Will Davis down to two

Pete Hutchins, the coach at New Hampton School, recently tweeted this:

PF Will Davis is down to Delaware and UC-Irvine

Davis, formerly of Sac High, spent this season back in New Hampshire at prep school. 

Two items today

Here's Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee with a basketball recruiting update on the departing sophomores at Yuba College.

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The Bee's John Schumacher writes a bit about the UC Davis search for a new basketball coach. We have a bit different take in that we're calling it the hoops version of "Waiting For Godot" -- the current Davis players need to know ASAP if the next coach wants to retain them as basketball scholarship openings elsewhere are being filled.

Merritt's Richard Walker makes it official

From the Prarie View site, comes this name among the list of signees:

Richard Walker
Forward
6-7 - 190 - Junior, J.C.
Atlanta, Ga. - Merritt College (Calif.)
Finished as the third-leading rebounder on the team and 10^th in the Bay Valley Conference with 7.1 boards per game…shot 46 percent from the field and tallied 26 blocked shots.

Chabot's Jourdan (Castro Valley High) DeMuynck signs

At the Chabot College basketball site, this has been announced:

Jourdan DeMuynck has signed D1 to Prairie View A&M!
4/27/11

Chabot sophomore guard Jourdan DeMuynck has officially signed his NLI to Prairie View A&M today. DeMuynck had a great career at Chabot which was capped off with him earning All-State Honorable Mention honors. DeMuynck was also awarded First Team All-Conference, and was the 2nd leading scorer in the states toughest conference with his 18 ppg in conference play. For the season DeMuynck filled the stat sheet with averages of 15 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.5 steals. Jourdan's career high came in a win versus Ohlone College where he poured in 30 points.

The Panthers of Prairie View A&M is an NCAA Division 1 basketball program located in Prairie View, Texas, which is just outside of Houston. They compete in the SWAC and are looking for Jourdan to be an immediate impact player. Jourdan chose Prairie View A&M over a handful of other D1 schools. Congratulations to Jourdan DeMuynck on his decision!

Stay tuned for more D1 signings in the coming weeks.....

The Damian Lillard videos (must see)

Damian Lillard came out of Oakland High a few years back and quickly earned Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year and First Team All Conference honors in his initial season at Weber State.

The next season, it was the Big Sky Conference MVP crown.

In 2010-2011, a foot injury after participating in just nine games cut short his collection of awards.

But in a brilliant move, an idea that originated in the commissioner's office of the Big Sky Conference, Lillard was given a camera and the "Life With Lillard" (our title) videography series began.

Episode One

Episode Two

Episode Three

Episode Four

By the way, former McClymonds star Frank Otis is finishing up a redshirt season at Weber State and will be back on the court come the 2011-2012 go-around.

Plus, Davion Berry, the former Hayward High star, is now also headed to Ogden, Utah.

The success of Lillard was certainly a lure for Otis and Berry. He was the pioneer, establishing that saying yes to Coach Randy Rahe and Weber State offered a viable path towards allowing one's talent to blossom.

But it's been a two-way street because, since Lillard's arrival, the Wildcats have gone 21-10 and 20-11, before this season's 18-14 during his absence.

Patrick Lacey -- Claremont McKenna to Intel

Bill Paterson reports on a former Sacto area prepster -- Patrick Lacey -- who enjoyed his college ball experience and is now moving into the business world.

Checking in on the Oakland Kings

We didn't know Oakland had become a monarchy but the Oakland Kings zipping through the competition recently in Vegas is a royal accomplishment.

OAKLAND KINGS BASKETBALL

Kings win Las Vegas Easter Shootout – Zamora and Vermeer named MVPs

The Oakland Kings won the 16U elite division of the Las Vegas Easter Shootout April 23, 2011 in Las Vegas. The Kings went undefeated (6-0) over two days of play facing elite AAU travel teams from Arizona, Utah and Nevada. The Kings defeated the Las Vegas Prospects, a fully sponsored Adidas squad and a nationally ranked travel team, in the final game to take the championship. The tournament win earned the Kings a national ranking at #21. 

JoJo Zamora and Grant Vermeer were named Tournament Co-MVPs. Each had outstanding overall tournaments but they distinguished themselves with extraordinary shooting beyond the arc. Both had games in which they made seven treys respectively. Zamora is a 5-foot-9 extremely quick backcourter out of Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo. Vermeer is a versatile 6-foot-1 guard who plays for Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose during the high school season. Both are sophomores (class of 2013) with huge upsides.

