Cal Maritime does well away from the water

Contrary to vivid imagination, Cal Maritime doesn't play its home hoops games on an aircraft carrier anchored in San Pablo Bay -- it's a college based in Vallejo and featuring a successful men's basketball program headed by Coach Bryan Rooney.

As evidence, note that CM's California Pacific Conference (CPC) opponents got keelhauled nine times last season as the yes, Keelhaulers, concluded league play with a 9-3 record and a second place finish in season four of Rooney's tenure. He earned Coach of the Year honors in 2008-09 and 2009-10 and the Keelhaulers won the school's first conference championship during the 2010 season.

Here's Rooney on some of the Cal Maritime assets plus the benefits and challenges in running the basketball program

"We are part of the state system with the same requirements as any CSU school," he began. "We recruit high schoolers and transfers and as I put it 'if it's the right fit, it's a great fit and turns out well.'"

Cal Maritime offers a handful of majors, with a 95% job placement rate upon graduation according to Rooney. The primary academic focuses are on engineering, global studies, international business with a transportation logistics emphasis and marine transportation. There is also a summer study abroad program that featured visiting Australia and New Zealand last year.

"The best part of the process for students enrolling here is they will have a degree setting them up for life," Rooney stated.

On the court, his basketball philosophical underpinning consists of doing what it takes to get better everyday because "it only happens if that is a daily focus."

"We want our guys to be a tough, smart, unselfish and cohesive group," Rooney explained. "The idea is for everyone to be a great teammate. It's all about getting the right type of guy."

It's a generalization but Rooney's recruits are typically more responsible in that as he puts it: "they understand how all the pieces work together because they have thought our their futures a bit more."

This results in greater maturity on and off the court as Rooney and his staff don't have to hound players about matters like class attendance and concepts such as defensive rotations are grasped quicker.

If any clarification is needed, Rooney notes: "There are 24 hours in a day so where are we going to focus? Is it on getting better or having to beg guys to go to class? Fortunately, our players understand the great opportunity they have. Our guys take pride in both our school and program."

Asked about the desire to move onward and upward, Rooney hits the trifecta as a satisfied coach. "It's important to be at a place where you feel comfortable. I have some tremendous coaches on my staff, I work for a good AD and I enjoy everyday working with our players."

The outcome? "We've set a school record for wins in two of the last three years and there is a buzz on campus."

Rooney has also long known what profession was his calling: "I've always wanted to coach basketball -- I really enjoy football but I love basketball." He was a three sport athlete at St. Mary's High in Stockton, injured during football season as a senior. Missing that pigskin season fomented a focus on getting back to the gridiron and Rooney played football as a freshman at St. Mary's before the Gaels dropped football. Then it was a couple of seasons playing for Brian Katz at San Joaquin Delta College and also for Bill Treseler at Dominican University. While at the latter school, Rooney was named to the First Team All-Conference team and led the league in free throw percentage while captaining the Penguins to the school's first conference championship and a trip to the National Tournament.

His coaching bonafides include (working backwards) a season at Claremont McKenna College under Coach Ken Scalmanini plus a year at San Francisco State and two at Dominican University with Treseler. "I've learned and played under some great coaches." He also has published an 88 page graduate thesis titled "Determining the effectiveness of the 1-4 offense in college basketball in relation to scoring averages and winning percentages."  

What's also important to note is the concentration of Northern California talents on the Keelhauler roster:

* Kevin Hicks, 6-foot-0 senior guard out of Stockton
* Jaquai Wiley, 6-foot-0 sophomore guard out of Sacramento
* Isaiah Johnson, 6-foot-2 senior guard out of North Highlands
* Ty Houghton, 6-foot-1 senior guard out of Redding
* Josh Greenwell, 6-foot-2 senior guard out of Vallejo
* Daniel Eberhardt, 6-foot-1 senior out of Roseville
* Ryan Pearson, 6-foot-5 sophomore forward out of Elk Grove
* Isaiah Moore, 6-foot-3 senior forward out of San Leandro

Plus, the 2011 recruits display similar geographical ties:

* Keven Campbell, 6-foot-0 guard out of Stockton (Delta College)
* Howie Manzo, 6-foot-0 guard out of Hayward (Chabot JC)
* Ethan Guiles, 6-foot-6 post out of Colfax (Lane CC, OR)
* Hamilton Chang, 6-foot-5 forward out of City College of San Francisco
* Patrick Dungo, 5-foot-8 guard out of Pinole Valley High

Besides Cal Maritime, Holy Names, Menlo, Pacific Union, Simpson, UC - Merced and William Jessup currently make up the CPC membership, all National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics schools.

By the way, the Keelhaulers nickname is derived from the ancient punitive practice involving roping the hands of a crew member and hauling him under the keel of the ship. Luckily, defeated Cal Maritime opponents do not have to endure a similar fate.

Jabari Brown the scoring leader (again) for Oregon

Oregon basketball is touring Italy and the third game went to the Ducks as freshman Jabari Brown was the points leader yet again.

Gerry Freitas/Hoop Review with junior college prospect evaluations

Here's Gerry Freitas (scroll down past the Nor Cal Clash stats) with some evaluations of various NorCal JC talents who participated in the Southern California Community College Showcase on July 30-31:

6’5 SOPH Markese Fields PF Chabot College (Mid Peninsula HS). Fields is an athletic combo forward who can run and jump. He is a capable ball handler and passer, he can pull up in the half court and he shoots it okay with three point range. His long arms allow him to be a nice shot blocker and he’s also a capable rebounder. Fields is an upper level low major prospect worth a higher look.

6’2 SOPH Nick Capiti PG/SG Merritt College (Bishop Odowd HS). Capiti is a strong and athletic combo guard with a nice burst of speed. He is really aggressive and plays with an attack mentality. He handles it well and he’s effective in transition (can finish and he pulls up well in the half court). He is a consistently good driver and his primary need is to develop a consistent outside shot. Capiti is a low major prospect.

6’7 FROSH Eric Nelson C Merrit College (El Cerrito High School). Nelson had somewhat of a coming out party at this event, finally showing his real merit as a player. He is long and athletic and runs the floor well. His length allows him to be an impressive shot blocker. He’s a decent mid range shooter and a capable rebounder. Nelson will be a low major prospect when it’s all said and done.

6’2 SOPH Paul Hester SG/SF San Jose City College (Kashmere Senior HS, TX). Hester is a real athletic and strong-bodied wingman who runs well. He can handle it and he is a good driver with a nice first step. He is also a solid rebounder. Hester is a low major prospect.

5’11 Muktar Abdi SG/PG San Jose City College (Willow Glen HS). Abdi was another guy who really impressed coaches with his play. He’s an athletic combo guard who runs very well. He handles it and pulls up very well in transition and in the half court. He shoots it ok with three point range and he is a consistent driver, breaking down the defender and getting to the basket on a regular basis. Abdi is an upper level low major prospect at this point, who will certainly go higher when it’s all said and done.

6’5 SOPH Rodney Black SF San Jose City College (Perris HS). Black is a fairly athletic three man who can run. He can handle the ball and pass it, he moves fairly well without it and he shoots it ok with three point range. He is also a decent driver and a capable rebounder. Black is somewhat inconsistent but is a likely bottom level mid major prospect.

6’5 SOPH Keith Martin PF San Jose City College (Hayward HS). Martin is a bull strong and athletic four man who can run the floor. He can pull up in the half court and has an ok one- bounce drive. He can post up some using his strong body for positioning and has a decent jump hook but his offense does need some polish. He’s also a real good rebounder. Martin is on the fence between an upper level low-major, bottom level mid-major prospect.

6’1 SOPH Robert Ellis Contra Costa College (Redlands East Valley HS). Ellis is a fairly athletic combo guard with nice all around skills. He can handle it, can pull up or finish in transition and he pulls up well in a half court. He is also a good passer, shoots it ok with three point range and is a decent driver. Ellis is a likely low major prospect.

Stay classy Jim Calhoun

The next time Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun talks about loyalty and says he has the backs of his players ...

Go here.

ESPN covering Orlando Johnson

ESPN's Diamond Leung covers Orlando Johnson's contributions and revelation as a member of the U.S. World University Games squad. UC Santa Barbara Coach Bob Williams is one happy camper.

The NorCal Finest Super 100

This is something long needed, a serious marrying of basketball skills development with strength and conditioning training featuring professionals at the top of their respective fields.

The morning session will include skill clinics by Jeremy Russotti and Nationally Recognized Specialist Alan Stein, with the afternoon featuring situational competitions plus games.

