Nor Cal Basketball has moved to a new website located at: http://kevindmccarthy.com/bb/wp .
At our new website, the content is divided into two areas: the Daily Dose and Premium Content. The Daily Dose will continue with our tradition of posting news items and articles I find while scouring the Internet without charge just as before. The Premium Content section will feature more in-depth player and coach interviews and require a nominal subscription. You may subscribe to the Premium Content at http://kevindmccarthy.com/bb/wp/subscribe/ .
Should you have any questions or concerns, I hope you will contact me at: https://tinyurl.com/norcalbb2 .
Kevin McCarthy
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Monday, May 15, 2017
Osayande is the Positive Example
During this time within the basketball world where player movement in high school and college captures so much attention, Benson Osayande is the ultimate anachronism. His hoops résumé is one of commitment and loyalty: one high school (Franklin High), a single travel team (Team Sage), a solitary community college program (Casper College) and a sole four-year school (Montana State).
How so? Attribute this to a combination of his personal character plus the decision-making process utilized by the 6-foot-9 talent.
It all began with Team Sage out of Sacramento, a travel squad albeit with an emphasis on academics. “Coach Wornel Simpson saw me playing in a middle school tournament. We talked afterwards and just clicked. My parents loved the organization and Coach Simpson. He took care of me for four or five years.”
Here’s Benson Osayande Sr. on the Team Sage experience: “I liked the goal setting by Coach Wornel that all his scholar-athletes were expected to maintain at least a 3.30 grade average throughout the academic school year. Benson maintained 3.50 and above throughout. In addition to academics, Team Sage enhances its players’ social accountability. Team Sage provided educationa
l tools and training to its student-athletes such as tutoring, peer and professional mentoring, educational workshops and more.
l tools and training to its student-athletes such as tutoring, peer and professional mentoring, educational workshops and more.
This was also the time Osayande was attending Franklin High in Elk Grove and playing for Coach Jesse Formaker.
Osayande chose to attend Casper College in Wyoming, a program headed by Coach Dan Russell. “A lot of California JCs were after me but one of the coaches at Nevada knew of the program at Casper and recommended it. I took an official visit in March with my parents and made my decision to go there about a month later.”
Why the Thunderbirds? “I liked the coaches and the environment, my overall role and fit thet they had the major was looking for.”
“My wife and I went to Casper College with Benson during his official visit just to know the town, see the school, discuss with the academic advisor and meet the coaches,” Osayande Sr. recalled. “Ultimately, the decision as to where he went was his since he was the one who would have to live there for the next two years.”
Experiencing daily life similar to that of a four-year school, Osayande resided in a dorm and and was provided with three meals a day in a campus cafeteria.
One interesting element to the Casper program involved community support. “You live in the dorms but each player has a host family. You could go visit them and hang out, watch TV, play with the kids and they would also provide some meals.”
About the notorious weather (at least in winter time), he offered, “it was windy and snowed a lot but you get used to it.”
This was a decision Osayande made on his own as his parents felt he was experienced enough to do so.
Again, Osayande Sr: “We had no concern about Benson being in Casper, Wyoming or Bozeman, Montana. While still in Casper College and before he told us, Benson signed with Montana State. I told Benson he is an adult so he should be making decisions for himself.”
In 31 games this season, Osayande averaged 12.9 minutes, 4.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and shot 54% overall, 71% on free throws. His boardplay broke down with 35 at the offensive end and 48 defensively. About that, he explained, “I just have a knack for the ball on the offensive end. If it’s a three-point shot, I expect a long rebound and position myself outside the key. If a shot is taken from the left side, I position myself on the right side.
What’s next for him in Bozeman? “I’m working on my game, putting on some pounds and continuing to get better.”
What’s next for him in Bozeman? “I’m working on my game, putting on some pounds and continuing to get better.”
His recruiting advice to high school upperclassmen? “Don’t rush your decision. By your senior year, know who really is recruiting you and who wants you the most. Don’t choose the biggest name just because it’s the biggest. You want the best for you.”
Here’s Coach Haslam on the returning senior big: “Benson has been such a great addition to our program here at Montana State both on and off the court. We are excited about his improvement this year and are expecting him to have a great senior year.”
Stallworth experiencing aloha
Yuba College guard Jaaron Stallworth is visiting Hawaii and Brian McInnis has the details.
Woods puts pen to paper
Kimble with an official suitor
Davis Kimble: "Blessed to revive my first offer from the University of Alaska Fairbanks"
The 6-foot sophomore guard out of Hayward High averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.3 steals for Cañada College this season.
The 6-foot sophomore guard out of Hayward High averaged 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.3 steals for Cañada College this season.
UC Davis offers a 2019 point
Gerry Freitas: "The League: Jovan Blacksher 5'11 pt gd (2019) of Shadow Mtn HS (AZ) & Compton Magic offers: Northridge, UC Davis, N Dakota, Nor Colorado, Fresno"
Don't forget
Get your behind prepared for some serious sitdown.
Morgan returning home
Per Verbal Commits, guard Malik Morgan is transferring from Humboldt State to Western Oregon University.
He's originally from the Beaver State
He's originally from the Beaver State
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Sidhu signs with the Keelhaulers
Jason Hitt: "Elliot's Onkar Sidhu officially signs with CalMaritime today! So excited for my little brother!"
Cameron Niven to the Urban Knights
Ohlone College Men's Basketball: "Earlier this week, Renegade Sophomore Post Cameron Niven from Castro Valley signed his National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Academy of Art University (D-2) in San Francisco. We wish Cameron the best of luck for his final two years in the PAC West Conference!!"
Standing 6-foot-8, 240, he played for the NorCal Jump Squad and Castro Valley High.
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