9th Annual Prep2PrepTip Off Classic

The 9th Annual Prep2PrepTip Off Classic will be taking place on Saturday, November 28 at Newark Memorial High School.

14 teams from throughout northern and southern California will take to the court and the quality of talent is higher than ever before.

Here's the rundown:

Game One, 11:00 a.m. St. Mary's (Albany) vs. Manteca High

Translation: Sharpshooting senior guard Kevin Warren versus the imposing frontcourt of seniors 6-foot-8 Kenny Wooten, 6-foot-10 Anand Hundal and 6-foot-7 junior Tydus Verhoeven.

Game Two, 12:30 p.m. Bishop O'Dowd vs. Dublin High

Translation: Sophomore guards Elijah Hardy, Naseem Gaskins plus 6-foot-8 freshman Raymond Hawkins versus backcourt junior Tim Falls. BOD is the returning Open Division state champion.

Game Three, 2:15 p.m. Immanuel (Reedley) vs. Weston Ranch (Stockton)

Translation: Senior guard Colin Slater, a Tulane commit, and 6-foot-6 junior Darrin Person Jr., named area Co-MVPs by the Fresno Bee, versus backcourters Jaelen Ragsdale and Fred Lavender, recent commits to Cal State Stanislaus.

Game Four, 3:45 p.m. Sheldon High vs. Army/Navy High (Carlsbad)

Translation: Guard Isaiah Brooks and 6-foot-7 Matt Manning versus 6-foot-8 junior Richard Polanco and 6-foot-7 Aziz Seck. The latter averaged a double-double in scoring and rebounding last season while the former just missed matching that with 9.3 rebounds a contest.

Game Five, 5:30 p.m. Modesto Christian vs. Folsom High

Translation: MC has 6-foot-9 Robinson Idehen, 6-foot-3 Christian Ellis, 6-foot-4 Josthin Dawkins and frosh point Terrence Moorehead Jr. versus 6-foot Jordan Ford, who is a UC Santa Barbara commit (thank you for the corrections - make it St. Mary's as his college destination) and 6-foot Tre Finch.

Game Six, 7:00 p.m. Newark Memorial vs. Woodcreek High

Translation: 6-foot-10 senior Kevin Kahriman versus 6-foot-9 sophomore wunderkind Jordan Brown who put up a double-double in his initial prep season and is already a national recruit.

Game Seven, 8:30 p.m. Moreau Catholic vs. Sierra Canyon

Translation: Cal commit 6-foot-6 Oscar Frayer, 6-foot-1 San Jose State University commit Terrell Brown,  6-foot-3 Brandon Lawrence and 6-foot-2  Damari Milstead (three seniors and one junior, the latter) versus 6-foot-8 junior  Cody Riley, 6-foot-8 junior Ira Lee, 6-foot junior Remy Martin and 5-foot-9 senior Devearl Ramsey. The latter garnered Player of the Game honors at the recent Prep2Prep Classic. Sierra Canyon is also the returning Division V state champion.

Clark snagging impressive offers

Brad Winton tweeted: "Jamie Dixon (Pitt) & Randy Bennett (Saint Mary's) will be in today to see 2016 guard Crisshawn Clark from Cañada College."

Just in: Nevada, St. Mary's and Pittsburgh have now offered Clark.

Stanislaus snags a local pair of backcourters

5-foot-9 Weston Ranch High backcourter Jaelen Ragsdale has given his commitment to Cal State Stanislaus. He averaged 21.0 points per game last season.

From Thomas Lawrence on the Weston Ranch High squad: "...This team should have some balance. But really, the spotlight is on incoming senior guard Jaelen Ragsdale, and how he can cap an already impressive high school career. Ragsdale, a first-team All-Area guard, averaged around 20 points per game, and was an exceptional deep shooter, slasher to the basket and offensive and defensive playmaker. He’s one of the top All-Area Player of the Year candidates for 2015-16, and he’ll have to be a vocal leader and the heart and soul of this now more-experienced crew..."

Also, fellow WRH guard 6-foot-2 Fred Lavender did likewise. He scored 13.1 points an outing in 2014-15.

Read this article if it's the only one you do so today

This article on veteran NBA frontcourter David West moving from the Pacers to the Spurs is especially insightful. He willingly and skillfully stepped up as a leader in serving his Pacer teammates and head coach but wanted to enter a different role so as to learn more and obviously have a better chance at winning a championship.

Money certainly didn't play a role in his decision as both wise investing and spending allowed him to grab this opportunity so he won't be one of the guys looking back 10-20 years from now wondering what might have been different if they hadn't been so reckless with his earnings.

An excerpt:

"I needed be in an environment where I can really learn again," West told Yahoo Sports. "We've got a few guys older than myself, and I can actually look up and ask questions again.

"That's something I haven't been doing the last few years. You had to focus on your own mindset and mentality and then having to make sure that others are where they need to be. When you're constantly answering questions, I'll admit: It gets to be a bit much..."

Montgomery, the younger, to Hawaii

Brian McInnis reports that John Montgomery is joining Hawaii Coach Eran Ganot's staff as an assistant.

Alaby at Western Oregon

Just noticed that former Foothill College guard Janvier Alaby is at Western Oregon University. He'll be playing for Jim Shaw, a longtime D1 coach who most recently was at St. Mary's.

Foothill went out big in last season's state playoffs, defeating American River College 78-67 and then powerful Fresno City College 72-64 plus San Joaquin Delta College 55-52 before falling one game short of the Final Four. In the last two contests, Alaby scored 12 and 13 points respectively. He earned All Coast Conference North Division honors.

Piecing together the CRC rosterr

Below are a series of tweets from Cosumnes River College Coach Devin Aye about some of the guys on his roster:

Welcome CRC newcomer Mikey Murphy! Scoring PG from Valley HS. Under radar talent!Check his 2013 footage. https://youtu.be/ZmF4RPKoPWo 

and

Welcome CRC newcomer Gerard Andrus 6'4 190. Versatile forward,high motor! Check footage from 2012 here  https://youtu.be/yTOEriUeon0 

and

Welcome newcomer Trevor Hooper (6'1") MVP North Sequoia League. Check his Senior Highlights here:  https://youtu.be/Iflh8tQzZpo

and

Soph Daylon Potts (6'5" 190) forward. High motor,and ready for BIG year! Check his Edison HS senior highlights! http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2421038/highlights/152234377/v2 
Daylon Potts: 6'5" 190.. SO, very high motor, active forward. If you're uptempo, he is your guy!Tough as they come! Interest already started

and

Welcome Soph transfer Kenny Doss (6'2" 215) wing to CRC! D1 coaches take notice!  https://youtu.be/MGFgZHiuiA8 
Kenny Doss: from Lincoln College (NJCAA). 6'2" 215, powerful scoring guard. Will graduate and is a D1 talent.

and

Welcome newcomer Leondre Lintz 5'9" PG (Monterey Trail HS c/o 2014) to CRC. Check his footage here: https://youtu.be/72_2PXNNdOE

and

Welcome newcomer Johann Tate to CRC! Enjoy senior season mixtape https://youtu.be/1_pKMoPpu1Y

and

Announcing 2015-16 CRC men's basketball roster Welcome Phil Morgan,6'4" 180 wing from Natomas.Section champ/ Conf MVP. Averaged 15 pts,9 reb

CRC successful

New Cosumnes River College Coach Devin Aye updates how his team did over the weekend: "Very strong showing over weekend by CRC men's basketball! Four wins vs (Foothill, Lassen,Reno International,Siskiyous) Future is bright here!"