Jo'saf Zamora

Grant Vermeer

The Oakland Kings, with a roster made up of mostly underclassmen from some of the finest high school basketball teams in the Bay Area, are one of the best AAU basketball teams in Northern California. They are coached by former Fresno State standout and professional basketball player Darnell McCulloch.

A look at the City College of San Francisco players moving on

Fresh off a California state championship, City College of San Francisco Coach Justin Labagh has seen a number of his current players recently enjoy the fruits of their labors -- earning basketball scholarships.

Previously announced was De'End (Lincoln High) Parker heading to UCLA. With junior backcourter Malcolm Lee situating himself in the NBA draft, the opportunity for playing time will certainly be present for Parker and he possesses the skills set and the body to do well immediately.

But before all that plays out, it's important to both understand and appreciate that we are talking about someone coming out of the AAA basketball ranks and from San Francisco to boot, nabbing a scholarship to play in one of very top programs in the country. For anyone unimpressed about such an accomplishment, well, hopefully someone will check for your pulse and soon.

For the old-timers and the not-so-old who read this: has anyone else with these so-called 'bloodlines' accomplished something similar?

Jonathan (Kennedy High - Richmond) Williams elected to cross the country and play at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY. But that leaves out the story behind the story, or the backstory if you prefer. At a basketball camp back east long ago, Williams connected with the Hurley family of New Jersey hoops fame and, per Labagh, actually came close to attending St. Anthony High (Jersey City, NJ) and playing for now Hall of Fame Coach Bob Hurley. Williams now will be mentored by brothers Dan (head coach) and Bob Hurley (assistant coach and the former Dookie) who run the Wagner basketball program. The Seahawks play in the Northeast Conference.

Collin (Archbishop Mitty High) Chiverton is still undecided as recruiting interest in him has been displayed by Nebraska, Texas Tech, Eastern Washington and Gardner Webb.

High-flying Fred Sturdivant was born in The City, left just before high school for Tennessee but came back here to play JC ball as a sophomore and now is headed to Coach Tony Harvey's Texas Southern hoops program in Houston. He was the CCSF fan favorite and one of very few players ever who was on a championship team both years of his community college tenure (he also won one while at Walters State College in Tennessee as a freshman).

Darryl (Sacred Heart Cathedral) Cooper looks set to be at Lethbridge College, in Alberta, Canada, next season. He'll be playing for Coach Skouson Harker.

That's a ton of talent departing but rebuild isn't in the CCSF basketball vocabulary. Reload, yes. In a few months, we should know the 2011-2012 roster for the Rams.

More hardware for Aaron Gordon

Alex Pavlovic writes about a familial and local connection to a certain state basketball award.

A little more on Casey Arent

Based on this tweet from Jeff Goodman, Sierra College's Casey Arent may end up as the lone 'real' big for new Sooner Coach Lon Kruger:

Oklahoma 6-foot-9 signee Robert Goff has been released from his letter of intent, Hutchinson JC assistant Ryan Freeberg told FOXSports.com.

Also, here's an article from OK.com in which Arent's strengths are laid out and the young man is also quoted. 

This is a treat -- must reading for all recruits, would-be recruits and parents

The following is courtesy of Philippe Doherty, he of the Bay Area Hoosiers and also a former assistant coach at USF. Call it the authoritative questionnaire -- a visual comparative worksheet -- for succeeding in the recruiting process:

Take out a sheet of paper and write three big columns down.

On the left hand column list these 35 things:

* Head Coach - Strong?
* Experience of Head Coach (Pro and College)?
* Aptitude of Head Coach?
* Head Coach Honesty?
* Attitude of Program?
* What has Coach accomplished in the years he has been there?
* Can the team win league?
* Can the team make post-season?
* Can you play early?
* Will you develop - how fast?
* Will you be challenged?
* How are the type of players in the program?
* What do the players feel?
* Where is program headed?
* Environment?
* Academics?
* Major choice?
* School Location?
* Do players graduate in that program?
* Where do the players have jobs afterwards?
* School Alumni base - how big is it?
* What was the AD like?
* Is there a strength coach?
* Is there a nutrition program?
* What is the academic support like?
* If you get hurt is your scholarship honored?
* Can you take summer school before frosh year?
* Can you take summer school in other years?
* What is the housing situation like?
* How many years left on Head Coach Contract?
* Are there NBA teams in close proximity?
* What are the players in the previous recruiting class?
* What are the players in your recruiting class?
* Is there a trend of players transferring from the program?
* Style of play?
* Can your family see you play?
* How many teams in the conference are near your home town so family can support?