Best of all, it's free to the participants -- yes, free of charge. The plan is for this event to never have an entry fee:

1% CLUB Basketball Presents the Premier Event for NorCal Basketball
The NorCal Finest Super 100

What is the NorCal Finest?

The NorCal Finest Super 100 is an invitation only event for the top 100 basketball players in the NorCal Region. The event is the brainchild of 1% CLUB Basketball’s Jeremy Russotti, who is considered by many to be the top basketball skill specific trainer, as well as product developer in the United States.

He offers a variety of training services nationwide and internationally and his company, 1% CLUB Basketball, specializes in bringing functional basketball specific training and drills to help coaches and players maximize their potential.

Russotti explained, "I am excited to be a part of this wonderful event. I've had this vision for years. However, the only way I wanted the event to occur if it was 100% free to the players. Basketball training and product development has been a huge vehicle for me to meet new people, to travel to speaking engagements, to help players across the country and also work with professional clients. It is time to give back to NorCal and unite the talent we have and continually strive to get better."

Partnering with Del Monte Foods and Scholar Athletes INC, 1% CLUB Basketball is excited to make NorCal Finest Super 100 the premier event in the region - providing a resource for top players to further their commitment and achievement in the basketball arena.

1% CLUB Basketball and Scholar Athletes INC are working hard to show these players what it takes not only to reach and be successful in college, but also how to set goals and plans for their future professional careers.

Russotti explained, "NorCal has had an influx of talent recently that has gained national attention. With proper training and programs, I feel NorCal can be a hot bed in producing consistent NBA talent. We are hoping the NorCal Finest Super 100 event can be the facilitator for future programs, communication, and NorCal coming together for one purpose."

The NorCal Finest will no doubt bring greater awareness to the regions abundant student-athlete pool. Also, the event will include National Recognized Body Enhancement Specialist Alan Stein (Nike), as well as local coaches, putting on clinics for the players and local coaches in attendance. "Alan Stein is considered the top at what he does. If NorCal players want to reach an elite level, it is important to surround them with as many top professional minds as possible, and hopefully fire up their intrinsic motivation," Russotti said.

Clinic Features

* Elite Skill Training
* Alan Stein Clinic
* Jeremy Russotti Clinic
* Games/Situational Competitions
* Recruiting Analysts
* Social Networking Opportunities

Location: El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94530
Date: September 17, 2011 (one-day)
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (players @ 9:30 a.m.)
Cost: Free (for invited players and fans)

*The Event will be covered by local television stations, Comcast Sports, prep web sites, and Yay Areas Finest.

*This is an invitation only event. Invited players list will be posted shortly on www.1percentclub.org, norcalpreps.com, as well as my blog.

Jeremy Russotti, (707) 849-1212
-1% CLUB Basketball Services
-J-GloveShooting Aid
-Green Room Training
-Velocity Bands
-HoopGains Training

"Train for Gains, Not to Maintain"

More on Stuart Wesonga

Coming off a senior season that had even fans opposing San Marin High cheering, 6-foot-7 Stuart Wesonga has enrolled at City College of San Francisco.

The plan is for him to play for Coach Justin Labagh in 2011-12 and then determine a new D-1 college basketball home. Wesonga spent part of this summer at Cal State Northridge after signing a letter-of-intent with the Matadors.

Coming off carrying his team to a North Coast Section basketball title, including a 51-46 on the road win over Bishop O'Dowd in which he tallied 26 points, 25 rebounds and blocked eight shots, Wesonga and San Marin fell 52-49 to the state runnerup Dragons in a playoffs rematch  

According to San Marin Coach Craig Pitti, Wesonga "felt the need to be closer to home in order to help out with family matters. Plus, Stuart determined it wasn't going to be a good fit [at Northridge]. A year from now, he'll go through the [recruiting] process again."

Northridge is in the midst of an NCAA post-season ban for this coming season and has also lost a pair of basketball scholarships due to earlier academic shortcomings.

So the reigning Marin County Athletic league Player of the Year is now aligned with the reigning state junior college champion.

An interesting Todd Bozeman article

Brendan Quinn visits with Morgan State Head Coach Todd Bozeman (formerly at Cal) in lieu of Bruce Pearl's recent NCAA-imposed penalty.

Remember Jamelle Barrett?

Some of you may recall backcourter Jamelle Barrett from his playing days in Sacramento. He's playing ball at the University of Saskatchewan but also thinking about getting back on the gridiron.

But then this article appeared so it's being on the court only for Barrett.

Dan Grunfeld on a major difference when signing overseas

Ex-Stanford star Dan Grunfeld compares and contrasts travel in the NBA versus a what more-than-decent pro team in Spain endures. Basketball is basketball but traveling conditions indeed vary.

A Nor Cal Clash video

Courtesy of passportplayasTV, a close to six minute video all about Sunday's Nor Cal Clash is available for viewing.

A feature on David Andoh's newest residence

It's between "On The Road Again" and "Travelin' Man" as the musical accompaniment for 6-foot-7 forward David Andoh who will be attending his fourth high school in as many years.

Let's hope this one works for him, academically, socially and last, basketbally (I think we just made up a word):

David Andoh: A new member of the IMG Basketball family
August 2, 2011

For most high school students entering their senior year, there is feeling of finality and freedom. David Andoh, the 6’6″ San Jose native, is coming into his last year with a completely different mindset.  The Saint Mary’s small forward will be will soon be calling Bradenton, Florida home as he comes into IMG Academies this fall. While most high school seniors wouldn’t be entirely thrilled about transferring before their final year, Andoh is focused on playing at the collegiate level, even if that means leaving his support system in California.

“I am really going to miss my friends and family,” Andoh confided. “But I know what I have to do. There are just too many distractions back home. I’m just trying to stay focused on the important things...”

Head here for the remainder.

BA to Millerville

Josh Gershon serves up a feature on Brandon Ashley's decision to commit to Arizona.

Jeff Borzello offers this.

San Marin's Stuart Wesonga back in the Bay Area

Forward Stuart Wesonga has departed from Cal State Northridge and is now enrolled as a freshman at City College of San Francisco and part of Coach Justin Labagh's ultra-successful basketball program.

More later as it's a very interesting story, one with Northridge not looking real good.

Phil Kasiecki on the NCAA and college recruiting

Phil Kasiecki (left hand column) writes about the powers-that-be who run the NCAA attempting something positive regarding recruiting.

Locals in the Northstar Basketball 2013 rankings

Aaron Gordon comes in at #4 in the Northstar Basketball Post-July 2012 Top 80. Jabari Bird hold the #32 spot, Stephen Domingo #34.

Ikenna Iroegbu, now at Oak Hill Academy, checks in at #49.

2012s win the Nor Cal Clash

The third annual Nor Cal Clash is in the books with the oldsters (the 2012s) topping their younger 2013 brethren 143-124 Sunday afternoon at Contra Costa College. It was 42-25 in favor of the eventual winners after the initial quarter, 76-60 at the half and 104-90 after three.

The player impressions:

Bryce Scott, 2012, Oakridge displayed catch-and-shoot ability with a trio of treys

Mike Bryson, 2012, Foothill was off with his shooting in the initial half but displayed long, longer and longest range in the second 20 minutes -- coming off his shooting hand, the ball seems to peacefully nestle into the net

Tajai Johnson, 2012, Vallejo offered the highlight play of the game with a left-handed dribble-drive jam despite his defender bodying him the entire play

Richard Longrus, 2012, Bishop O'Dowd displayed moments of dribble-drive ability but needs to finish with a better shot -- his college choice will be fascinating -- does he go to where he'll be a role player (rebounding, defense) or to where he has a chance to be say the second or third offensive option?

Langston Walker, 2012, Berkeley won player of the game honors with the impression of scoring more inside than out of the paint -- like Longrus, will his college choice be predicated on the best opportunity to be a star or a lesser option offensively?

Jabari Bird, 2013, Salesian was our choice for player of the game as he scored inside and out -- what a live body and just imagine what havoc he will create offensively once he adds 30 pounds of muscle -- he has two guard written all over him

Marcus Lee, 2013, Deer Valley had a rough first half as his faceup jumpers from distance weren't connecting but he went inside in the second 20 minutes and displayed nice footwork and an assortment of shots

The mid-range pullup jumper remains plastered on the milk cartons across America as missing in action. Nowadays, the intent is to move towards the basket until disappearing into a hoops version of a rugby scrum and flinging up a shot.

Unfortunately, dribbling the ball horizontally from hand to hand and then cranking up an errant jumper was also all too often on display.

Continuing our old skewl rant to make it a trifecta, why is attempting to dribble through two or three simultaneous opponents the preferred method of advancing the ball?