Two down-the-road guards hitting the Silver State

Team Arsenal: "2018 Guards Naseem Gaskin and Elijah Hardy on their visit to University of Nevada."

Nobody has turned around a team's recruiting footprint more than Nevada Coach Eric Musselman.

Falls, Fadal and SJSU

Via The NorCal Report: "#3 Timmy Falls (@TF1000_) and #12 Austin Fadal (@A_Fadal) scrimmaged Saturday afternoon with San Jose St."

Coach Bob Walsh's latest

Coach Bob Walsh's latest article is "Coaching A Confident Team." Some interesting takes that seem to go against the grain.

Prolific Prep wing inundated with suitors

uplaycanada tweeted: "6-7" 2017 Wing Abu Kigab has officially been offered by the Kansas Jayhawks of the Big 12!"

The newcomer to Prolific Prep received USC, Minnesota, Oregon, Baylor and Niagara offers earlier.

Pope in 2015-16

San Diego State sophomore Malik Pope sure is getting play for All Mountain West Conference First Team pre-season honors. It's going to be fascinating how his second season and maybe final college season plays out. Definitely more pressure with the Aztec leading scorers having moved on.

Chun at Pangos All West Frosh/Soph Camp

From Ronnie Flores: "raised their profile: Ronnie Green (Silverado) 5-10 2018 pg; Daijon Davis (Orengewood Academy) 6-5 2018 F; James Chun (Riordan) 6-0 2018 SG."

CCSF action photos from NorCal JUCO Jamboree

Here's the link to a number of photos of the City College of San Francisco players in action from this past weekend's NorCal JUCO Jamboree.

A snapshot in time

Yes, this is extrapolated from a single day but with 22 northern California JC teams participating in a tournament and 12-15 players on each squad: the thought that so few of the players will reach the D1 level. Maybe eight.

This is not to lament anything or to belittle participating in the DII and NAIA ranks but rather to drive home how difficult it is to actually land, between the factors of talent levels and academics, a D1 scholarship.

Interest in Falls

The NorCal Report: "Cal, Montana, & San Jose St expected to be at open gym tonight at Dublin HS to see our #3 2017 SG Timmy Falls (@TF1000_).

St. Mary's too.

Columbia hoops and the classroom

From the Columbia College Men's Basketball page: "7AM Study Hall -Academics come first. The Jumpers have had over a 3.0 gpa every semester for the last 2 years!!" 

Angelo passes

Tracy Seipel writes about Archbishop Mitty student and basketball player Loukas Angelo who died on Saturday.

Sunday's Nor Cal JUCO Jamboree

Standard Disclaimer: try not to read too much into the wins and losses and player outputs from this weekend's Nor Cal JUCO Jamboree at City College of San Francisco because a goodly number of reserves received playing time plus some teams were missing talents due to injury.

Having typed the above, there is no jinx connected to being highlighted on this blog vis-a-vis being on the cover of Sports Illustrated so here goes: City College of San Francisco has to be the pre-season favorite in northern California, no ifs, ands or buts With the Big Three -- Trevor Dunbar, Jalen Canty, Shon Briggs -- finally on the court, plus Tulsa transfer Keondre Dew, the Rams pressed opponents into usually resounding defeat. El Camino College in particular as the Southlanders trailed 56-10 at halftime while seemingly ignoring the fact of being pressed and that a double-team trap was coming after each in-bounds pass.

Here's a stream of consciousness, hopefully coherent, series of thoughts and observations from the day:

Out of Marysville High, freshman point Danny Lewis looks to be a starter for Butte College. The Roadrunners under Coach Russ Critchfield look to have a solid combination of talents and weapons and taking the Golden Valley Conference once again seems very do-able.

Contra Costa College Comet sophomore Deonte Smith is a keeper. He's listed at 6-foot-7 and provides an inside presence defensively for Coach Miguel Johnson as well as solid work on the boards. Does CCC have enough consistent outside shooting is a valid question?

It is simply just fun to watch point Frankie Ferrari play and he's on the court for the Cañada Colts this season. It appears he and his teammates are already on the same page. Sophomore backcourter Crisshawn Clark provided a highlight Sunday when he used a backdoor cut to grab a lob pass and slam it down, being way over the rim.  Coach Mike Reynoso's guys aren't big but cohesive and oozing hustle.

5-foot-11 sophomore George Johnson is understandably the starting point for College of Marin -- he plays calm and under control, penetrating, drawing defenders and kicking the ball out and appears stronger than before. By the way, former Riordan High talent Robert Colton is with Coach Dave Granucci and the Mariners.

Good to see Matthew (Newark Memorial High) Thomas back on the court and playing for Coach Keenan McMiller and Merritt College.

Liked the play of Monterey Peninsula College sophomore point DeOndre Otis. He had a good all around showing for Coach Blake Spiering on Sunday, looking very comfortable and also stronger than before.

It's worth noting that the CCSF roster has just two non-qualifiers and just one player from outside the Bay Area/northern California. Jerrod Nodar and Jashandeep Kahlon were in civies and the Coach Justin Labagh's Rams still put the hammer to opponents.

San Jose City College will be a fascinating team to follow this season, one tied to the performance of 6-foot-10 sophomore Akil Douglas. In the first game of the day against Porterville, he was 'en fuego' from mid-range to long distance. Not as much later versus Marin. Listed at 210 pounds and that seems a stretch, he's still a twig who needs to become a branch with his body. Douglas definitely prefers to go left and can be knocked off balance fairly easily on a dribble-drives but he's so tantalizing as a face-up four. His build screams redshirt year at a four-year college next season. Speed City appears to lack outside shooters this season which is really unusual.

A Special Note: didn't get his name but a coach from Dominican University stood the entire day while watching games. Word is he now has an agent and will star alongside Robert Downey Jr. in the next "Iron Man" film.

Contra Costa College this weekend

Contra Costa College Men's Basketball offers Facebook-posted updates on how the Comets did over the weekend at the Nor Cal JUCO Jamboree.

Berkeley's Baker getting noticed

Devin Ugland at the Pangos All West Frosh-Soph Camp: "2018 Ben Baker out of Berkeley High is a real crafty guard. Predominantly left-handed but shoots/handles/finishes w the right just as well."

and

Joel Francisco: "Two of the better unknown guards were 2018s Jalen Flanagan (Oceanside/El Camino) and ambidextrous Ben Baker (Berkeley, Ca)."

The latest on Quincy Smith

Dayton Morinaga serves up a three-minute video and print interview featuring Hawaii senior Quincy (Deer Valley High) Smith.

Pacific hoops in a sticky wicket

Gary Parrish and Bob Highfill on a 'situation' up in Stockton. Seems too murky right now to ascertain what is the truth as the anonymous written allegations don't jive with what the two primary parties have offered.

Chris Murray on Musselman's recruiting

Chris Murray goes deeper into the question "Is Musselman the Pack's best recruiter ever?"