Then take a pen and write which school is better in that area and mark it down.

Davion Berry to Weber State

Former Hayward High star Davion Berry, who has torn up the California Collegiate Athletic Association the last two seasons with his scoring for Cal State Monterey Bay, has transferred to Weber State of the Big Sky Conference. He'll be joining former Oakland High backcourter Damian Lillard and forward Frank Otis, who played at McClymonds High.

A Chico State recruiting mention

Melvin Grussing at his excellent Antelope Valley College basketball site writes about 6-foot-5 Gary Winfield and the host of schools showing interest, Chico State among them. Winfield is an in-the-paint talent who is built like Charles Atlas (for you old timers).

Yuba's Julian Scott signs

Yuba College Coach Doug Cornelius keeps churning out players heading to D-1, with Julian Scott the latest.

"Southern Utah basketball coach Roger Reid announced on April 25 that he has signed Julian Scott, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward from Marysville, Calif.

Scott, 235 pounds, was an all-Bay Valley Conference performer at Yuba College last season, averaging 12.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His team went 25-6 and won the conference championship. He shot 58;6 percent from the field and averaged more than an assist a game. Scott prepped at Inderkum High in Sacramento"

Here's the Appeal-Democrat with additional information.

Quality Education Academy

Just the name itself raises eyebrows: Quality Education Academy. Hey if you are, then there's no need to emblazon it as your name or title. We're posting this because the article features the school Josiah Turner transferred to after departing Sacramento High. Form your own opinions after reading the article.

Growing hoops program in North Carolina raising NCAA eyebrows over school's 'Quality'
Kevin Armstrong
New York Daily News
April 24, 2011

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - There is one game-worn jersey hanging from the rafters of the windowless gym inside the Quality Education Academy on the last Wednesday in February. It is emblazoned with the No. 10 on its front and belongs to Jason Calliste, a sophomore guard at the University of Detroit. Basketball coach Isaac Pitts hopes it is the first of what will be a laundry line of former Fighting Pharaohs.

"We'll have two St. John's jerseys hanging there next season," says Pitts, a heavyset 48-year-old with a bald head and booming voice.

That prophecy by Pitts, a convicted felon with a criminal record that reaches back two decades, will go unfulfilled. On Wednesday, St. John's released Dwight Meikle, a 6-6 wing, from his national letter of intent, citing a mutual agreement between Meikle and the school. Like teammate Sir'Dominic Pointer, an elastic guard from Detroit, Meikle enrolled at Quality, a state-funded co-ed charter school of 75 students and six teachers, in search of improved grades, and committed to St. John's as part of a heralded recruiting class. Both recognize there is academic work to be done...

Go here for the remainder.

Liked this column

There's also respect for the game -- the latter of which nobody is bigger than.

You Want Respect? You Have to Earn Respect...Straight Up!
Duke Pryor
April 20, 2011

Most of you are sitting around with your chest out right now thinking U DA MAN. And some of you are sitting around wondering why you get NO respect. Is it the way you act? Is it the way you carry yourself? Are you willing to make a sacrifice to earn your respect?

Go here for the remainder.

This is confounding but informative

We don't subscribe to the adage that all publicity is good publicity (Donald Trump, are you listening? Of course not) but here's an article which includes writeups on some Bay Area talents (Oakland Soldiers in particular) but something went a bit haywire in the posting. So forget the high schools listed for the players plus Dom Artis' bit is also messed up.

It's from Phil Kasiecki at the Hoopville site and about the northern CA locals he watched play in the recent Nike EYBL in Virginia:

* Dominic Artis (6’5″ Jr. SF, Vallejo (CA) Bob Jones HS) A fine wing player who flew a little under the radar on a loaded team, he attacked often and also did a nice job passing the ball as he had good assist totals. He’s athletic and got to the basket often and helped his team go 5-0 here.

* Brandon Ashley (6’8″ Jr. PF, Dublin (CA) Sumter HS) In a Saturday game, he wasn’t the biggest factor in the first half, but looked more like himself in the second as he got out in transition and was very aggressive on the boards. He scored off stickbacks and showed an improving perimeter game, and his body is maturing as well. Big-time prospect.