Just asking.

A big thank you goes out to Gerry Freitas for making this event happen.

Brandon Ashley takes a trip

Jason Scheer tweets that Coach Miller had a special visitor:

    "Brandon Ashley visited Arizona unofficially today"

Stanford hosts a trio

The late Jack Lord is famous for saying "Book 'em..." -- we say bookmark 'em or whatever you do to keep checking out someone on Twitter.

Do so with Phil Doherty as he recently offered this:

"Stanford is getting ready for Spain Trip scrimmaging at 4pm with 2013's 6'9 F Marcus Lee, 6'5 G Elliott Pitts, 6'5 Noah Allen in attendance"

Lee and Pitts crossed the bay after participating in the Nor Cal Clash.

Are East Coast players tougher than their West Coast counterparts?

It's a generalization -- meaning it could be accurate, accurate to a degree or an old wive's tale -- but the consensus in national recruiting circles is that East Coast prep basketball talents are tougher than their West Coast counterparts.

It seems impossible to compile an all-encompassing working definition of tough. Just what is tougher? What is softer? Is it a physical level of play? A mental state of mind?  A combination? To what degree?

But let's plow forward anyway.

In an article about former Valley Christian sharpshooter Max Hooper, who later moved on to Mater Dei in southern California and then spent a prep season at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, the perceived basketball divide between the two coasts is offered:

"At Brewster, Hooper got his opportunity to play with Kansas recruit Naadir Tharpe, Villanova signee Markus Kennedy, Pittsburgh-bound Durand Johnson and St. John's recruit and prep school roommate Jakarr Sampson, a move that high school recruiting expert Tom Konchalski believes helped elevate Hooper's all-around game.

"Mater Dei is a storied program," said Konchalski. "But the knock against West Coast players is they are known to be soft. Max got his nose calcified on the East Coast..."

Nose calcified? That's a new but good one. So to Konchalski it wasn't just a matter of Hooper elevating his game due to being surrounded by excellent competition but also developing a greater competitive toughness.

So, NCP posed Konchalski's viewpoint to a local community college coach, a player who spent a season back east at a prep school after high school and a local high school and club team coach with basketball experience all across America.

Here is what each had to say about the thesis.

Merritt College Coach Keenan McMiller offered: "Northern California basketball each year consistently has talented athletes who have the potential to be good student athletes at the D-1, D-2 and other levels of college basketball. I feel that a good percentage lack the heart, tenacity and toughness needed tin order o be successful post high school . Behind this feeling is the culture in the Bay Area that allows players prima donna-hood throughout their elementary, secondary and high school years. The northern California community accepts this below-to-average work ethic mentality for talented young athletes who are "gamers." The by-product of this mentality is the unrealistic belief of athletes that they will make it to next level without putting in the utmost hard work, determination, grit and perseverance in the classroom and on the court. My definition of hard work on the court is performing well in games, but that comes as a by-product of athletes putting in the endless practice hours on personal skill and mental development on the court and the classroom when the bright lights aren't on and no one is watching. Any student athletes lacking these aspects consequently effects their potential to elevate their mental and physical toughness and becoming the best student-athlete they can be. Since athletes in northern California lack mental and physical toughness and the environment that they live in allows this as acceptable behavior, it is challenging for student-athletes to be prepared to perform consistent at the higher level in classroom and on the court."

Travis Souza, formerly of Turlock High and the Bay Area Hoosiers, said this: "I really don't see a major difference talent-wise or toughness between the east coast and the west coast and I've played against plenty of talented and tough players on both coasts. The biggest difference I thought was how [geographically] close talented players were to each other. In California, it seems the players are much more spread apart. Also, playing in the NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) like I did, you play against super high competition day in and day out, so that makes it seems like the talents is more closely located. Going to New Hampton [in New Hampshire] certainly made me a better player, but I think it was due more to the fact that it was in the NEPSAC conference than due to the fact is was on the East coast."

Randy Bessolo, coach of the Bay Area Warriors and a California native who played at Columbia in New York City and later coached in Chicago, also weighed in: "NorCal does have some tough players, but the culture of urban ballers in New York City and Chicago is all about toughness and as a result they produce more tough players. Frankly, if you are not tough, you will not be a player for long in either of those basketball meccas. Toughness can be taught to a certain extent but it is in large part a product of the environment and constantly having to overcome challenges. In Chicago for example, there is a lot of concentrated poverty (23% of the city lives below the poverty line), bitterly cold weather in the winter, festering heat in the summer and intense competition everywhere (64 teams in the Chicago public league plus a very tough 12 team Catholic league). In spite of the challenges, the kids there never complain about anything, they just deal with it or fight it out. All of this makes them tougher and generally fearless.  Also, the whole community is very basketball focused with lots of media coverage and many neighborhood role models going on to play in college and the League. Recent Chicago products Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose are good examples of the type of tough competitive spirit that is the norm in Chi-City.


Without the intense basketball culture to push them, Norcal players need to be very self-driven. Given the more liberal culture out here though they should have more freedom to be cerebral and creative players. Plus they have more gym time alone to work on their skills and shots in particular.  Where you are from should never be an excuse to not pursue and achieve success.  If you have some talent and want to be a player, you can with a plan and a lot of hard work."

Jabari Brown starting out strong

Oregon is 1-1 on its trip to Italy as Jabari Brown led the Ducks with 22 points (8-16 overall, 3-7 from long distance) in the latest game, a loss.

Brown tallied a team-leading 17 points (7-11 from the floor, 1-3 from three-point land) in the initial game, a 71-54 victory.

Referring to that famous line from "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" -- with one change: "Adjustment, I don't need no stinkin' adjustment."

A Desmond Simmons feature

Percy Allen of the Seattle Times offers a lengthy and informative interview with former Salesian star Desmond Simmons.

Lakeshow finishes 36-10

After compiling a 23-6 record during the spring period of club basketball, it was pedal to the metal come summer for Coach Joe Fuca's Lakeshow 17s Black.

July saw an early 8-0 record, including topping Play Hard Play Smart by five in front of more than 50 coaches at the Nor Cal Tip Off, taking down Utah Select by 20 points and a 12-point victory over the Oakland Soldiers Silver.

As part of that run, Lakeshow also took.care of the Nevada Wolverines by 12 points and Moore Management by five to win the Three Stripes tournament (Anaheim) pool play. So Cal Pump N Run fell by 15 and South East LA Elite was able to cut the losing margin to 10.

In the Final Four of the event, Lakeshow fell by two points to Arizona Pump N Run, making them 8-1 overall. The game with Arizona, a team which featured three players committed to Pac-12 teams, was considered the premier event with a packed crowd and over 40 coaches watching.

Then it was time for Las Vegas and the adidas Super 64. Lakeshow bolted out to a 3-0 record in pool play, advancing to the super pool. The first matchup there was with the nationally-ranked DC Assault on the main court and the team from the nation's capitol won by three as Lakeshow missed 12 free throws. Over 100 college coaches and 1,000 fans were in attendance for the matchup.

Lakeshow bounced back to subdue the GR Storm #1 team from Michigan 93-73 and followed that success with another one, beating Team Steven Hunter Elite (Arizona), a sponsored team, by 15. Then Northwest Elite out of Washington also couldn't stay with Lakeshow, falling by 25.,

After Vegas, the 17s Black sported an 11-2 record.

The Best of Summer tourney followed and two more victories were quickly racked up against New Mexico's Latino Elite and Monarch. Then it was a rematch with DC Assault that resulted in a 10 point loss, followed by falling to Branch West by two points.

So July ended with a Lakeshow record of 13-4, 36-10 overall and a repping of Northern California that falls into the 'job well done' category..