Remember, this is a coach really just into his first full recruiting period.

The evidence, including northern California'ers Cameron Oliver, Kenny Wooten and Shawn Smith, makes for a pretty strong case.

A good read for many talents

Chris Forsberg writes about an intervention led by John Lucas that has turned around the basketball prospects of former Ohio State big and current Boston Celtic Jared Sullinger. His dimming future wasn't due to drugs or alcohol issues but lack of effort and an absent focus

"[Lucas] said I have all the talent in the world, but, 'You forgot what working hard is,'" Sullinger detailed...

So much more than the greatest basketball player

Richard Lapchick writes about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who is rightfully enjoying recognition as a serious voice on American society and history, race relations, justice in this country and more.

CJohnson to be a Runnin' Rebel

Former El Cerrito High talent Carlos Johnson has gone with UNLV -- "Happy to announce my commitment to UNLV 🔴⚫️ #RunningRebel."

Here's more.

And even more.

A bit on Sterling (Chico High) Smith

In Joel Welser's Pittsburgh preview, he writes this: "...Sterling Smith is the last of the graduate transfers. He averaged 13.9 points per game with Coppin State last season..." and then later this: "...the team needs to start knocking down shots..."

Okay, Coppin State isn't in the ACC a la Pitt but Smith, as a junior, "averaged a team-best 13.9 points in 31 games…He was also second on the team in rebounding (4.9)…Smith was among the conference leaders in field-goal percentage (46.8 percent) and three-point shooting (41.8)..He led Coppin State with 76 3-pointers…He scored in double figures 23 times and hit for 20 or more points seven times…Had an eight–game stretch in which he went for 20 or more points five times..."

It certainly sounds like he will help in areas the Panthers need improvement.

DNelson back on the court

DeMarcus Nelson is moving from Greece to Monaco/France this coming season.

The Dons and the Pack offer a So Cal 2016 guard

From Evan Flood: "2016 PG Wolfgang Novogratz has added offers from Nevada and San Francisco http://www.ny2lasports.com/player_details.aspx?playerid=1451 … @ny2lasports"

The 6-foot-2 backcourter is out of southern California but originally from New York.

Epps helping at SJCC

San Jose City College Men's Basketball has hired a new assistant -- Myron Epps.

Lead assistant and lead recruiter.

SJCC's Akil Douglas

Via San Jose City College Men's Basketball: "The Jaguars are expecting 6'10"Forward Akil Douglas to have a break out sophomore season this year!"

Greater bulk and strength remains a need as is showing what he is capable of achieving more often but man, the potential that's there.

Writing about Marcus Lee

Not a heck of a lot new here but it's national recognition:

Jon Rothstein: "There were coaches who would have cut off their pinky toe to get a commitment from Marcus Lee out of high school -- seriously. The 6-foot 9 jumping jack was a McDonald's All-American in 2013 and could have went to any college he wanted to, but he went to Kentucky because he wanted to play with the best of the best and play on the sport's biggest stage.

Lee has never played more than 20 minutes in a college game during the first two years of college career and that has a lot more to do with the players in the Wildcats' program than it does with Lee's abilities. In the past two seasons, Kentucky has had Julius Randle, Willie Cauley-Stein, Alex Poythress, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Dakari Johnson logging minutes up front, but now all of those players are gone except for Poythress.

Lee will be primed to to step into a bigger role as a junior and if you need a reminder of what he's capable of go back to the 2014 Elite Eight against Michigan. With Cauley-Stein out due to injury, Lee came off the bench to score 10 points, grab eight rebounds, and block two shots in 15 minutes. Kentucky wouldn't have advanced to the 2014 Final Four without him."

The Nor Cal JUCO Fall Jamboree

The Nor Cal JUCO Fall Jamboree is taking place this Saturday and Sunday at City College of San Francisco. Participating teams are:

* Butte College
* CCSF
* Cabrillo College
* Cañada College
* College of Alameda
* College of Marin
* Contra Costa College
* College of the Sequoias
* DeAnza College
* El Camino College
* Hartnell College
* Merritt College
* Monterey Peninsula College
* Napa Valley College
* Porterville College
* San Joaquin Delta College
* San Jose City College
* Santa Rosa Junior College
* West Valley College
* Yuba College

The Saturday schedule can be found here. Play begins at 10:00 a.m.

LaShells goes with the Wildcats

Monte Vista High big Spencer LaShells has given a verbal to Chico State. He ran with Lakeshow during the spring and summer. The Wildcats are members of the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Pac-12 eyeing Cañada's Clark

Via Brad Winton: "Oregon (Altman) will be in today [Wednesday] to watch Crisshawn Clark of Cañada College (CA)." 

The 6-foot-4 Clark averaged 15.0 points, 5.2 boards and 3.2 assists as a freshman.

The Argonauts extend an offer

Full-Time Hoops tweeted: "Notre Dame de Namur has offered 2016 Madison C JR Rivera."

Jace 'JR' Rivera is 6-foot-7, 235 and out of James Madison High in San Diego.

Sykes-mania

It's apparently becoming Josh Sykes' world and we should be thankful as temporary residents:

Ronnie Flores: "Pac-12 schools getting heavily involved with 6-8 soph Joshua Sykes (Fresno City College/Golden Valley/Merced). Rapidly improving athlete."

Rick Isaacs: "Sources tell me AZ is at top of heap for stunning 4 man Josh Sykes from Fresno City JC!! Don't ever I underestimate the guile of a gladiator."

Matthew Kovach: "got a close look at him over the weekend..boy once the screws get tightened up on the skill set..."

Gerry Freitas: "So Cal Fall Juco Jamboree. 6'9 Josh Skyes of Fresno City top prospect in the event. Long & athletic, skills coming along nicely! Legit hi major."

This is a prime example of why basing any sort of judgment on numbers is a fool's errand -- Sykes averaged 4.5 points per game as a freshman last season on 53% and 56% shooting, alongside 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots.

Stephen Curry reads the words of others

Here's a cute reminder that damn near everyone who is anyone in pro basketball can project incorrectly but turning such proclamations on their heads requires uber dedication, hard work, a baseline of talent from which to jump off from and being in the right spot.

The 2015 Chabot College men's basketball roster plus the Friday schedule

Thanks goes out for the following to Chabot Men's Basketball and remember the games this Friday and Saturday:

"Friday, September 25 schedule for Chabot Annual Fall Showcase

Chabot College
3:30PM GYM 1 - Ohlone vs Sierra
4:45PM GYM 2 - Sierra vs Chabot
6:00PM GYM 2 - Allan Hancock vs. Cosumnes River
7:15PM GYM 2 - Cosumnes River vs. Lassen
8:30PM GYM 1 - Chabot vs Allan Hancock
GYM 2 - Lassen vs Ohlone

Plus, there will be games on Saturday at Chabot.

Chabot College 3:30PM GYM 1 - Lassen vs. Reno International Prep
4:45PM GYM 1 - Chabot vs. Lassen
6:00PM GYM 1 - Reno International Prep vs. Cosumnes River
7:15PM GYM 1 - Cosumnes River vs. Chabot 

"Chabot Roster as of 9/22/15:

With no returners from last season’s conference runner-up squad, Chabot brings many new faces to Gladiator Nation. 

