at the University of Hawaii.

Caporn, a former assistant at Saint Mary’s, has been Associate Coach of the Basketball Australia National Centre of Excellence (CoE) men’s program in Canberra.

In 2001, Caporn was first Australian scholarship player at Saint Mary’s College, opening up a long running pipeline for the Gaels.

Ganot left Saint Mary's, where he had been associate head coach, to take the UH job last week.

Caporn played professionally in Australia with the Wollongong Hawks and Perth Wildcats.

Jones joining Martin's staff

Jeff Greer reports: "The University of Louisville basketball staff already lost video coordinator Doug Davenport to an assistant coaching job at Eastern Kentucky this week, and now the Cardinals are planning on another departure in the coming days.

Assistant coach Wyking Jones is poised to take an assistant job on California coach Cuonzo Martin's staff, several U of L sources said Friday..."

Cuonzo Martin is getting uber-serious about recruiting.

Meet Brandon Cole

There are quite the number of community colleges in and around the Sacramento area with Sierra College being one although it is actually located in Placer County. That's where Brandon Cole plys his trade as an assistant basketball coach.

"I loved basketball when I was growing up," the 6-foot-4 Cole recalled. "My brother got me into it." That was back in Milwaukee. He then attended Sierra College, captaining the team as a sophomore and leading the Wolves in scoring and rebounding. He transferred and played at Dakota State before injuring his knee and finished his basketball eligibility at Ashford University in Iowa where he earned All-Midwest Collegiate Conference academic status.

(Cole surrounded by his Ashford University coaches)

"My ultimate goal is becoming a D1 head coach," Cole explained and "to reach my goal, I just have to work and use knowledge effectively. I have so much to learn but I'm surrounded here [at Sierra College] by head coaches. Bobby Andreasen was the top assistant at Chico State for nine years, Aaron Muhic was the head coach for 13 years at William Jessup University. [Sierra Head Coach] John Fusano worked under Brian Katz at San Joaquin Delta College and also at the coaching staff at Pacific with Bob Thomason.

The head recruiter at Sierra College, Cole offered, "I've always been a cerebral player, figuring out how to outsmart people. Even as a player, I watched a lot of film and continued to learn and develop an IQ."

About bringing in talent, Cole said, "we recruit the person, someone who wants to be part of a family. It's all about your culture and what you believe in. When you have a certain culture, kids have to decide if they want to be part of it. If they don't, they'll become the odd man out rather than bring it down. Coach Fusano is huge on family. We have team BBQs, shoot pool together, go bowling and whitewater rafting. But are our kids perfect? No, they make mistakes like the rest of us."

Another important aspect that Cole discussed is "we don't recruit players who tweet inappropriately. That hurts your chances." He maintains a strong Twitter and social media presence of his own while reading others. "I'll be talking with kids and sometimes they are surprised what I know about them. I say 'I know more than you think.'"

 Cole also acts as a sounding board for kids. "I didn't have much guidance in decision-making when I was growing up. I had no big brother or father figure. If I can help a kid, I will. It's all about moving kids on to the next level even if they play one year and move on. That may hurt us [as a program] but no one grows up saying they want to play JC basketball."

Moving student-athletes on is a Sierra College specialty. "Coach Fusano has a 98% transfer rate since he's been at Sierra and in the last 4 years since I've been there we've had a 100% transfer rate, including at least one freshman transferring every year."

The NLOI and its applicability for elite recruits

Josh Barnett delves into the National Letter of Intent and how some elite prospects are avoiding it.

Jay Bilas on toughness

The Top 10 Principles From Jay Bilas’ Toughness.

To enter the NBA draft or not...

Bernie Lee digs into "How college players should make a decision on the draft"

It begins: "With the NCAA season coming to a close, there is a pool of college players who have to make a decision on whether to enter the draft or stay in school. During this time, there is a great deal of unknown with buzz words like “stock” and “potential” that complicate the process. Kids get the feeling that they have a closing window and if they miss it it's gone.

This article is meant to demystify the process and reveal the truth behind what the next 2-3 months and beyond are about… I hope that it is helpful...

How NBA players get empty bank accounts

Cork Gaines talks with former Stanford star Josh Childress about the realities of an NBA contract.

Jackson makes it official with SF State

Warren Jackson, a 6-foot-1 scoring guard out of Cabrillo College, has formally signed with San Francisco State University. His commitment was announced months ago.

Assistant coach opening at USF

USF has posted its opening for men's basketball assistant coach. It's the position David Rebibo vacated when he returned to southern California. Does Dwayne Polee get promoted from Director of Player Development or does someone new enter the fold?

The FBI investigating the EBC

Here's more on the Elevate Basketball Circuit scammers.

An ode to Fitchie

Bob Padecky offers a tribute to longtime Montgomery Coach Tom Fitchie who is departing from coaching. The help he gave to kids will be missed but not forgotten.

Opening at UC Merced

UC Merced is advertising for a men's head basketball coach listing it as part time and paying $20,000. John Sykes is not returning to the position.

Sierra College adds two

Brandon Cole tweeted the news that two Sacramento area guards have joined the Sierra College basketball program -- 6-foot-4 Eric Toles and 6-foot Johann Tate.