Here's what's happening with Lakeshow players recruiting, primarily the 17s Black but with a few Lakeshow 17s White included:

David Ahern, Marin Catholic, 2012 - is taking an official visit to Sonoma State

Raymond Bowles, Modesto Christian, 2013 - Fuca: "Raymond is being heavily recruited by UC Davis and UOP, both offering visits"

Tyler Charette, Berean Christian, 2012 - has various D-2s checking him out

Joshua Crum, Bishop O'Dowd, 2012 - is taking an official visit to Sonoma State and has been offered by Chico State

TJ Daniels, Bishop O'Dowd, 2012 - also has many D-2s looking at him

Treaven Duffy, Las Lomas, 2011 - will spend a year at Cushing Academy in Massachusetts and is garnering interest from St. Mary's and Stanford

Ben Freeland, Mongomery, 2011 - will be attend prep school at Suffield Academy in Connecticut -- has Northern Arizona, Lafayette and Boston University looking at him

McKayle Harnell, Livermore, 2012 - has a visit scheduled with Notre Dame de Namur this month

Kendall Jackson, Bishop O'Dowd, 2012 - he'll be visiting UC Santa Barbara and Columbia, with a couple of D-2s and Vanguard University, an NAIA school, interested

Brian Johnson, Maria Carrillo, 2012 -is  receiving lots of interest from UCSD

Matt Mareno, Redwood, 2012 - Fuca: "He's really good, really athletic and scored the first 14 points for us against Arizona" with an offer from the Air Force Academy, a visit forthcoming to Northern Colorado and "tons of D-2 interest"

Casey Norris, Newark Memorial, 2012 - Fuca: "Casey played really well for us" and has D-2s like Sonoma State and Cal State Dominguez Hills looking

Ryan Swain, Buchanan (Fresno), 2012 - Fuca: "He a very good player and high character kid for us," and is checking out Princeton, Columbia and Colgate

Gary Williams, Castlemont, 2011 - Fuca: "Gary had an offer from Houston Baptist, owns a 3.06 grade point average and clearance from the NCAA Clearing House" but it looks like Williams will do a prep year -- it's between Impact Basketball in Las Vegas and West Virginia Prep Academy in South Charleston

Tom Witzel, Arcata, 2012 - has an offer from Humboldt State and is being recruited by Chico State

Plus, Mike Best earned a 2011 scholarship to UC Irvine with his play during the spring and summer.

The 2012 ESPNU Top 50 West Recruits

Here are the NorCal names listed on the 2012 Top 50 West ESPNU recruits:

2) Brandon Ashley
6 Robert Upshaw
8) Dominic Artis
17) Arik Armstead
40) Richard Longrus
44) Shawn Smith
47) Tajai Johnson
48) David Andoh

A quartet of NorCal talents on UC Santa Barbara's tour

As UC Santa Barbara heads to eastern Canada for a five-game tour, a foursome of NorCal talents are mentioned:

"... Although guard John Green (Oakland, Calif./Westwind Prep Academy in Phoenix) will not play because of a foot injury ... point guard T. J. Taylor (Oakland High) will ... play ..."

As will Orlando Johnson (Palma High) and Greg Somoygi (Woodside Priory) too. 

Adrian Oliver to Greece

Irony abounds: former San Jose State Spartan Adrian (Modesto Christian) Oliver is heading to Greece. He tweeted:

"Signed a contract to play this lockout season in Greece. Thank you all for the good wishes. Leave in about a week so gettin everything..."

George Johnson and G-VisionSports

Here's a note from George Johnson on the new business venture he has established. His intent is to offer custom athletic profile web sites for male and female athletes in all sports:

As a former high school basketball player graduating in 1990 from Mt. Diablo High School, I remember what I had to do to get recruited. Back then, we didn’t have all the AAU teams and tournament options that the kids have now. We didn’t have the internet either.

For me, basically my club team coach wrote me a basic form letter and told me to send it out to the coaches and schools of interest to me. So I took the letter and put together a few games on a VHS tape and send it out to several schools. Many schools just sent back basic form letters but a good handful were really interested.

I eventually went to Oregon Tech (NAIA school, Klamath Falls , OR ) on a basketball scholarship to play for Hall of Fame Coach Dan Miles. The second year I got homesick, transferred and finished playing at Cal State Hayward but the point is I learned how to market myself.
    
And it worked.

A few years later, I graduated with a Marketing degree from Cal State Hayward.

Today, with the internet, YouTube, all the AAU teams and so many tournaments, it would seem to be easier than it was 20 years ago to get seen. But instead, it’s just way more competitive than ever before with so many athletes and events.

Using the same basic sales techniques as before, along with more advanced technology including desktop publishing, web design, and experience from both playing and coaching, I’ve started G-Vision Sports.

My aim is to help high school athletes and their parents with the process of earning a scholarship. If you’re 6-foot-6 then you may not have to market yourself, but if you’re smaller, there’s a lot more competition.

You can visit G-VisionSports for a basic breakdown of the marketing concept that I’m promoting.

These websites can be used to store your child's athletic career photos, internet articles, YouTube videos, honors, academic scores, as well as high school program and AAU team information (schedules, current coach phone #’s, mailing address, etc.). It’s a good idea for several different reasons.

1. A site can be used to assist with college recruitment -- a portal that you can provide to potential coaches so they can go to see your entire athletic profile, in one simple location. This can be a very useful resource to allow additional visibility -- a good marketing tool.

2. It's a great way to archive your son’s or daughter's entire athletic career -- a professionalized “ONLINE SCRAPBOOK”, so friends, family and the athlete himself or herself can always keep up, or look back on personal accomplishments.

3. Each year as the player gets more photos, articles, accomplishments (all league, all tournament, etc.) or new video footage, just add it to the site.  It is creating an organized library so your memories are arranged and safe.

    Prices are reasonable and service is excellent. Website domain names can be personalized to the athlete himself or herself and the overall design theme can be personalized towards a high school or AAU team, making it an attractive option. We can tailor it for all sports, boys and girls!

Kevin McCarthy: The one absolute in recruiting but also just in gaining recognition is accessibility. A number of times, I have become interested in following a high school player in order to determine if a full-length article is warranted only to find the information on Player X is miniscule to non-existent. Locating contact information sometimes is even a more difficult task, especially during spring and summer when club basketball play is happening but it's not clear who is playing for what team. I don't have any financial interest in George Johnson's venture but I urge prospects to take a good look at the benefits. Make sure you control your future.

Another Orlando Johnson update

Orlando Johnson is returning from China and the World University Games and is now headed with the Gauchos to Canada. Gotta keep that passport ready.

Johnson, out of Palma High in Salinas, started again in the final game for the U.S., an 86-83 win over Germany. He totaled eight points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.

Stephen Domingo to visit the Northwest

jdawg253 recently tweeted this:

"If you missed out on last nights tweet. Talked to Stephen Domingo and he will visit Washington on Oct 28"

John Dugan is leaving the MIJ

We've linked to a number of John Dugan articles at the Marin Independent Journal in the past but will no longer have that opportunity -- he is returning to school and we will miss his contributions.

Big New Mexico State recruiting news

Wow.

Head here.

He's not a blue chipper but what potential. New Mexico State has a way with prospects having eligibility concerns.

Wendell McKines will have quite the mate in the middle this season.

Markel Leonard swinging by SC

Cameron Schott recently tweeted this:

"2013 Salesian PG Markel Leonard is on Santa Clara campus for an unofficial visit"

The NorCal Finest Super 100

This is something long needed, a serious marrying of basketball skills development with strength and conditioning training featuring professionals at the top of their respective fields.

The morning session will include skill clinics by Jeremy Russotti and Nationally Recognized Specialist Alan Stein, with the afternoon featuring situational competitions plus games.

Best of all, it's free to the participants -- yes, free of charge. The plan is for this event to never have an entry fee:

1% CLUB Basketball Presents the Premier Event for NorCal Basketball
The NorCal Finest Super 100

What is the NorCal Finest?

The NorCal Finest Super 100 is an invitation only event for the top 100 basketball players in the NorCal Region. The event is the brainchild of 1% CLUB Basketball’s Jeremy Russotti, who is considered by many to be the top basketball skill specific trainer, as well as product developer in the United States.

He offers a variety of training services nationwide and internationally and his company, 1% CLUB Basketball, specializes in bringing functional basketball specific training and drills to help coaches and players maximize their potential.

Russotti explained, "I am excited to be a part of this wonderful event. I've had this vision for years. However, the only way I wanted the event to occur if it was 100% free to the players. Basketball training and product development has been a huge vehicle for me to meet new people, to travel to speaking engagements, to help players across the country and also work with professional clients. It is time to give back to NorCal and unite the talent we have and continually strive to get better."

Partnering with Del Monte Foods and Scholar Athletes INC, 1% CLUB Basketball is excited to make NorCal Finest Super 100 the premier event in the region - providing a resource for top players to further their commitment and achievement in the basketball arena.

1% CLUB Basketball and Scholar Athletes INC are working hard to show these players what it takes not only to reach and be successful in college, but also how to set goals and plans for their future professional careers.

Russotti explained, "NorCal has had an influx of talent recently that has gained national attention. With proper training and programs, I feel NorCal can be a hot bed in producing consistent NBA talent. We are hoping the NorCal Finest Super 100 event can be the facilitator for future programs, communication, and NorCal coming together for one purpose."