Below is a list of the fall showcase roster along with a brief intro:

* Courtney Anderson 5’8 155 G Previous: Palestine High League MVP at Palestine High after averaging 17pts his senior yr.

* Larry Jones 5’9 135 PG Previous: James Logan High True PG who competes on both ends. Will surprise this year.

* De’Andre Davis 6’0 155 G Previous: West Los Angeles CC League MVP & All-State his freshman year after leading the Western State Conference in points (29) & assists (6). Another guard who competes on both ends of the floor.

* Hayden Ordone 6’0 150 G Previous: West High Great athlete and potential defensive stopper.

* Melvin Ware 6’1 165 G Previous: Hayward High Redshirted last season. Great athlete and is a 3 pt threat.

* Deshun Garrett 6’3 210 G Previous: Redlands CC Big bodied guard who seems to get anywhere he wants on the court. Key member of Redlands CC squad who upset the #1 Team in the Nation on the way to the NJCAA national tournament.

* Marcus Booker 6’4 225 F Previous: Alameda College Physical post player who does all the little things

* Wykeem Randle 6’5 205 G Previous: Willowridge High Smooth and athletic wing who can score in many ways. Has potential to be one of top freshman in the state this year.

* Keith Phillips 6’6 230 G/F Previous: Macomb CC Strong & skilled, can play almost every position on the floor. Led Macomb in scoring (17) as a freshman.

* Shamil Sharma 6’6 210 F Previous: Diablo Valley College Is back healthy after a couple nagging injuries. Skilled post with high basketball IQ.

* Dalvin Guy 6’6 235 F Previous: McClymonds High 4 year letterman at MACK. Has upside with his size and athleticism.

* Drelan Tripplett 6’7 225 F Previous: Kilgore CC Another player who can play multiple positions. His inside/outside game should force mismatches.

* Robert Blunt 6’7 205 F Previous: Glendale CC Old school post player mentality & rebounding machine. Led the state in rebounding his junior year.

* Seth Cox 7’0 255 C Previous: Wabash Valley CC Big body, skilled with soft hands and nice touch. Been working hard, lost 20 lbs since July!

We have a few redshirts who may earn a roster spot this year. This is only the current roster of players expected to play during the 2015-16 season as of 9/22/15. We look forward to showcasing the Gladiators this weekend in the Chabot Showcase and ARC Showcase!"

If this doesn't make you laugh...

Absolutely loved the cleverness here:

Fresno City Men's Basketball Coaching Clinic on October 17

The Fresno City Men's Basketball Coaching Clinic -- "Establishing A Championship Culture" -- is scheduled for October 17.

* Registration @ 11:30 p.m.
* On the court - noon to 1:30 p.m.
* Weight room - 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
* Lunch.Question and Answer - 2:20 p.m. - afternoon
* $40 per coach - $25 each additional on you staff if check is received by Friday, October 12
* $20 for each additional payer
* $45 after Friday, October 12
* $50 at the door

Make checks payable to Fresno City Men's Basketball
Mail to: Fresno City College c/o Men's Basketball 1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno, 93741

Championship Values, Culture and Toughness will be EMPHASIZED.

Conference Championships

'06-'07 CVC Champs

'07-'08 CVC Champs

'08-'09 CVC Champs

'09-'10 CVC Champs

'10-'11 CVC Champs

'11-'12 CVC Champs

'12-'13 CVC Champs

'13-'14 CVC Champs

'14-'15 CVC Champs

State Tournament

'06-'07 State Champs

'07-'08 Elite Eight

'08-'09 Elite Eight

'09-'10 Sweet Sixteen

'10-'11 Final Four

'11-'12 State Champs

'12-'13 State Playoffs

'13-'14 Elite Eight

'14-'15 State Playoffs

Small Ball here to stay?

Joe Boozell ruminates on the advent of the Golden State Warriors successfully playing small ball and wonders if such will produce a copying by college teams.

Legarza to the staff of the Timberwolves

Darren Wolfson tweeted: "Twolves announce this hire: Vince Legarza as Player Development Assistant & Player Development Video Coordinator. Comes from Hawks."

Here's a 2013 feature on Legarza who played at St. Ignatius.

Temidayo Yussef update

Via Golfshark at the Long Beach State Athletics MB: "I saw Temi at an informal practice today and he told me it is actually a fracture in his ankle bone caused by running straight on the track. He will be ready to go in a month..."

Interesting read on athlete finances

Crossing sport boundaries: "Why NFL player Ryan Broyles lives like he made $60,000 last year, and not $600,000"

Trainer to the stars

Alex Kennedy features Idan Ravin who transformed himself from lawyer to trainer of elite NBA talents.

Talking with Coach Martin

Connor Letourneau recently talked with California Coach Cuonzo Martin. The most interesting subject:

"What do you think Georgetown transfer Stephen Domingo can bring you this season?

“I think he’s a guy who plays hard. He’s a good leader, and I think right now I’d say he’s our best perimeter defender. I think he does a good job of that. He’s a guy who came out of high school with a reputation of scoring the ball and shooting the ball. But I would say if we started a game tomorrow, he’d be our best perimeter defender.”

The 2015 Chabot College men's basketball roster plus the Friday schedule

Thanks goes out for the following to Chabot Men's Basketball and remember the games this Friday and Saturday:

Friday, September 25 schedule for Chabot Annual Fall Showcase

Chabot College
3:30PM GYM 1 - Ohlone vs Sierra
4:45PM GYM 2 - Sierra vs Chabot
6:00PM GYM 2 - Allan Hancock vs. Cosumnes River
7:15PM GYM 2 - Cosumnes River vs. Lassen
8:30PM GYM 1 - Chabot vs Allan Hancock
GYM 2 - Lassen vs Ohlone

Plus, there will be games on Saturday.

"Chabot Roster as of 9/22/15:

With no returners from last season’s conference runner-up squad, Chabot brings many new faces to Gladiator Nation. 

Below is a list of the fall showcase roster along with a brief intro:

* Courtney Anderson 5’8 155 G Previous: Palestine High League MVP at Palestine High after averaging 17pts his senior yr.

* Larry Jones 5’9 135 PG Previous: James Logan High True PG who competes on both ends. Will surprise this year.

* De’Andre Davis 6’0 155 G Previous: West Los Angeles CC League MVP & All-State his freshman year after leading the Western State Conference in points (29) & assists (6). Another guard who competes on both ends of the floor.

* Hayden Ordone 6’0 150 G Previous: West High Great athlete and potential defensive stopper.

* Melvin Ware 6’1 165 G Previous: Hayward High Redshirted last season. Great athlete and is a 3 pt threat.

* Deshun Garrett 6’3 210 G Previous: Redlands CC Big bodied guard who seems to get anywhere he wants on the court. Key member of Redlands CC squad who upset the #1 Team in the Nation on the way to the NJCAA national tournament.

* Marcus Booker 6’4 225 F Previous: Alameda College Physical post player who does all the little things

* Wykeem Randle 6’5 205 G Previous: Willowridge High Smooth and athletic wing who can score in many ways. Has potential to be one of top freshman in the state this year.

* Keith Phillips 6’6 230 G/F Previous: Macomb CC Strong & skilled, can play almost every position on the floor. Led Macomb in scoring (17) as a freshman.