"Sierra Men's basketball would like to welcome capital valley conference mvp and optimist selection Eric Toles @Etoles_32 to the family!"

and

"Sierra Men's basketball welcomes Pleasant Grove standout and optimist game selection, Johann Tate @WeTheMonstars to the family!"

Tim Falls

Tim Falls, a guard out of Dublin High and playing for Team Arsenal this spring and summer, is a 2017 prospect who has started out well:

Nuno & Hunt and Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington has Rico Nuno and Jesse Hunt out of the Bay Area heading north for next season.

Coverage of Pineiro's inking with Portland State

Jeremy McDonald covers Isaiah Pineiro's signing with Portland State of the Big Sky Conference.

Forget the free range chickens and the coffee shops in P-town, try Voodoo Donuts.

Not doing a good job of posting Monday - Wednesday - Friday

So much for only posting on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There's just been too much basketball news that seems timely but that will slow down.

Kinney moving on

According to Verbal Commits, Erik (Sacramento High) Kinney is transferring from Northwest Nazarene. The head coach there just announced his retirement.

Stallworth to Annapolis

Nor Cal Preps is reporting that Jaaron Stallworth has signed with Navy.

Jack Williams to Stockton

Pacific gets a 6-foot-7 sophomore-to-be transfer from Long Beach State. Jack Williams averaged 13 minutes a game for The Beach this season.

USF offers a 2015 point

Via TMS: "San Francisco has offered 2015 pg @anthonybrown196. Brown was a standout at the #ATLJAM."

Analysis of his recent play: "Anthony Brown, PG, Team Speights Blue: The 6'0" point guard out of Lake Minneola quite simply showed out this weekend, particularly in his team's championship win over Charlotte Aces. Brown is an unsigned 2015 prospect that holds low-major offers, though I wouldn't be surprised to see some mid-majors kick the tires here soon. Brown is so versatile as a 6'0" combo guard. He has a solid stroke, but his best attribute is his ability to get to the rim and finish through contact. It seemed every time Charlotte Aces made a little run, Brown would follow with a dagger. He was my top point guard at the event."

Anthony has a same-sized twin brother named Avery who claims an offer from USF.

Tollefsen tripping to Tucson

Via Evan Daniels: "Transfer Mark Tollefsen will visit Arizona this wkd. He told Scout that SDSU, Cal, Washington, USC, Tennessee & Nevada are also on his list."

St. Mary's land a 6-foot-4 prep schooler

Dan Ventura: "It's been a busy and productive offseason for Leo Papile and the BABC. Earlier today, the seventh member of the BABC committed to play at a Division 1 basketball school. Tilton shooting guard Franklin Porter, the son of former NBA guard Terry Porter, decided to attend St. Mary's in Moraga, California. Porter began his high school career at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon (Porter's dad currently serves as a team ambassador for the Trailblazers), before transferring to Tilton last year."

Here's more.

Smith tripping to Louisville

Via Jeff Borzello: "Coppin State transfer Sterling (Chico High) Smith will take a visit to Louisville next Wednesday, source tells ESPN. Immediately eligible guard."

Pineiro signs NLOI

Coach Brandon Cole posted photos of Sierra's Isaiah Pineiro signing his Portland State National Letter Of Intent.

Anderson to PUC

Via John Bynum: "Leroy Anderson (Lassen JC) has verbally committed to Pacific Union College."

He's a 6-foot-6 sophomore out of Castlemont High who averaged 6.2 points and 5.0 rebounds a game this season for Coach Devin Aye.

Giacomazzi coming home

After winning the Big Eight Conference championship with a sparkling 12-2 record and finishing 23-8 overall alongside a trip to the regional semifinals, 11-year Cosumnes River College (CRC) Coach James Giacomazzi is heading home. Successful and with wonderful memories but getting closer to his roots.

A resident of Livermore, he has taken the men's basketball head coach position at Las Positas College (LPC). Still to be completed are a number of notifications, plus meetings with CRC administrators, but no longer will Giacomazzi have to undertake a one-way, 75-mile drive to get to work and then do it again at night.

He grew up in Fremont and his wife in Union City although she later lived in Dublin. Coming from his tenure as an assistant coach at San Jose City College, the couple eventually chose to reside in Livermore after homesteading initially in Elk Grove.

"I'll have more time to spend with the players and with my family. That's important to me because I was in my car a lot."

Family has an expansive meaning for him. Not only will he be around much more for his wife and kids -- "my daughter's school is next door and I live three exits away from LPC" -- but his players  too. "Being around the guys as much as possible" will be an easier attainable goal. "I'm looking forward to getting with the players soon and hit the ground sprinting."

So what is he inheriting at LPC considering the CRC facilities are among the best in the state? "We have an outstanding state of the art facility with two weight rooms that our student athletes have access to and much much more." Plus, there is this bonus: "We hosted the state playoffs two years ago at CRC and at LPC we'll be doing that next season."

Giacomazzi has yet to form a new coaching staff -- "it's a little soon but the conversations have gone well and I'm excited for the possibilities."

There is also the move from the Big 8 competition to the Coast Conference North so now it's jostling City College of San Francisco, Cañada, Chabot, Ohlone, Skyline and Foothill for position.