* Jabari Bird (6’6″ Jr. SF, Vallejo (CA) Prattville HS) Athletic wing started out well on Friday with a 20-point outing on 7-9 shooting, and he got to the free throw line a fair amount over the weekend. On Saturday, we didn’t see him have his best game, as he struggled shooting and had six turnovers. More of a scorer than a shooter, he finished well, and as his body isn’t there yet, he certainly has good potential.

* Aaron Gordon (6’9″ Jr. PF, San Jose (CA) Russellville HS) A live body, he was very active and a big factor in a Saturday win for his team. He was a big presence on the glass, as he tied for third in rebounding, and also blocked some shots. As if that’s not enough, he also led the fast break a couple of times and has above-average ball skills for his position to go with some length, and his body isn’t there yet. High-major prospect.

* Richard Longrus (6’5″ Jr. SG-SF, Fremont (CA) Central Park HS) Athletic wing has a good body and had a nice weekend here. He scored well, reaching double figures several times, and rebounded well from the wing, finishing with a nice double-double of 17 points (on 7-9 shooting) and 10 rebounds in the last game. He hit from long range, but more often from driving, and he also drew contact well when he got in the lane.

A HS and a JC note

Joe Davidson reports that Sierra College big Casey Arent has given a verbal to Oklahoma. Sam Duren covers the same territory.

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ESPN RISE has named its prep players of the year, with two northern California players -- junior Brandon Ashley and sophomore Aaron Gordon -- receiving honors.

Here's a bit more on Kiwi Gardner and Providence

This is somewhat brief and the extended article requires a subscription but enjoy what is available here on Kiwi Gardner's commit to Providence.

DA lands third offer

Salesian High and Oakland Soldier point Dominic Artis has received his third basketball scholarship offer. The 2012 backcourter received his initial invite from Nevada a few weeks ago, then Washington State, and now Cal's Mike Montgomery just extended. That's one from the Mountain West and a pair from the PAC-12 conferences.

Congrats to the Bay Shore Athletic League most valuable player.

Any guessing on who else joins the beginning-to-be-a-crowd in pursuit once DA is out and about this summer?

Check out a couple of Phil Handy/Anthony Eggleton training videos

This Phil Handy and Anthony Eggleton video runs 7:48.

This one runs 8:21.

If these don't get you excited, it's time to order the headstone.

Casey Arent visiting Oklahoma

Former Del Oro High and current Sierra College big Casey Arent was on a visit to the Oklahoma campus Thursday. Here's a note on the 6-foot-10 young man courtesy of the OUHoops site (scroll down to the second item).

A Will Davis update

New Hampton Coach Pete Hutchins tweeted this:

"Sacramento native, New Hampton forward Will Davis, is on his way back to CA for an official visit at UC-Irvine"

Davis played at Sacramento High and just finished a prep season back in New Hampshire.

News on Ikenna Iroegbu

Caught this tweet by Josh Gerson:

"2013's Ikenna Iroegbu, one of the West Coast's top point guards in that class, took an unofficial visit to USC today"

Here's an ESPN evaluation of the young man.

Bob Cantu withdraws from UC Davis consideration

Here's the note.

Was it the leeeennnnngthy time it is taking for a decision or did he somehow find out he wasn't truly in the running?

Kiwi goes Big East

Kiwi Gardner has made it official. Gotta believe he starts from Day One. Providence has a new coach and a new system and probably a relatively new roster come 2011-2012. Went 4-14 in conference.

One piece of unsolicited advice to KG: do your thing but simultaneously respect the game.

Identifying talent

So who has the scoop on this talent? Goes east and west pretty well with the ball, not sure about north and south. Is he 2011 or 2012?

A few HS & College basketball notes

Michael Coit has the scoop on the new boys basketball coach at Santa Rosa High.

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Jimmy Durkin writes about honors for Brandon Ashley and Brendan Keane, plus the statewide accolades.

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Former Salesian High baller Kenneth Farr, now at Cal State East Bay, has been honored with a scholarship for his off-the-court actions.

A Kiwi Gardner update or not?

From Jeff Borzello's Twitter account: Re: Kiwi Gardner signing with Providence tomorrow, Westwind coach Gary Trousdale tells me: "No but they are number one on his list."

Gary Trousdale is the head coach at Westwind Prep.

Joel Francisco on Jabari Brown

ESPN's Joel Francisco writes about the top 2011 seniors in the West, including this on Oakland High's Jabari Brown:

"Oregon needs a talent influx and it has one coming in the sweet shooting Brown. He needs to get better with the ball and make a more concerted effort at the defensive end, but he'll make an immediate impact due to his shooting prowess"

Some recognition for De'End Parker.