* Shamil Sharma 6’6 210 F Previous: Diablo Valley College Is back healthy after a couple nagging injuries. Skilled post with high basketball IQ.

* Dalvin Guy 6’6 235 F Previous: McClymonds High 4 year letterman at MACK. Has upside with his size and athleticism.

* Drelan Tripplett 6’7 225 F Previous: Kilgore CC Another player who can play multiple positions. His inside/outside game should force mismatches.

* Robert Blunt 6’7 205 F Previous: Glendale CC Old school post player mentality & rebounding machine. Led the state in rebounding his junior year.

* Seth Cox 7’0 255 C Previous: Wabash Valley CC Big body, skilled with soft hands and nice touch. Been working hard, lost 20 lbs since July!

We have a few redshirts who may earn a roster spot this year. This is only the current roster of players expected to play during the 2015-16 season as of 9/22/15. We look forward to showcasing the Gladiators this weekend in the Chabot Showcase and ARC Showcase!"

Flynn coming to Stockton

Out of Washington state, 2016 guard Malachi Flynn has cast his lot with Pacific: "Blessed to announce I will be a Tiger at the University of Pacific next year thanks to God, my coaches and my family."

Seattle Basketball Services (undated) has the 6-foot-1 Flynn as the #25 ranked prospect in the area.

Hundal with a home visitor

Manteca Coach Brett Lewis: "Great in home visit with sac state's coach Katz and @bmlaird for @gillyyanand. Thanks for coming out. Katz makes me want to lace me up!"

Anand Hundal tallied an outstanding 5.5 blocked shots a game this past season.

Bassett and his visits

Via Corey Evans: "Dontay Bassett remains a hunted man. Visits Buffaloes this weekend."

It was Oregon State this past weekend.

What is this item about?

From HoopDirt: "Some things that I’ve heard to kick off the week…

Trouble brewing at a WCC school – more on this one shortly…"

HoopDirt is a site generally covering college basketball coaching.

So, which program?

BYU
Gonzaga
Loyola Marymount
Pacific
Pepperdine
Portland
Saint Mary's (CA)
San Diego
San Francisco
Santa Clara

Impressive feat for Cal

Draft Express has four UC Berkeley players in the top seven NBA prospects in the Pac-12:

(#1) Jaylen Brown
(#3) Ivan Rabb
(#4) Tyrone Wallace
(#7) Jabari Bird

Olgun Ulac in writing about the top teams and talents in the Australian and New Zealdnd National Basketball League this season offered this:

"Stephen Holt

The former Saint Mary’s star was extremely impressive in Melbourne United’s win over Ben Simmons and LSU last month, lighting the Tigers up for 20 points in the first half alone. There’s no question that Stephen Holt is at his best when the light is brightest, and the NBL Blitz should prove to be no exception. If all goes to plan, Melbourne United could be the league’s most exciting team, and Holt has the ability to be a big part of that."

The Draft Express on Isaiah Taylor

Below is Derek Bodner/Draft Express on a former Bay Area talent:

"#6 (pro prospect in Big 10), Isaiah Taylor, 6'3”, Junior, Point Guard, Texas

An unheralded high school recruit, 6'3” point guard Isaiah Taylor had a surprising freshman season for Texas, starting every game for the Longhorns and becoming a key catalyst in their bounce back season.

While Taylor still showed much of the same ability that made him effective as a freshman, he failed to really take the next step many were hoping for last season. His scoring average (16.2 points per 40 minutes pace adjusted as a freshman, 17.2 as a sophomore), assist total (5.2 per 40 pace adjusted to 5.9), and overall efficiency (48.6% to 49.6% true shooting percentage) all remained relatively flat, with modest, at most, improvements.

It's the lack of improvement in his perimeter shot that is the most concerning, as that remains a major hole in Taylor's game. While Taylor shot better from two point range, up from a disastrous 39.8% as a freshman to a still mediocre 42.1% as a sophomore, his proficiency from the perimeter is still a major problem. Taylor connected on only 11 three pointers on the season, shooting 28.2% from deep, and converted only 32.4% of his total jump shots overall according to Synergy Sports Technology.

The lack of ability to make shots from the perimeter, and the hesitance to pull the trigger on open opportunities that those struggles cause, has an impact on what Taylor is able to do. Defenses are more than willing to sag off of Taylor, on both pick and rolls to close off driving lanes and also when Taylor is off the ball, causing congestion in the paint.

This is unfortunate, as Taylor is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and has a real knack for creating for others off the pick and roll. Despite struggling to keep defenders honest, Taylor still shows an ability to get into the paint almost at will, but driving and passing lanes would open up even more if defenders had to worry more about him as a shooter coming off of the pick.

Taylor's biggest threat when he does get into the lane is as a passer, where he has solid court vision and passing instincts, and was able to find both big men cutting to the basket or three point shooters stationed on the perimeter with ease.

In terms of his own offense, Taylor does have some physical limitations that hold him back somewhat, as he's not an incredibly explosive leaper in traffic and doesn't have the upper body strength to really play through contact. He also wasn't able to draw fouls at quite the same prolific rate that he did during his freshman season, as both his free throw rate (54.9% to 37.1%) and free throw attempts per 40 minutes pace adjusted (7.4 to 5.4) saw significant drops, although both are still good marks.

That being said, Taylor did improve his effectiveness finishing around the basket over the previous season, and has good touch around the hoop, particularly with his left hand, and a well-developed floater game that he uses to offset some of these limitations. Still, shooting 42% from 2-point range is not very encouraging for a point guard who is already a poor shooter from outside the paint, so showing progress in this area as a junior will be imperative.

On the defensive side of the court, Taylor's quickness is definitely an asset in his arsenal, as he combines his lateral mobility with good technique to keep even quicker guards in front of him. His profile once again presents some hurdles he'll have to overcome, however. Taylor struggles to fight through screens on the perimeter, and he'll frequently float off the ball looking for steals or to double down low, and struggles to get back and adequately contest a shot, an area where his average length (6'3.5” wingspan) doesn't help.

Taylor has a couple of attributes that are definitely intriguing as a prospect, namely his quickness, ability to get into the lane, and above-average passing feel. That being said, it's hard not to be a little bit disappointed in the lack of progress in a couple of areas that could become a real Achilles heal for him down the line. With NBA decision makers hyper-focused on floor spacing, there's less and less willingness to overlook guys who are non-shooters, and Taylor will have to show significant progress from the perimeter to really make the most of his talent this season, especially since he's turning 22 years old this upcoming summer, making him the same age as some of the players in the senior class."

All is in alignment between Berkeley and Moraga

Jeff Faraudo reports on California and St. Mary's at last getting together on the court this season.

Not sure why the change but sure wish coaches would take what the fans would like to see into greater consideration.

Ned lauded

From Eric Bossi after the Top 40 Showcase in Las Vegas this past weekend: "Combo forward Jonathan Ned was one of a nice contingent of Californians who rolled through. The 6-foot-6 sophomore at Brentwood (Calif.) Heritage is very good in transition where he can handle, pass and score. His shot looks good and much of his future from a position standpoint will be determined by how much he grows over the next few years."