The NorCal Finest will no doubt bring greater awareness to the regions abundant student-athlete pool. Also, the event will include National Recognized Body Enhancement Specialist Alan Stein (Nike), as well as local coaches, putting on clinics for the players and local coaches in attendance. "Alan Stein is considered the top at what he does. If NorCal players want to reach an elite level, it is important to surround them with as many top professional minds as possible, and hopefully fire up their intrinsic motivation," Russotti said.

Clinic Features

* Elite Skill Training
* Alan Stein Clinic
* Jeremy Russotti Clinic
* Games/Situational Competitions
* Recruiting Analysts
* Social Networking Opportunities

Location: El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Ave. El Cerrito, CA 94530
Date: September 17, 2011 (one-day)
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (players @ 9:30 a.m.)
Cost: Free (for invited players and fans)

*The Event will be covered by local television stations, Comcast Sports, prep web sites, and Yay Areas Finest.

*This is an invitation only event. Invited players list will be posted shortly on www.1percentclub.org, norcalpreps.com, as well as my blog.

Jeremy Russotti, (707) 849-1212
-1% CLUB Basketball Services
-J-GloveShooting Aid
-Green Room Training
-Velocity Bands
-HoopGains Training

"Train for Gains, Not to Maintain"

Marqus Coleman in another feature

Here's Tim David Harvey with a very insightful Marqus Coleman interview. One of our earlier articles in which Coleman was prominently featured is mentioned.

Lanston Morris-Walker with two officials

YungCoach has tweeted that Berkeley High's Langston Morris-Walker has scheduled a pair of official visits.

Brandon Ashley down to four

Ryan Greene has tweeted that Brandon Ashley told him his list of colleges is is down to four suitors.

Orlando Johnson scores seven in final World University matchup

The World University games concluded with a win for the U.S. team as Orlando Johnson scored seven points and passed for two assists in 16 minutes in a win over Romania.

Not related to NorCal basketball...

... but here is a great story.

Another offer to Stephen Domingo

Alex Kline/The Recruit Scoop just tweeted about another offer to Stephen Domingo:

"Virginia Tech just offered Stephen Domingo, a 2013 forward from St. Ignatius (CA)"

Richard Longrus noted

CaliHighSports ranks BOD's Richard Longrus #9 in its detailing of the top 30 2012 talents in the state.

U.S. falls in World University Games

Lithuania topped the U.S. by two, 76-74, in the World University Games (5-30 shooting from long distance didn't help. Orlando (Palma High/UC Santa Barbara) Johnson started again, playing 24 minutes while scoring seven points and grabbing six boards.

Here's a quote from Orlando:

“They fought hard,” Orlando Johnson (UC Santa Barbara/Seaside, Calif.) said. “They fought really hard. You could tell they’ve been together for awhile. They’ve been in games like this before. There were situations down the stretch we didn’t execute … we just didn’t finish.”

Damian Lillard and Jordan Richardson in the press

David Kay at The SportsBank site writes about Weber State in the upcoming season, meaning Damian Lillard receives a lot of attention but West High grad Jordan Richardson, who is backing up Lillard, is also featured.

Wagner (Jonathan Williams) playing next season in the Bay Area

From the Rush The Court folks: "Wagner head coach Danny Hurley is getting his teams exposed to the highest level and toughened up for league play. His Wagner club will visit 2011 NCAA Tournament representatives Princeton, UConn and Pittsburgh on the road. The Seahawks will also travel to the Cable Car Classic out west in December. Wagner opens that tournament with Air Force before facing Santa Clara or Eastern Michigan in the next round."

Thsi translates into former Kennedy High and CCSF star Jonathan Williams returning home for at least a couple of games in the upcoming season.

Some very interesting charges

Jim Basnight isn't afraid to share what he is thinking and believing. In his latest blog post, he states this:

"...Maybe now brighter minds may not feel that my accounts, which are based on first hand experiences and documented evidence are more worth considering. Yes there are cash pay-offs to recruits. Usually they are in cash, but when the larger amounts are tendered they are done through other financial vehicles like real estate, stock and complicated accounts. Yes there are prostitutes. Yes there are cash payments and improper benefits given to current players. Yes there's drugs and alcohol. Yes there is gambling and even point shaving. I've said it before in this column and I'll say it again. The worst offenders now in regards to this type of activity in the Pac-12 are Oregon, Arizona and UCLA in my opinion. Laugh all you want..."

The above is from Friday, August 18 and located in the column titled Pac-12 Roundup for August 19th 2011 (Part One)

Hay, wait a minute

Make sure you're sitting down if you are reading on ... here's a headline and the critical pieces of the story for you:

Prep school courses leave recruits in limbo

In the story are these lines: "...among four incoming freshmen college basketball players from NIA Prep in Newark, N.J. to have been denied eligibility by the NCAA...

...Considering NIA Prep is located in the basement of a hotel, according to The Star Ledger, it's easy to see why the NCAA might want to review whether the coursework should be accepted...

Should it be MIA Prep?

Drew Gordon noted

National Hoops Report lists form Mitty High star Drew Gordon as the 87th ranked player in the nation.

The Sac Bee on Erik Kinney's commit

Bill Paterson notes Erik Kinney's commitment to Cal State Bakersfield.

Randy Bennett goes long term

This makes it seems like Randy Bennett will be in Moraga for a long time. Of course, that doesn't prevent other schools from making a run at him.

It is utterly remarkable what Bennett has accomplished at a very small school which offers a bandbox of a gymnasium and very little basketball history of note prior to his arrival. He is easily the most productive college coach in the Bay Area.

The upcoming Nor Cal Clash

From Gerry Freitas/Hoop Review:

    2011 NOR CAL CLASH ANNOUNCEMENT

The third annual Nor Cal Clash will be held Sunday August 28th at Contra Costa College in San Pablo at 1:00 pm. This one-game event will have elite players from Northern California in the class of 2012 playing against elite players in the class of 2013.

The purpose of the event is to help promote Nor Cal basketball and its elite prospects. A report on the event will be done by the Hoop Review scouting service in addition to websites norcalpreps.com and californiapreps.com and other media outlets.

Coaching in the game will be Don Lippi of Division V state champion St. Joseph’s-Notre Dame and Nick Jones of Castro Valley, whose team was the Division I Nor Cal runner up.

The West Coast Exposure Basketball Camp in mid-September

Do check out the West Coast Exposure Basketball Camp coming up on September 17 and 18 in Walnut Creek.

What is being offered: it's an opportunity for girls and boys high school basketball players (9th-12th) to receive personal coaching, evaluations, and court time with current college and prep school coaches from across the country.

The crux of the event is why this camp is different from other basketball tournaments and camps:

"This camp provides high school basketball players the opportunity to personally receive coaching and evaluation from college and prep school coaches themselves. Each player is thus in control and guaranteed exposure to showcase their strongest talents in a variety of ways at the camp. Additionally, players and their families will save thousands of dollars and hours of valuable time otherwise spent on traveling to various camps and tournaments.

How will this camp help me reach my goal of playing college ball?

Current college and prep school coaches from ranked basketball programs and elite academic institutions will lead the camp, allowing players to work side by side with college and prep coaches and gain access to the college coaching network from around the country. Underclassmen will begin gaining exposure, while current high school seniors will be able to expand their options before it’s too late.

Can this camp hurt my exposure?

No! The college and prep school coaches will be looking to teach and evaluate high school players, not weed them out. The camp gives players and coaches the opportunity to personally get to know each other and work together towards improvement.

How will this camp help me improve my basketball skills?

Through college level drills and coaching, players will see tangible results in their individual skills and see where they rank amongst elite basketball player. Most importantly, players will learn from college coaches what they need to do to enhance their game and desirability."

To date coaches from Bowdoin, Colby, Emory, Oberlin, Skidmore, Tufts, U of Chicago, UC Santa Cruz, and Wesleyan will be providing the instruction.

The event will consist of:

• College-level competitive drills
• College Coaching & Instruction
• 5 v 5 games led by College Coaches
• King and Queen of the Hill Finale (1 v 1)
• Academic/Athletic counseling information
• Maximum exposure to basketball opportunities"

Additional information and registration by calling 510-520-0634 or emailing westcoastexposure@gmail.com

A Peewee Gardner update

Not sure which high school he was last at (Ceres? San Leandro?) but here's an update on Peewee Gardner by Coach DeSautels @ Westwind Prep:

"Peewee Gardner returned to Westwind Prep this week. Its always good to see players return year after year. He's excited to be back!"