CCSF's De'End Parker (at #4) receives some major love from JucoRecruiting.com's Brad Winton.

Not NorCal related but still funny

You're 20 and a 55-year-old catches up with you and takes you down?

We don't know Hutchinson Community College Coach Steve Eck but he must be in great shape based on this.

The street cred of the suspect has to be at rock bottom at the moment. Consider another inmate asking him: "how'd you end up here"? and the answer being "an old man chased me down and tackled me"

Note: using the term 'old man' is not a pejorative since I am older than Coach Eck.

A Wendell McKines feature video

Here is a 10+ minute video featuring New Mexico State senior-to-be Wendell McKines. The former Richmond High star sat out this past season due to a broken foot.

Quinton Watkins to a northern California school

Per Jeff Davis, Fresno City College's Quinton Watkins is departing after a season to "take his talents to an NCAA Division II at a school in Northern California."

The 6-foot-4 high-scoring Watkins was featured earlier in another Davis article.

So which school is it? Chico State? Humboldt State? Sonoma State? Cal State Stanislaus?

Foothill College lands a big

Caught on the 'net that 7-foot-1, 240 pound  Thamos Thodos, out of Greece and most recently at Lee Academy in Maine, is enrolled at Foothill College.

Thodos signed a letter-of-intent in November with UC Irvine. From this article, Irvine Coach Russell Turner offered this quote at the time: "Thanos has great hands, impressive basketball IQ and the aggressive mentality I look for in young big players. He is very long, with a 7'5" wingspan and he has the potential to become a difference maker for us inside as he matures physically."

Here's an undated ESPN evaluation.

Foothill Coach Shanan Rosenberg knew Turner and Assistant Coach Doug Oliver from the pair's days just up the road at Stanford. A year or two in Los Altos will give Thodos the opportunity to work on both his body and his game.

Ota Okungbowa to the Bay Area for college

Bill Paterson reports that Monterey Trails backcourter Ota Okungbowa is headed to the Bay Area -- the east side -- for college.

Will Davis on a visit this weekend

Here's Coach Coach Pete Hutchins on Will Davis, the former Sacramento High star who spent a year at New Hampton School in New Hampshire:

"New Hampton 2011 Forward Will Davis will head to Delaware today for an official visit. He went to UNCG last weekend"

Julian Welch becomes a Gopher

Julian Welch has made it official with a signed LOI -- he's heading from Yuba College to Minnesota next season to play for Coach Tubby Smith.

There's a lesson to be learned here

This article is about a New York City young man but contains universal applicability. That is, we usually have no clue about the background of a player -- what their life has been like -- and yet we utilize the black versus white, good versus evil broad stroke of typical fandom when cheering and booing, even at the high school level. Sometimes, it should all be the former despite the color of a uniform.

Justin Young on competitiveness and American youth basketball

Justin Young has an article up today on the subject of U.S. basketball competitiveness and it entails many factors, including the playing versus practicing argument and turning-it-on at the tip off versus going hard all the time. Do read it.

It's the 'practice how you play, play how you practice' conundrum but, simply put, the best are at it all the time.

All sorts of basketball items and notes

Rivals' Jerry Meyers just posted this on Archbishop Mitty/Oakland Soldier Aaron Gordon:

"We knew this five-star prospect was good, but we didn't know he was this good. A high level athlete, Gordon is a rebounder and inside scoring threat but also much more. His ball-handling was outstanding and he continually made positive plays in the open court. The ceiling for Gordon as a prospect is extremely high."

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Jon Gold covers the UCLA signing of CCSF's De'End Parker.

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Scott Wolf covers the USC signing of Eureka High's Greg Allen, who is finishing up at Navarro College in Texas.

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From Gerry Freitas' recent 2011 So Cal Hoops review, comes these northern CA names (it's a partial list so go here for more):

Mike Best 6’10” C 2011 Terra Linda HS (Lakeshow Black) An athletic post that scores the ball and blocks a lot of shots. Needs physical strength.

Jalen Dupree 6’0” PG 2012 Vallejo HS (Davis Wildcats) Athletic point guard that penetrates and creates for others. Sees the floor well.

Mike Harris 6’4” SF/PF 2011 Monte Vista HS (Lakeshow Seniors) A strong left handed combo forward that can inside and outside. He is strong and can drive it and shoot it and is a solid rebounder.