Top-ranked talents 2015 Bay Area Competition Clinic

Dave Kiefer covered the September 12 2015 Bay Area Competition Clinic and here is his alphabetized beginning of the talents he evaluated:

 * 6'2" G Jimmy Beltz of Elliot Christian HS 2017 (Port City)
- Excellent shooter with deep range, quick release on catch and shoot. Needs to improve on driving against the closeout and finishing in the lane. Moves ok without the ball.

* 6'0" CG Jamaree Bouyea of Palma HS 2017 (Seaside's Finest)
- A combo guard with a calming presence, makes sure his team takes good shots. Looks to set up his team first, but can score inside and out at a high level when needed, finishes ok in transition. Active on defense, rebounds well for his position. 

* 6'1" G Terrell Brown of Moreau Catholic HS 2016 (Arsenal)
- Elite athlete. Fast, quick (nice burst) and fearless. Attacks the basket consistently without flash. Great in transition with or without the ball, good passer. Tremendous on-ball defender. Needs to work to become a more consistent shooter. Committed to San Jose State.

* 5'7" PG Tony Covington of Mt Eden HS 2017 (Independent #2)
- Lightning quick drive-and-kick point guard. Attacks in transition, uses variety of moves to break down defense and set up teammates, good passer. Needs to improve his outside shooting. Solid on-ball defender. Plays big! Very solid performance in this event...

Box of the LPC loss to SBVC

Courtesy of Dave Rogahn:

San Bernardino Valley College 55 - Las Positas College 48 (from Sunday)

Las Positas:
23-Giordi V'Soske, G - 0/1 fg, 0 pts
24-Cameron Moses, G - 3/5 fg, 8 pts
31-Darius Limbrick, F - 2/3 fg, 3 reb, 4 pts
32-Brandon Ebiogbodin, F - 0/2 fg, 2 reb, 0 pts
42-Shaun Rodgers, C - 0/1 fg, 5 reb, 2 stl, 0 pts
20-Ellis Salahuddin, G - 5/10 fg, 1/1 ft, 6 ast, 3 stl, 15 pts
25-Kameron Johnson, G - 2/5 fg, 0/1 ft, 3 reb, 2 ast, 4 pts
34-Keith Hunter, F - 1/1 fg, 1 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 3 pts
43-Teran Massengill, C - 0/1 fg, 4 reb, 1 stl, 0 pts
30-McKayle Harnell, F - 3/7 fg, 0/1 ft, 2 ast, 1 stl, 7 pts
41-Nick Merrill, C - 1/2 fg, 0/1 ft, 1 reb, 3 pts
21-Nilo Yuson, G - 2/3 fg, 2 ast, 4 pts

Totals: 19/41 fg (.463), 1/4 ft (.250), 23 reb, 13 ast, 0 blk, 7 stl, 48 pts

The Warriors, Jerry West and analytics

Diamond Leung talked with Jerry West who isn't a rabid fan of analytics. However, having an eye for judging talent and competitiveness plus accurate projection, what West sees is analytics of sorts, just not in numbers, if that makes any sense.

Former El Cerrito talent announcing Friday

Via Scott Burgess: "Findlay Prep (NV) 2016 SG Carlos Johnson @WITNESS_THIS23 will announce college choice Friday. Originally from Centralia, IL"

Leading the streak of Tigers is...

alleywhoops professes a basketball love affair with Pacific junior T.J. Wallace and seemingly rightly so.

Yep, he's a senior

Team Athlete Life had one of the best tweets ever. Hit this link for the original.

AAU be like "he only 16" 

This is screwy

Coach Mike Blaine tweeted: "It continues to baffle me how many recruits don't set up their voicemail. If you screen unknown calls, let them identify themselves on tape!"

If you can't be reached, you can't be recruited.

Getting to the core of coaching

George Raveling tweeted: "A coach/leader’s job is to help an individual or team get to a level that they cannot get to by themselves." 

There are a million and two of this genre of quotes but this one rings so true because it gets to the essence of coaching.

Meet Coach Michael Plank

Portland State Assistant Coach Michael Plank is in a category of his own: Renaissance Multi-Sport Man, specifically basketball. football, baseball and track. Add to that a display of the mindset, values and sense of humor that connects well with his fellow humans and it's no surprise he is a rising name in college coaching circles.

"I played a lot of sports in high school -- football, baseball, basketball and track," Plank, who grew up in Stockton, California recalled. "My coaches were very impactful and it was important for me to have those people in my life." Influential enough that he eventually entered that very profession.

But participating in one activity in particular stood out for him. "Basketball was the sport I played everyday as a kid, sunup to sundown. I also watched basketball on television and the Kings were good then with Mike Bibby, Vlade Divac and Chris Webber."

Then it was on to Willamette University in Salem, Oregon where he took to the court for four years as a point guard, the field for five at both quarterback and wide receiver (counting a redshirt season) and the diamond as an outfielder and shortstop.

While there, he also began coaching the Portland Hoop Kings (South) program, working with talents from Salem and Corvallis. Eventually, that encompassed leading such prospects as AJ Lapray (Pepperdine), Avry Holmes (Clemson), Jake Ehlers (Seattle Pacific) and Maximo Espitia (a linebacker at California). "I looked liked the coach of the year," Plank joked.

Post Willamette, Plank realized he wanted to enter the college coaching ranks. Certainly not for the money or the prestige, he entered the field as a hoops assistant at his alma mater beginning in 2008. "That's where I developed a lot of my relationships [in the college coaching ranks] because I met a lot of Dl, D2 and NAIA coaches, including current PSU Head Coach Tyler Geving." I also worked with the point guards in our dribble-drive system."

Always staying connected, he also landed a spot as an assistant to Head Coach Josh Erickson (a college teammate) with the Costa Rican Senior National Team. "I feel fortunate that I was invited to help train."

In 2012, Plank moved to being a Graduate Assistant at USF under Head Coach Rex Walters. That evolved into a promotion to video coordinator. But Plank wanted to get back on the court working with players and an offer to assist at Casper College in Wyoming proved too difficult to pass up. "I called a number of my coaching friends -- Travis DeCuire, Andy Hill, Doug Stewart, Rob Lanier -- talked with them and decided to pack up my NIssan Sentra."

So 2013 saw him in the second largest city in The Cowboy State at a national junior college program. After the season, Plank departed Casper for a graduate assistant position with Washington State's Ernie Kent but soon after faced a major decision. Two weeks into his job in Pullman, Portland State Coach Geving dialed him up and offered an assistant spot in The Rose City. Plank conferred with Kent and decided "Portland State was too good to pass up."

Now two years in and with such northern California talents as Armani (Stuart Hall High) Collins, Isaiah (Placer High/Sierra Junior College) Pineiro and De'Sean (Grant High/Salt Lake CC) Parsons on the Viking roster, Plank has demonstrated his recruiting bonafides.

Asked why he is a good assistant coach, Plank self-effacingly answered, "I don't know that I am yet." Detailing his method of operation, he offered "developing relationships at a high level, researching kids, their families and who they lean on." Once on campus, it's "staying on top of our guys, knowing where they will be Fridays and Saturdays and seeing a problem before it happens. I'm easy-going but assertive."

Regarding the future, Plank said, "my goal is to do such a good job where I'm at, helping in bringing success to where I'm at."