Orlando Johnson starting for U.S. squad

As a starter for the U.S. World University team, Orlando Johnson (Palma High/UC Santa Barbara) played 19 minutes, scoring four points, grabbing a pair of rebounds and passing for two assists in the latest win, this one over Israel.

Follow Greg Allen

The best backcourter on the USC team, Jio Fontan, is now out for the season with a knee injury. What will be fascinating to follow this season is what that means for former Eureka High guard Greg Allen who signed with the Trojans after two seasons at a Texas junior college.

Jason Kidd & "The Mike Woodson Play"

We didn't know about Jason Kidd and "The Mike Woodson Play" but here it is -- doesn't this succinctly summarize the cerebral brilliance Kidd has always displayed on the court?

Dan Wetzel nails it

Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel has a column up today that lays bare the hypocrisy running rampant in NCAA football and basketball (and throughout our society).

One brief snippet:

"...The people running college athletics are desperate for money – for themselves and their salaries and their facilities, for their private planes and their comped cars and their golf-course memberships.

They want to avoid paying players and taxes as if they run a little league, then get paid and pampered like they run the NFL.

Everyone is chasing the cash. Everyone was chasing Nevin Shapiro..."

Mark Payne to Spain

Mark Payne (St. Mary's High/Stockton & UC Davis) is headed to Spain (where it rains mainly on the plain). Thanx to aggie6thman for the post at the Aggies Sports Talk Hamilton Court MB.

Mike Best in the MIJ

The Marin Independent Journal catches up with Terra Linda/Lakeshow big man Mike Best signing with Coach Russell Turner and UC Irvine.

Greg Allen playing for USC

Former Eureka High star and Bay Area Hoosier Greg Allen got on to the court yesterday as USC is playing some exhibitions in Brazil. He scored six points.

The Crawl of 2012

Jeff Goodman writes about how college commitments are slow so far this period and has quotes from various recruiting analysts who like the pace.

Run the offense through Eli Holman

At the Rush The Court site, Jimmy Lemke profiles the Horizon League and has this in particular to say about Detroit and Eli Holman:

Power Rankings

1. Detroit – I racked my brain over this a lot more than some would think. Detroit lost nothing while everyone else lost major players. But the thing that makes me wary of the Titans is the fact that with all that talent – Eli Holman and Ray McCallum, Jr., have NBA chances – they still only finished fifth in the Horizon League, bowing out in the second round to Cleveland State. Why am I so apprehensive? Holman was second in the conference last season with a field goal percentage of 60.7%. However, Holman only took 239 shots, significantly less than McCallum’s 318 and not far from half of Chase Simon’s 378 attempts. If Detroit is going to be #1, they’re going to have to run the offense through Holman.

It used to be...

It used to be that the most chilling words were "Hi, I'm Mike Wallace with "60 Minutes'" but now, at least in the sports world, it's "Hi, I'm Charles Robinson with Yahoo! Sports" -- head here. Let's just say The Grim Reaper is approaching Miami football.

If you're relationships are based on handing over money and the latter disappears from the equation, then why be surprised when nobody no longer knows your name?

ESPN's 2012 California rankings

For what it's worth, ESPN's latest 2012 rankings of California players is out -- here are the NorCal talents:

1 Brandon Ashley (will be playing out-of-state)
6 Dominic Artis (will be playing out-of-state)
14 Arik Armstead
20 David Andoh (will be playing out-of-state)
22 Richard Longrus
25 Mike Bryson (good to see him receive recognition)
31 Langston Morris-Walker
37 Tajai Johnson
45 Erik Kinney (whose names were mispelled)
55 Maceo Bell (will likely be playing out-of-state)
63 Theo Johnson
65 Casey Norris
67 Jamaree Strickland (will he finally get back on the court this season?)
68 Kyi Thomas
73 Shawn Smith
78 Olajuwon Garner (whose last name was spelled Carter)
79 Parker U'u
83 Glenn Baral (will be playing out-of-state)
84 Jamil Brown
87 Darius Graham
92 Delvon Nisby
94 Lawrence Otis
96 Khion Sankey (where the heck did this name come from? he is entering his second season out of HS and at Sheridan College in Wyoming)

More on Orlando Johnson in the World University games

In 18 minutes of play, Orlando Johnson scored six points and nabbed four rebounds in the U.S. 112-68 romp over South Korea.

Momir Gataric will walk-on at Fresno State

Fresno State has announced that 6-foot-4 Homestead High (near San Jose) wing Momir Gataric is enrolled and will be walking on to the men's basketball team.He was one of the top talents in Santa Clara County this past season.

Another Langston Morris-Walker offer

Options are great -- we're always fascinated by how players actually narrow it down to one offer and make the decision. 

Joey Brander tweets that Langston Morris-Walker has another very solid offer.

More on Orlando Johnson

UCSB Gaucho Hoops has a number of photos of Orlando Johnson playing against Mexico in the World University games.

Johnson totaled seven points and eight rebounds in 16 minutes as the U.S. team stomped Hungary for win #2.

The Nor Cal Clash plus where Kori Babineaux is heading

Bill Paterson writes about the upcoming Nor Cal Clash and next year's destination for Folsom High's Kori Babineaux.

A Theo Robertson update

Jeff Faraudo offers an update on former De La Salle High and Cal Berkeley star Theo Robertson who is making favorable impressions off the court.

Joey Brander with a Langston Morris-Walker tweet

Joey Brander tweeted this today:

"2012 SF Langston Morris Walker has been offered by Oregon State"

Jacob Noisat stays local

From the Chabot College basketball site on former Elsie Allen star:

Jacob Noisat turns down D1 for Dominican!
8/5/11

Chabot sophomore 6'8" power forward Jacob Noisat has decided to stay close to home and accept a scholarship to NCAA II Dominican University in San Rafael, CA. Jacob transferred into Chabot from NCAA II program CSU East Bay where he was a starter for the Pioneers most of the season. Jacob found a home right away at Chabot where he started all season, was awarded First Team All Conference with season averages of 9.5 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 58% from the field. Jacob was known for being a tough bruiser who loved to compete and was one of the best athletes on the floor. Jacob turned down D1 scholarship offers to: Nevada, Iona, Tulane, UCR, Prairie View A&M, Quinnipiac, Bowling Green State, Florida Gulf Coast and North Texas.

Northern CA mentions from the Southern California CC Showcase

In covering the Southern California Community College Showcase, DR makes mention of some northern California participants:

* Second Team: PG - Joshua Amey, Merritt (Berkeley High)

* Second Team: Center - Tony Gill, Cosumnes River (Oakmont High)

* Third Team: SF - James Tillman, Cosumnes River (Pioneer High)

* Honorable Mention

* PG - Eli Alcantar, Alameda (Analy High)

* PG - A.J. Bridges, Cosumnes River (Monterey Trails High)

* PG - Kurtis Ong, Chabot (St. Ignatius High)

* SG - Jordan Fusslier, Merritt (Louisiana HS)

* SG - Paul Hester, San Jose (Texas HS)

* SF - Leroy Anderson, Chabot (Texas HS)

* SF - Markese Fields, Chabot (Mid Peninsula High)

* PF - Tyler Idowu, Merritt (Rodriguez High)

* PF - J.J. Mina, Cosumnes River (Bradshaw Christian High) 

Another Tajai Johnson visit

Cameron Schott tweets that Vallejo High's Tajai Johnson will hit UC Riverside in late September.

Grant Verhoeven likes the Bay Area

Per Jeff Faraudo, Fresno area frontcourter Grant Verhoeven has scheduled a trio of visits, Cal, St. Mary's and Stanford.

We still feel St. Mary's is the best basketball option for him but obviously other factors will play big roles in his college decision.

Orlando Johnson score 10 points

In the opener of the World University Games for the U.S., Orlando Johnson scored 10 points in a route against Mexico.

It's Wendell-mania time

Wendell McKines is collecting the attention with Jeff Borzello, Diamond Leung and Jeff Faraudo all featuring the former Richmond High and Oakland Soldiers star.

Jobari Brown checks in at #82

National Hoops Reports has selected Jabari Brown (Oakland High/Oakland Soldiers) as #82 in its countdown of top college basketball players in the country.

Orlando Johnson selected as USA flagbearer

Adam Zagoria reports on Orlando Johnson (Palma High/UC Santa Barbara) being chosen as the flag bearer for the United States in the 2011 World University Games.