Bobby Johnson 6’8” C/PF 2011 Castlemont HS (NorCal Pump N Run 17) Strong, physical post.  Plays through contact, and draws a lot of fouls.  Ok athlete with deceptive quickness. Showed the ability to drive from high post.  Good rebounder.

Tajai Johnson 6’2” SG/SF 2012 Vallejo HS (Team Superstar 17) Real athletic wing with a nice burst of speed. Makes plays in transition, good driver, real good rebounder, shot is improving.

Theo Johnson 6’6” PF/SF 2012 Franklin HS (Team Superstar 17) Very athletic combo forward, nice one-bounce drive, capable post up player, solid rebounder. Really stepped it up in this event.

Erik Kenny 6’3” SF 2012 Sacramento HS (Play Hard Play Smart Elite) Big time athlete that is always at the rim. Can handle and pass, shoots it ok and is a real good rebounder.

Justin Argenal in at Louisiana Tech

It's official: former De La Salle and Chico State basketballer Justin Argenal is indeed on the staff of new Coach Mike White at Louisiana Tech.

Remember Festus Ezeli?

Here's a March 2010 article on Festus Ezeli, a phantom name and figure up Yuba way. He never played for Yuba College Coach Cornelius but the young man certainly learned from his tutelage.We recall seeing Ezeli play club team ball and wondering about his background -- now we know.

Santa Rosa JC backcourter to Pacific

Lorenzo McCloud, a 6-foot sophomore guard straight outa Compton, has signed a letter-of-intent with Pacific. From the school's athletics site:

[McCloud] spent last season at Santa Rosa Junior College, earning First Team All-State and First Team All-Big 8 Conference honors as a sophomore. In 2010-11, he led the Bear Cubs to a record of 22-9 and a second place finish in the Big 8 Conference with a mark of 10-4. Lorenzo led the team with 18.2 points and 3.8 assists per game. He made a team-best 173 free throws, hitting 80.8 percent from the line. Scoring 565 points on the season, he had nine games with at least 25 points. Lorenzo scored a career-high 30 points twice last year, against Feather River College on Dec. 17 and Delta College on Jan. 18. As a freshman, McCloud played at Panola JC in Carthridge, Texas. He scored 9.5 points a game and grabbed 3.8 rebounds per contest for the Ponies. Lorenzo prepped at Compton High School, in his hometown.   

"Lorenzo is an explosive point guard that can score, pass and lead," said Thomason. "He is very fast and has the ability to make his teammates better. I couldn't be more happy to have Lorenzo become a Tiger."

"I chose to attend University of the Pacific because it has great academics, which will serve me well in my life after basketball," said McCloud. "After talking to coach Thomason and coach Verlin, I believe it's the place where I will be able to grow as a person, not just as a basketball player. The visit my family and I had with coach Thomason was great. My mother and sister really trust and believe that it will be a great fit for me. Coach Thomason has seen many different types of players and knows what it takes to become a great player, which is what I'm striving to become. Getting the opportunity to play for Coach Thomason and his coaching staff at Pacific is just a blessing and I thank God for that. I really believe that it's going to be an exciting two years playing at Pacific. With the confidence that coach Thomason has in his players, it allows us to go out there and give it our all every time we step out on the floor. I believe we have a great chance to win, and be a part of greatness."

Back in November, Tiger Coach Bob Thomason signed 6-foot-10 center Las Positas College center Tim Thomas.

ESPN's Joel Francisco on a pair of Sacto area prepsters

Here's ESPN's Joel Francisco on two Sacramento area basketballers he observed in a southern California tournament this past weekend:

"Play Hard Play Smart have a handful of eye-catching prospects in 6-5 Dakari Allen (Sacramento, Calif./Sheldon) and 6-3 Eric Kienny (Sacramento, Calif./Sacramento). Allen has a rangy frame with extraordinarily long arms as well as an improved skill set, while Kienny can shoot it from deep and handed out a number of nifty assists off the pick-and-roll."

Justin Argenal to Louisiana Tech?

Louisiana Tech just hired Ole Miss assistant Mike White as head coach and one LT site is listing Justin Argenal as the new director of basketball operations for the Bulldog program.

This means Justin will get out to California at least once a year when Western Athletic Conference member Tech plays San Jose State University.

Here's Justin's bio from his present employment at The Citadel (what is not listed is his prepping at De La Salle High):

Justin Argenal joined [Chuck] Driesell's Citadel staff after spending last season as a graduate assistant at the University of Mississippi.