Consider this: just a few years beyond playing college basketball, he's already a resident of a D1 coaching staff. That's a remarkable advancement and with the best surely yet to come.

Tease to D.C.

2016 6-1 Antelope High point Kai Tease has committed to Howard University which is located in Washington D.C. He was first offered by the Bison about a month and a half ago. Howard plays in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Tease averaged 15.9 points per game as a junior and earned All Capital Valley Conference honors.

Iowa State commit Emmanuel Malou

From Yuba sophomore Emmanuel Malou: "Basketball has taken me to many different states in America, I'm happy to say that my next home will be Iowa State." 

Brad Winton tweeted: "Malou is a skilled 6'9 forward. Can score inside & out. Shoots the three, scores it in the low post, solid mid range game, handles it, etc."

He averaged 14.7 points on a team with four double-figure scorers as well as 8.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots a game but curiously didn't make the all state team. Malou was an all-conference honoree but not the MVP.

It appears he has the athleticism and talent to be a dominant force on the court and a must-focus-on for defenders -- let's see how this plays out in 2015-16.

Adam Zagoria offers more.

Stapes heading to the border

Noah Stapes has determined his college destination: "Blessed to say that I have committed to play ball at Point Loma."

Standing 6-foot-5 and out of St. Francis High, Stapes was a First Team All West Catholic Athletic League honoree as a junior.

Justin Argenal to CS Dominguez Hills

"Cal State Dominguez Hills interim men's basketball coach Steve Becker has announced the hiring of Justin Argenal as the program's top assistant. Argenal brings eight years of coaching experience to the Toros, and comes to Carson after one year as the assistant basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State where he was responsible for all day-to-day operations within the program.

Prior to his stint at SMS, Argenal spent 2013-14 at The Citadel where he was an assistant coach under Chuck Driesell after two seasons as director of basketball operations at Louisiana Tech.

In 2012-13, Louisiana Tech went 27-7 overall, earned the second-most wins in program history and posted a 16-2 record in Western Athletic Conference play. That season culminated in the Bulldogs first-ever regular season conference championship and a trip to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), where they advanced to the second round.

During a stretch from Dec. 17, 2012 to March 2, 2013, Louisiana Tech won a program record 18-consecutive games which marked the second-longest streak in NCAA Division I.

Argenal started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Mississippi. In his role at Ole Miss, he focused on academic success of student-athletes and implementation of individual workouts for offseason player development. Argenal was an instrumental part of the Rebels 2009-10 NIT Final Four staff.

After that, Argenal began his first stint at The Citadel in 2010-11, serving as the Bulldogs director of basketball operations.

A native of Lafayette, California, Argenal was a four-year team captain at Chico State, and is the school's all-time leader in steals and assists. He earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from CSUC in 2009 before completing his master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University (Irvine) in 2010.

Argenal's brother, Gus, is the head men's basketball coach at Cal State East Bay, an NCAA Division II school located in Hayward, California."

Las Positas in the Cal JUCO Jamboree

On Saturday, Las Positas College nabbed two opening victories in the California JUCO Jamboree down in southern California:

* LPC 68 - Imperial Valley College 38
* LPC 46 - Cypress College 43

Sunday wasn't as bountiful:

* San Bernardino Valley College 55 - LPC 48
* San Diego Mesa College 44 - LPC 31

Per Dave Rogahn about the SBVC matchup: "Ellis Salahuddin 15 pts 6 asts for LPC"  He's a 5-foot-11 point out of southern California.

A player noted in the Cal JUCO Jamboree

Sophomore John Sykes of Fresno City College opened some eyes with his play at the California JUCO Jamboree down in southern California.

Jim Jones: "Josh Sykes 6'8 most athletic kid I've seen in awhile with upside at Cerritos today."

Ronnie Flores: "6-8 Joshua Sykes really making an impression @ Freitas #JUCO event. Golden Valley of Merced/FCC product ultra athletic + loads of potential."

Zamora with two quick offers

Via YubaMen'sHoops, sophomore guard Jojo Zamora's recruitment is heating up:

"Yuba guard Jojo Zamora picks up another D1 offer from Middle Tennessee State today. Averaged 18, 4 and 4 as a frosh"

and

"Congrats to Jojo Zamora on another D1 offer from UTEP"

A Marin legend leaves the Drake High coaching box

Danny Schmidt reports that Doug Donnellan has stepped away from the Drake basketball program.

Bassett with big offers

Dontay Bassett: "Top 5 in no order, Florida, Colorado, Arkansas, Nebraska, Oregon State. God does amazing things."

Credit also should be given to Bassett, of the Oakland Rebels and Oldmar Christian HS FL, for getting himself into such a position.

Here's a September Corey Evans-written feature on Bassett.

Bassett was in Corvallis this weekend.

Yussef injured

Via a message board for Long Beach State basketball: "...I learned were Temi broke his right leg running on the track and is out 4 to six weeks..."

That's sophomore Temidayo (St. Joseph Notre Dame) Yussef who is in the running for a starting spot in the middle.

The Gaels wanting another Aussie

Via Olgan Ulac: "Australian 2017 G Angus Glover (@GloverAngus10) has offers from New Mexico, Saint Mary's and Boise St."

He looks like a 6-foot-3 scoring point who would provide a different look, at least size-wise, from Jordan Ford.

Sonoma State 4th Annual Coaches Clinic

SONOMA STATE 4TH ANNUAL COACHES CLINIC

The Sonoma State University Men's Basketball program invites all coaches, men and women, to attend the 4th Annual SSU Basketball Coaches Clinic. The event will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at the Wolves' Den on the campus of Sonoma State Unviersity. The clinic begins at 9:00 am.

The event is open to all coaches, from middle school and AAU to college, and will include on-the-court demonstrations and teachings by SSU head coach Pat Fuscaldo and members of the SSU basketball team, plus special guest speakers: Mike Dunlap (Loyola Marymount), Brian Katz (Sacramento State), Ed Madec (Fresno City College).

All speakers will include on-the-court demonstrations. Each speaker will focus on a specific aspect of the game as they discuss topics such as set plays and special situations, motion offense and breakdown drills, and match-up zone defense.

SPEAKERS:
* Mike Dunlap: Head Coach at Loyola Marymount University
* Brian Katz: Head Coach at Sacramento State University
* Ed Madec: Head Coach at Fresno City College
* Pat Fuscaldo: Head Coach at Sonoma State University

SCHEDULE AND TOPICS:
9:00 Mike Dunlap - Player Development
10:30 Brian Katz - Shooting
11:30 Pat Fuscaldo - 1-4 Offense
12:30 Lunch
1:15: Ed Madec - Building a Program
2:15: Mike Dunlap - Building a Culture

COST:
Early Bird: Before Sept. 20th: $55
After Sept 20th: $65
Staff Discount
Sign up 3 or more coaches for $50 each - promo code: Coach2015

Registration NOW!!
www.sonomaseawolves.com/coachesclinic

The Crusaders packing 'em in

Modesto Christian Basketball: "Adding to UOP, USF, Nevada, & Oregon State visits, we had Texas Tech, Kansas State, & Loyola Marymount come to MC practices."

Parking spots on and off Sisk Road must be getting difficult to find.