A note on Desmond Simmons

Here's Griffin Bennett/Montlake Madness on former Salesian High/Oakland Soldiers Desmond Simmons' play in a Seattle summer league:

"I’ve talked about how these pick up games aren’t the ideal situation for a player like Dez but he proved me wrong tonight. He was all over the loose balls and rebounds on Monday. He even showed off his shot by draining a few threes. He’s an exciting guy to watch and will surely be one of the players that helps the team keep their high-tempo style going. I now see why his teammates have been talking him up for the last year"

Mike Bryson checking out a local college

Camerson Schott has tweeted that Mike Bryson is doing an unofficial to Sacramento State.

Hartnell basketballer located

That missing Hartnell Junior College basketball player has turned up in Belize but the mystery continues.

Will this effect college choices?

It's all still a bit hazy -- any specific date of implementation, numbers that must be met, etc. but the NCAA is making the APR number a benchmark for participation in the Big Dance

Steve Wieberg/USA TODAY reports.

So will it effect prospect decisions if a team isn't going to be Big Dance eligible?  It's likely in some cases.

Speedster Kinney goes Roadrunner

Rod Barnes has coached at Mississippi, Georgia State and now is entering his initial season at Cal State Bakersfield. He likes live bodies, players who can get up and down the floor and now he has added to his arsenal with the commitment of Play Hard Play Smart (PHPS) and Sacramento High talent Erik Kinney.

The 6-foot-4 Kinney, who played on the varsity as a sophomore, certainly fits the definition. Not only are his quickness and jumping ability first rate, he moves about on the court unafraid of contact.

Plus, he is a winner, always doing whatever is needed for his team to have the best opportunity of succeeding. Do note that PHPS is coming off a 38-3 spring and summer, one in which Coach Brian Hamilton said "Erik played very well for us this summer" as well as a 27-6, 12-2 high school season. Kinney put up a double-double of 11.2 points and 10.1 rebounds as a Dragon last season.

Responding to a query about why Bakersfield, Kinney spoke very highly of the person who will be his college head coach: "Coach Barnes seemed genuine and straightforward, very real. Plus, I liked the campus which is on the smaller side."

Kinney continued, "I met some of the players and I liked that they were real friendly and that I could talk to them." Overall, Kinney said "I felt wanted."

What also caught Kinney's attention is the style of play Barnes will employ: "He [Barnes] said he wanted to get up and down the floor and I liked that." Such is fitting for the Roadrunners, the Bakersfield nickname.

Another enticement is that Bakersfield is about four hours from home "so it's close enough for my Mom to come to games."

He sees himself playing at the two or three spots a year hence and describes his best skills in this manner: "I'm a great rebounder, my defense is a plus and I can help handle the ball." He's working to raise the effectiveness of his mid-range jumper.

Bakersfield is an independent at the moment but working towards membership in the Western Athletic Conference, Big West Conference or Big Sky Conference.

Kinney wanted to thank "my mother and Uncle Kevin for their support, God who blessed me with a scholarship and all my coaches."

As for his eventual competition, backcourter Stephon Carter will be a senior when Kinney arrives in Bakersfield and Ivan Matip a junior.  A pair of junior college guard recruits will be entering their senior seasons plus Barnes signed a freshman backcourter. So the opportunity to earn playing time will be available soon in Kinney's college career.

Also worthy of noting is that former Fremont (Oakland) High forward James Albright is a Roadrunner.

For this season, Kinney believes Sacramento High will again be back competing for league and state honors. He explained, "Our season looks pretty bright -- we will be small with our tallest guy at 6-foot-6 but we'll be fine." Such a setup should take advantage of the basketball skills and physical talents dotting the team.

An update on Dakari Allen

From Will Green's post at The Slipper Still Fits on the Sheldon High and Play Hard Play Smart star:

"Gonzaga is not in contact with 2013 prospect Dakari Allen. The Bay Area high schooler confirmed yesterday morning on the phone that, while he continues to hear rumblings that Gonzaga is interested in him, he hasn't actually heard anything from the program in several months. Meanwhile, Allen says he has talked continuously of late with Arizona and Colorado, the latter of which has offered him and is considered to be the frontrunner for his services. Allen has also logged offers from WCC schools Pepperdine and Saint Mary's, and noted his enthusiasm about the possibility of playing in the WCC. The 6'4" wing is largely known for his defensive abilities." 

Dior Lowhorn to the Ukraine

Last season, former USF Don and Berkeley High star Dior Lowhorn played in Belgium and now he has signed with a team in Ukraine for this season.

Erik Kinney stays in-state

According to Neal Nieves, Play Hard Play Smart's Erik (Sac High) Kinney has committed to Cal State Bakersfield.

Look for this to be the first of many off Coach Brian Hamilton's squad which was defeated but three times this spring and summer.

Oliver Caballero returns to the sport

John Devine informs readers that former Alisal High star and San Jose State player Oliver Caballero has returned to school and the court at Cal State Monterey Bay.

More on Matt Barnes taking a swing

Theo Fightmaster reports on the brief San Francisco Pro-Am altercation between Dillon Sabia and Matt Barnes from the former's point of view.

It's good to know the status of former Drake High standout Sabia -- he'll be playing for College of Marin this coming season.

The West Coast Exposure Basketball Camp in mid-September

Do check out the West Coast Exposure Basketball Camp coming up on September 17 and 18 in Walnut Creek.

What is being offered: it's an opportunity for girls and boys high school basketball players (9th-12th) to receive personal coaching, evaluations, and court time with current college and prep school coaches from across the country.

The crux of the event is why this camp is different from other basketball tournaments and camps:

"This camp provides high school basketball players the opportunity to personally receive coaching and evaluation from college and prep school coaches themselves. Each player is thus in control and guaranteed exposure to showcase their strongest talents in a variety of ways at the camp. Additionally, players and their families will save thousands of dollars and hours of valuable time otherwise spent on traveling to various camps and tournaments.

How will this camp help me reach my goal of playing college ball?

Current college and prep school coaches from ranked basketball programs and elite academic institutions will lead the camp, allowing players to work side by side with college and prep coaches and gain access to the college coaching network from around the country. Underclassmen will begin gaining exposure, while current high school seniors will be able to expand their options before it’s too late.

Can this camp hurt my exposure?

No! The college and prep school coaches will be looking to teach and evaluate high school players, not weed them out. The camp gives players and coaches the opportunity to personally get to know each other and work together towards improvement.

How will this camp help me improve my basketball skills?

Through college level drills and coaching, players will see tangible results in their individual skills and see where they rank amongst elite basketball player. Most importantly, players will learn from college coaches what they need to do to enhance their game and desirability."

To date coaches from Bowdoin, Colby, Emory, Oberlin, Skidmore, Tufts, U of Chicago, UC Santa Cruz, and Wesleyan will be providing the instruction.

The event will consist of:

• College-level competitive drills
• College Coaching & Instruction
• 5 v 5 games led by College Coaches
• King and Queen of the Hill Finale (1 v 1)
• Academic/Athletic counseling information
• Maximum exposure to basketball opportunities"

Additional information and registration by calling 510-520-0634 or emailing westcoastexposure@gmail.com

Here's the video trailer for the event.

A note from Phil Galvin @ The Olympic Club

To: Bay Area Basketball Community

From: Phil Galvin, Basketball Director, The Olympic Club

I hope this email finds each of you having a great summer. Can't believe how fast the summer has gone! As I'm sure many of you are aware, The Olympic Club's OC Elite AAU Program provides serious basketball players a place to come to GET BETTER! This past spring and summer, our OC Elite Teams won a combined 350 games and 40 tournament titles. Attached to this email you will find detailed information on our upcoming Fall, Spring, and Summer AAU Seasons. We are continually recruiting quality people/quality players that are ready to work hard to become even better. Our program is purely skill based and designed to make a serious impact on your child's game. "the coaching in the OC Elite Program is fantastic," commented 8th grade standout Seth Bartlett, "everything about this thing is awesome."

Our Fall Tryouts are fast approaching (August 20th and 27th), please see the attached document and let us know if you have any questions or concerns! If you are looking for a highly organized program in which your child has a great time, improves their skill level drastically, and plays against top competition...then look no further!

Best 'Swishes,'

Phil Galvin
Basketball Director
The Olympic Club
524 Post St
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.345.5205
pgalvin@olyclub.com

Justin Young on Justin Graham

Here's Justin Young promoting a Justin (Ripon High/San Jose State) Graham San Francisco Pro-Am dunk captured by YayAreasFinest.

Loved this quote

It's a tweet from Rick Ray of the Clemson basketball staff:

"If u are a recruit and u look at our roster and u are scared about playing time, go by a dog. Every team has good players at your position"

Devereaux Manley is headed to the Midwest

He's probably still on a plane heading home but Team 94 and Castlemont talent Dev Manley received and accepted a scholarship offer from Coach Rob Senderhoff and Kent State.