In this role, at Ole Miss, he focused on the academic success of student-athletes and implementation of individual workouts for off-season player development. He was an instrumental part of the Rebels 2009-10 NIT Final Four staff. Argenal has also served as a staff assistant for basketball camps held by Herb Sendek (Arizona State), Gary Williams (Maryland) and Kelvin Sampson (formerly of Indiana University).

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

Rivals' Eric Bossi and Jerry Meyer on the Oakland Soldiers

The top two evaluators at Rivals weigh in on this year's version of the Soldiers:

'The Oakland Soldiers are still must see

While previewing EYBL session No. 1, we pondered whether or not the Oakland Soldiers were still going to be a marquee team after last summer. Well, the Soldiers' 5-0 performance throughout the weekend should have answered any questions about that.

Because they hadn't yet practiced there were some rough spots, but as the weekend wore on they dominated. Five-stars Brandon Ashley and Aaron Gordon played like five-stars. Point guard Dominic Artis had a strong weekend as the team's primary ballhandler while 2012's Richard Longrus displayed versatility and 2013 wing Jabari Bird played to his early four-star status. Keep in mind, the Soldiers were without 2013 twins Tyree Robinson and Tyrell Robinson, who check in as five- and four-star prospects, respectively."

A great article on Scott Brooks

At East Union High (and probably before that) Scott Brooks was told about limitations. They definitely didn't include playing and coaching in the NBA but guess who had the last laugh? Ron Agostini has the story.

Jacari Whitfield is heading to...

Phil Jensen tells us about the college destination of St. Joseph Notre Dame backcourter Jacari Whitfield.

Another item on Adrian Oliver

Former Modesto Cyhristian High and San Jose State University star Adrian Oliver recently participated in the Portsmouth Invitational basketball tournament, a gathering of a number of collegians finishing their senior seasons.

Oliver measured out at 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds, with a 6-foot-6 wingspan.

Sam Hicks leaving Boise State

Former Liberty Christian High star Sam Hicks, who redshirted his first year but played this season, is departing from Boise State. He'll hopefully end up closer to home.

Chico State's Jake Lovisolo honored

Chico State sophomore guard Jake (Del Oro High) Lovisolo was recently honored by the school:

Among the dozens of Chico State student-athletes making contributions in the community, in the classroom and on the court or field of play, three will be officially recognized Tuesday for such achievements at the 2010-11 University Awards reception...Jake Lovisolo is receiving the Bud Hanna Scholar Athlete Award...

...The Bud Hanna Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to the male athlete at Chico State who best exemplifies excellence in the classroom and in athletics. A member of the men’s basketball team and the All-CCAA Academic Team, Lovisolo is a dual major in environmental science and environmental economics. According to his head coach, Greg Clink, Lovisolo is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete: “His efforts in the classroom and on the court are an inspiration to his teammates and coaches,” Clink said.

Longrus coming on

Here's Jeff Borzello on Bishop O'Dowd and Oakland Soldier Richard Longrus after the senior-to-be's play this weekend back in Virginia.

A couple of prep basketball items

The Stockton Record has published it's listing of the top players in the area, from First Team to Honorable Mention.

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Dante Quazzo has the game writeups on the outcomes of the best players on teams in San Francisco going up against one another.

Cal-Hi Sports on Mr. Basketball

Cal-Hi Sports has seven finalists for Mr. Basketball in California -- Rodney Bobbitt and Darius Nelson are the sole candidates from NorCal. 

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Joe Nocera, who usually covers economic matters for the New York Times, doesn't understand the logic -- or lack thereof -- displayed by the NCAA.

We don't mean to be glib but Joe has plenty of knowledge and experience in the real world -- it's he who has the gold, rules.

Mitch Stephens' all stars

Here are Mitch Stephens' first, second and third All-Bay Area teams, plus his honorable mentions.

Wishing the best to Steve Lavin

Here's hoping Bay Area native Steve Lavin has a speedy recovery -- head here.

An update on Diablo Valley College basketball

Spoke with DVC Coach Steve Coccimiglio yesterday in order to get an update on where his sophomores are heading. The Vikings are coming off a very successful Big 8 Conference winning 13-1/26-5 season and four players are moving on.

* 6-foot-1 sophomore Jordan (De La Salle High) Estrada is moving up to Sacramento State

* 6-foot-3 freshman Khufu (Berkeley High) Najee signed a letter-of-intent last November with San Jose State

* 6-foot-7 sophomore Zach (De La Salle High) Payne is probably going to Whitworth College in Washington but the Whitworth coach just accepted the Eastern Washington head coaching position so Payne's situation isn't definite.