Oregon State previewed

Oregon State will be led by Gary Payton II and Langston Morris-Walker this season as Joel Welser/College Sports Madness previews. He writes:

"...The 6-3 senior guard averaged 13.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Payton is a tenacious defender, a solid all-around scorer and an absolute workhorse on both ends of the floor..." 

and

"...As a senior, Morris-Walker can be a leader too. He could be the team’s most prolific backcourt shooter, but did struggle at times last year in that department. If he knocks down more shots, this will be a pretty tough Oregon State team to defend..."

The latest on Team Rampage

"

The Team Rampage 14 and Under team went 2-1 in their first tournament this past weekend beating the Bay Area Stingers, and the San Francisco Rebels. Their only lost came against the East Bay Scholars by 2 points. Coach Bracy thinks the potential for the team is high, but they have a long way to go before they get to the level of play he expects them to play at."

2015 Bay Area Fall Classic

2015 Events by Select / 4th Annual "FALL CLASSIC"

  REGISTER 

SHOWTIME DUNK & GRANT HS DRUMLINE TO KICKOFF "CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY"

THIS EVENT WILL BE COVERED BY MID-MAJOR HOOPS REPORT
(NCAA CERTIFIED SCOUTING SERVICE)

SEPTEMBER 26-27 @ "JAMTOWN" (4 court facility) Jack London / 31 4th St / Oakland CA 94607 PLUS ADDITIONAL COLLEGE CAMPUS LOCATIONS

Media
CERTIFIED NCAA COMPLIANT SCOUTING SERVICE:
HS DIVISIONS / Same Day Social Media / Twitter & Facebook / Post Game Recaps @ www.MidMajorHoopsReport.com

COMMITTED ORGANIZATIONS:
- Team Select  - JAMTOWN  - SF Rebels  - Oakland Soldiers  - 1Team 1 Dream   - MVP Flight - Phenoms - Palo Alto Warriors - Orangemen - Team Elite - Top Flight Elite - EB Swag - Vision - Bay City - BA Mambas/Vipers - Pro City - Peak Basketball - BA Wolverines - Half Moon Bay - Team Pride - CA Ballaz - Warrior Elite - PLUS MANY MANY MORE

(9U-VAR BOYS & GIRLS / DIV 1 & DIV 2 / ALREADY 60+ TEAMS / DO NOT WAIT)

CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY:
All Championship games for all divisions will funnel into one HUB @ JAMTOWN for "CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY" which will feature SHOWTIME DUNK / GRANT HS DRUMLINE ~ MR V / MUSIC
GREAT AWARDS / MULTIPLE VENDORS / GREAT FOOD / MEDICAL TRAINER / ETC.
(CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY GIVES THIS EVENT A RARE VIBE UNLIKE ANY OTHER)

CONTACT / REGISTER:
RUBEN GARCIA / 925) 367-3912
info@TeamSelectbasketball.com
Team Select

"Foundation for Excellence; On the Court, in the Class Room, in Life"

Hitting Hayward

From Frank Knight: "Oregon State, Nevada and the University of Pacific on campus today at Moreau Catholic for our open gym."

Catch a lot of prospects all at once.

A pair of Nor Cal-ers at Northridge

Two northern California talents are listed on the 2015-16 Cal State Northridge roster although just one will take to the court this season.

6-foot-5 junior Darin (Sheldon High) Johnson is redshirting after transferring from Washington.

6-foot-3 junior Kendall (Deer Valley High) Smith moved in after leaving UNLV last January and will be eligible the same month in 2016.

The 2015 North Bay Basketball Academy Classic

Here's the link to register for the 2015 North Bay Basketball Classic which is taking place on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.

Divisions: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, JV, and Varsity Developmental and Competitive Divisions

SITES: High school & middle school gyms throughout Marin County.

ENTRY FEE: $300 per team for 1 or 2 teams, $275 per team for 3 to 5 teams,
$250 per team for 6 or more teams

Payment can be made through online registration, check, money order, or cashier's check payable to NBBA.

The tourney will have at least two divisions in each grade level and we expect to sell out at 124 teams. Saturday games begin at 8:30 am, last game at 5:30 pm. Sunday games begin at 8:30 am, last game at 3:30 pm.

Three game guarantee.

2014 TEAMS: Albany Crush, ASA, Bay City, East Bay Celtics, Express, Fairfield Ballers, FTS Saints, HBC Heat, NCP, NorCal Fastbreak, Orangemen, SJ Thunderbirds, Renegades, SF Champions, Sonoma County Cagers, Stockton Hoops, South Bay Panthers, South Bay Spin, Triple Threat

OFFICIALS: College and high school certified officials.

REGISTRATION: Register by Oct 25 (Last year's tourney sold out by October 10)

ADMISSION: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors (60+), $5.00 for children (5-17)

INFORMATION: Rick Winter (415) 244-3863 rick@northbaybasketballacademy.com

Manteca drawing major college interest

Per Manteca Basketball: "Thanks to: UNR, UCSB, UC Davis, Sac State, Cal Poly, Fresno State, Grand Canyon, USF, Louisiana-Lafayette all stopping in this week!"

Thanks to what is probably a once in a lifetime front line. It will be fascinating to watch this team play.

Notre Dame de Namur with four newbies

"The Notre Dame de Namur men's basketball program and head coach George Puou have announced the signing of four student-athletes for the upcoming season.  The Argonauts welcome three transfers and a freshman to a squad returning three starters and five of their top six scorers from last season. 

Junior College transfers Johnny Howard, Tre'Shawn King-Dunbar and Brian Ying as well as freshman Kevin Dent II will look to make an immediate impact for NDNU this season. 

Howard, a 6-4 guard from Grand Terrace, California comes to Argos from Barstow College where he earned Honorable Mention All-State and First Team All-Foothill Conference.  He averaged 16.9 points per game for the season, including 20.1 points in conference play while adding 5.8 rebounds.  Prior to Barstow, Howard played a year at College of the Desert where he earned All-Conference honors as a freshman. 

"Johnny is going to be a big addition in the scoring department for us." Puou said.  "He has a maturity to his game that we need on our team and we are looking for him to be an impact player for us!

"Johnny is going to be a big addition in the scoring department for us." Puou said.  "He has a maturity to his game that we need on our team and we are looking for him to be an impact player for us!

King-Dunbar, a 6-2 point guard from Anchorage, Alaska spent last season at West Hills College.  He averaged 6.3 points per game while leading the team with 4.6 assists.  King-Dunbar also grabbed 3.6 rebounds and averaged 1.3 steals. 

"Tre will be a big help quarterbacking the team from the point guard spot."  Puou said.  "He will be a good leader for us, a great defender."

Ying, a 6-8 forward from Fresno comes to NDNU after spending two years at Reedley College.  He averaged 6.6 points per game with 5.0 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field.

"We are looking for Brian to be that perimeter forward that can help stretch the defense."  Puou said. "He has guard skills and good size."

Dent II, a 6-4 guard from West Campus High School in Sacramento earned All-League honors as a senior after averaging 17.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.  He was named to three All-Tournament teams during his career and was Honorable Mention All-Metro. 

"We are really excited about Kevin.  He's young wing with a lot ability and size and has a huge upside." Puou said.  "He will need some time to develop and learn the college game but we are really excited to watch him grow as a player."