It's never too late if you keep working it on the court and translate that into production during tournaments.

Stephen Domingo with another offer

Alex Kline/The Recruit Scoop recently tweeted this:

"Stephen Domingo, a 2013 forward from St. Ignatius (CA), just picked up an offer from Georgia Tech"

Brandon Ashley also has GT on his list, as did Jabari Brown.

Paul Hewitt was let go in Athens after last season, with Brian Gregory moving south from Dayton and replacing him.  

Amir Abdur-Rahim is the new GT Director of Player Development and the brother of Shareef Abdul-Rahim who played at Cal, then in the NBA for many seasons and is now an assistant gemeral manager with the Sacramento Kings. 

Is it Abdul on the Georgia Tech staff who is making these Bay Area inroads?

3 on 3 tourney in San Francisco this Saturday

This weekend in Mission Bay on Berry Street there is a free 3 on 3 tourney we are running for the community. All Ballers and all talent levels welcome!

Wayne Patanian and Philippe Doherty

Contact Wayne at missionbayballer@sbcglobal.net to sign up

"Mission Bay Parks will be hosting our semi-annual community basketball tournament on August 13.

We invite you to sign up and be a part of this fun community event! Or just come to watch!

The tournament will start at 8:30 am on Saturday, August 13 and run until about 3 pm.

The sports courts are located at 401 Berry Street.

We’ll have a 3 point shooting contest, a parent/child basketball shooting contest and, of course, the 3-on-3 competition.

DJ’d music will be provided by the DJ Arts Academy. Food and beverages will be provided by Gorilla Pete’s Hot Dogs.

And the San Francisco Fire Department will be on hand to provide truck tours to the kids! It promises to be a great day!

Many thanks to our event sponsors and volunteers who helped organize the event!

McKines heading to Pro-Am championship?

From the SF Chronicle:

"Behind 31 points from Richmond High alum Wendell McKines, Bay Pride won the first game of the best-of-three championship series, 105-86 over Dream Team.

Game 2 is tonight. If necessary, Game 3 would be Thursday. All games are at 8 p.m. at Kezar Pavilion"

McKines has already nabbed MVP honors.

Jabari Bird's situation

So Salesian High/Oakland Soldier Jabari Bird currently has offers from:

* Washington
* California
* Arizona
* Oregon
* Colorado
* Louisville

Having options is always great -- no question. More will undoubtedly join the parade.

But how does a young man make this kind of choice? What does he base it upon when each suitor is on its very best behavior.

Each school and basketball program would probably work out well enough so how can anyone determine the top offer?

I say it's impossible to 'know' which is the best choice but using a combination of head and heart is generally the best path to tread.

Isn't it great when you can't lose whichever direction you head?

More from Alan Stein

Takes all of Alan Stein's This & That (Part One) to heart and display it in life and on the court.

More on Orlando Johnson

How did Orlando Johnson ever get out of the Bay Area? The guy's a warrior.

Anyway, here's a great feature on him but first a tweet from ESPN's Fran Fraschilla:

"Family vacation in Colorado Springs means I get to watch World University Games practice led by Matt Painter. UCSB's Orlando Johnson a stud"

and

 Courtesy of USA Basketball

Orlando Johnson is a Product of Brotherly Love

 

The completion of practices this week at the U.S. Olympic Training Center have been a study in consistency for all of the players in attendance at the 2011 Men’s World University Games Training Camp.

After all of the post-practice shots have been taken and the ice bags have been wrapped nice and tight, each of the players do the same thing before leaving the gym: they dig in their backpacks, retrieve their iPhones, Blackberrys or Droids and let the outside world back into their lives.

And that’s true for guard Orlando Johnson (UC Santa Barbara/Seaside, Calif.), who makes it a point to take his phone with him everywhere he goes, never letting it far from his reach.

Johnson is tethered to his phone for a reason different than most his age, though.

Sure, he uses it for the usual: to stay in touch with friends and family back home or to keep up-to-date on his Twitter feed (@OJ2nice33). But he usually gets all he really needs from it just by turning it on.

See, the background on Johnson’s cell is a picture of his mother Vicki Renée Johnson and older brothers, Jamell Damon Sr. and Robert Johnson. The picture was taken a long time ago (years before Johnson was even born) and it now allows Johnson to ensure his mother is always with him as he makes his way in the world.

Vicki Renée Johnson died when Orlando, her youngest son, was just 1, and his only memories of her are the result of browned-with-age photos, like the one on his phone.

And seeing his brothers there provides him a shining reminder of unbelievable commitment. Jamell and Robert put their life’s pursuits on hold when they were in their 20s and Orlando was 11, and they raised him together after the death of his grandmother, who initially took Orlando in after his mom passed away.

Johnson has experienced a lot of loss in his life -- four of his relatives also were killed in a house fire when he was 6 -- but that photo, always just a thumb push away, helps him to never forget what made him who he is and what’s truly important in his life.

“What happened to me early on and through my childhood shaped me into the man I am today,” Johnson says, “and (that picture) just makes me realize that I’m not just here, playing for me, but for them, too. My brothers sacrificed so much for me, and I didn’t really know my mom, but they did, and I live through those stories that they tell me.

“She’s still a big part of me, and she’ll always be. And my brothers … I’m them, you know? With just a little bit of me.”

The turn of events that landed Johnson under the guidance of his brothers likely kept him out of foster homes and also allowed him to excel in the northern California prep basketball ranks, where he was the 2007 Division IV Northern California Player of the Year and Monterey County Player of the Year.

Following his senior year in 2007 at Palma High, he signed on to play at Loyola Marymount, where he started in 30 of 31 games and averaged a team-best 12.4 points per game as a true freshman.

A coaching change with the Lions following that first season in Los Angeles pushed Johnson to move even closer to home -- that tug of family and home always prevalent in his life -- and he found a spot a little up the California coast with UC Santa Barbara and head coach Bob Williams.

Johnson sat out the 2008-09 season, per NCAA transfer rules, but has started in all but one game since for the Gauchos and has scored in double figures 61 times in 62 games. He’s also led UCSB to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2010 and 2011, after the program had experienced the Madness just four times previously.

It’s likely none of that would even have happened had his older brothers not taken him under their wing when they were at an age where so many choices were still available in their worlds.

“Those guys definitely could have done a lot more things with their lives, but they decided to put their dreams and goals aside and really tried to help me out with everything,” Johnson says, his voice trailing off. “I thank them a lot, and if it wasn’t for them, I definitely wouldn’t be in this position.”

“This position” is as one of the 12 collegiate stars in town this week preparing for the United States’ 17th appearance in the World University Games next week in Shenzhen, China.

He’s one of just three in camp who came to Colorado Springs from the mid-major ranks, joining Yale’s Greg Mangano (Orange, Conn.) and Detroit Mercy’s Ray McCallum (Beverly Hills, Mich.). All three are more than holding their own for head coach Matt Painter (Purdue), but there’s something about Johnson that stands out.

He’s a mature young man, which comes as little surprise considering his story. His confidence, though, is somewhat unexpected. He has every reason to have graduated from his youth with a lack of self-esteem.

His brothers made sure that didn’t happen.

“I’m very confident in my abilities,” Johnson says. “I know I’ve worked hard to get to this point in my life. That’s just how I’ve been. I’ve overcome a lot of things since my childhood, and the work that I’ve put in has kind of defined who I am, as a hard worker, who never quits and is ready for any challenge.”

“Just being around Orlando, you can see his brothers did a great job of raising him,” says WUG assistant coach Cuonzo Martin (Tennessee). “He’s a humble young man, and he appreciates the fact that he’s just got the opportunity to be here, let alone make this team.

“He wants to be a great player. He’s a guy who gets to the gym early and leaves the gym late. He’s just a tough kid, but with a great sense of humility and understanding.”

This summer has been a bit of a roller-coaster for Johnson, and it’s continuing here under Painter’s tutelage. Johnson declared for the 2011 NBA Draft following the Gauchos’ loss to Florida in the NCAA Tournament but didn’t hire an agent and ultimately withdrew his name from consideration.

And here at the USOTC, he’s gotten to experience the joy of making the final roster that will first tip against Mexico on Aug. 13, and he’s gotten a taste of the unknown frustration of not being the best player on his team.

He’s taken it all in stride, though, and kept pushing on -- like he’s done ever since he was one.

“(My brothers) keep telling me that hard work keeps paying off and to never stop believing in myself and never stop working,” Johnson says. 

“They’ve always told me that good things happen to good people, so as long as I keep being a good person, good things will happen. So hopefully I can keep that up."