* 6-foot-8 sophomore Louis (Fremont High - Oakland) Lowe hasn't decided as yet but will choose among a number of D-2 schools.

A pair of freshmen, 5-10 Brian Goins and 6-foot-8 Rafael Carter are returning. Goins was named the league's most valuable player while Carter nabbed a Big 8 Conference First Team spot.

Goins already has numerous high level colleges very interested. He didn't play ball in high school but was noticed by a former DVC player in city league ball and was told to take his talents to Diablo Valley College. He did and it's already been a fruitful marriage. The young man averaged 19.4 points, four assists and three rebounds a game, shooting 49% overall, 40% from three-point range and 85% at the foul line on 167 free throw attempts.

A native of Ohio, Carter came out west due to interest from Nevada's basketball program and Coccimiglio said that Reno will likely be Carter's next destination. He averaged 8.6 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots per contest while shooting 56% from the field.

Two vets are coming back to coach

Ben Enos reports that Mark DeLuca is the new boys basketball coach at DeAnza High.

Joe Davidson has the scoop on Terry Battenberg returning to the coaching ranks, this time at Capital Christian High.

An Orlando Johnson update

Former Palma High star and current UC Santa Barbara player Orlando Johnson has declared for the NBA draft but with the proviso of not hiring an agent, meaning he can return to the Gauchos if he decides to pull his name out from consideration.

Head here for the school announcement.

April 6 -- your northern California high school basketball report

Bob Padecky has a must-read college on the world of college sports recruiting as explained by Josh Sterling.

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Now former Pacific backcourter Allen Huddleston's departure from Stockton and his future possibilities are covered in an article by Sean Lynch.

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The New England Recruiting Report has the details of Ryan Isono of Head-Royce and his college choice -- quite the academic plum.

April 5 -- your northern California prep basketball roundup

Mitch Stephens has posted his all - Bay Area regional honorees and it's difficult to argue with his selections.

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Bonta Hill reports that Coach John DeBenedetti is departing from his SI coaching duties.

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Jeremy Russotti and John Nagle are offering basketball skills training at Solano College.

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Former De La Salle backcourter Jose Rivera and Merced High star guard Allen Huddleston are departing from Pacific.

Colin Gruber selected as a Parade AA

Was looking at the announcement this weekend of the Parade All-America team and noticed four southern California prepsters on the list and but one from northern California. The pick: Colin Gruber out of Harbor High in Santa Cruz.

Adrian Oliver to play in Portsmouth Invitational

Former Modesto Christian High and San Jose State star Adrian Oliver has been selected to play in the upcoming Portsmouth Invitational -- go here (he is on the second team listed).

AO also recently clelbrated a birthday so a double congrats goes out to him:

"Warriors game in my agents suite for my surprise birthday party with all my family here. Thank you Aaron Goodwin"

The SanFranPreps All-City teams, COY and POY

Jeremy Balan presents the SanFranPreps All-City squads, plus the Coach and Player of the Year.

Inside Bay Area East Bay basketball honorees

The Inside Bay Area folks have published their East Bay high school basketball honorees.

Coach of the Year

Player of the Year

First Team

Second Team

Third Team

April 2 -- your northern California high school basketball report

John Dugan reports on Reed Nottingham leaving Novato High's coaching ranks for a position at San Francisco State.

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Bill Paterson features Darrell Polee as well as an all-star game tonight up in the Sacramento area.

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Per Jeff Goodman, former Palma High now UC Santa Barbara star Orlando Johnson is checking out his NBA interest:

"UC Santa Barbara junior guard Orlando Johnson has declared for the NBA Draft; has not hired an agent"

The Sacramento Bee has made its selections

Darius Nelson is the Sac Bee's Boys Player of the year.

Here's the First Team, Second Team, Third Team, Honorable Mentions and Coach of the year up Sacto way, per Bill Paterson and Joe Davidson.

Allen Huddleston leaving Pacific

We has no idea where he is headed but sophomore backcourter Allen Huddleston is departing from Pacific. He averaged 11.1 points per game this past season, shooting 42% overall, 40% on 149 three-point attempts. The 6-foot-2 Huddleston's 42/45 assist-to-turnover ratio indicates he's much more a two guard than point. He's very quick and athletic and a native of Merced, CA. Huddleston averaged over 31 points per game as a high school senior.