Cal Preps with Bay Area Memorial Day Classic prospect analysis

This one will take a Rivals sub as California Preps offers Bay Area Memorial Day Classic participant evaluations.

A taste:

"...6'4" SF Devin Asiasi of De La Salle HS 2016 (Greenline)
-A small forward that can handle the ball and lead the break like a guard. His solid frame and strength allows him to cover taller older players while he can step out and defend the perimeter as well. He is very creative around the basket and can make plays for others. He can get to the rim and finish with contact but needs to develop a consistent perimeter shot. He is a solid division one prospect.

6'5 SF Gabe Bealer of Antelope HS 2013 (PHPS Elite)
-Very quick and athletic wing who gets to the basket anytime he wants. Runs the floor real well and can finish in transition. He is also an active defender with the ability to defend three positions. Division I prospect who is likely headed to prep school.

6'2" SG Jamaliah Brown of Oakland HS 2014 (Oakland Rebels 17)
-This player has big time talent. His game was at full force all weekend. He has really deep three point range with a quick release that is under control with no wasted movement providing consistent buckets. Division I prospect."

Gerry Freitas has posted his latest prospect evaluations from the talent on display at the recent Bay Area Memorial Day Classic.

A taste:

The third annual Bay Area Memorial Day Classic was held Saturday to Monday May 25th – 27th at City College of San Francisco, Game Changers in Hayward and Tice Valley Rec Center in Walnut Creek. 101 teams in four divisions (17 Elite, 17 Varsity, 16U, 14/15U) from throughout the west coast participated. Here is a report on the Elite and Varsity divisions. Players are listed alphabetically by last name.

Top Prospects (*Indicates Highest Consideration)

6'2" PG Keith Adams of Piner HS 2015 (Sonoma County Bearcats)
-Point guard with a great basketball I.Q., a very balanced player with his offensive and defensive game, very aggressive and plays bigger than his listed height.

6'6" PF Cade Alcorn of Buchanan HS 2015 (Lakeshow 16s Elite)
-Lots of upside with this strong-bodied four man who already has a nice game. He can shoot threes with consistent accuracy and can also take his defender and score on him down low. He's a also a solid rebounder.

6'0 PG Ismail Ali of San Leandro HS 2013 (North Coast Express)
-See's the floor well, excellent passer in traffic, good spot up shooter, good on ball defender. Thrives in pressure situations- not afraid to be the go to guy.

6'5" SG/PF Nate Amundsen of Central HS 2014 (TSB 17)
-This is a very versatile basketball player. He passes well, plays smart and is a great shooter with solid release point and high arch on shot. Rebounds it well and will take charges. He uses his size to bang with taller players and is fairly active with quick feet. A hustler who maximizes what he has.

*5'11" PG Juwan Anderson of Bishop O'Dowd HS 2014 (Oakland Rebels Supriem 16)
-A very quick one man that has excellent court awareness. His handle is under control and very quick as he breaks his man down to get to the rim or drive and kick to the open man. His ball handling skills are very good and he has command of his body while getting around defenders on the ground and midair. His midrange jump shot is on target with a full speed release. Creates open shots for his teammates by penetrating and making the right read. Understands his role as a leader and makes his teammates better...

Is AAU/club basketball a must?

Here's an interesting take on high school hoops versus club basketball (even though the focus is on the state of Utah).

Yoshikawa is back coaching

Credit Dons Central for breaking the new about Danny Yoshikawa's latest coaching position.

The latest on the Lakeshow Pump-n-Run

Here's the latest from Lakeshow Coach Joe Fuca:

105 teams came to the Bay Area Memorial Classic this weekend. After 250
games of hoops, we had three Lakeshow teams in the championships of the
three older divisions.

* Lakeshow Seniors vs Soldiers in the Elite
* Lakeshow 17s Black vs Predators in the Varsity
* Lakeshow 16s Black vs D1 Ambassadors from Oregon in 16U

Amazing showing by all teams. Congrats to Coach Boyd, Coach Clark and Coach Jameson for making it happen.

* Lakeshow Seniors Runner up  - 7 wins and 2 losses
* Lakeshow Elite - 5 wins and 1 loss
* Lakeshow 17s Black - 7 wins and 2 losses
* Lakeshow 16s Black - 6 wins and 2 losses
* Lakeshow 16s Elite - 3 wins and 2 losses (1 to the championship team)

That's a total 28 wins and 9 losses

Alexander to the Spartans

Dylan Alexander, out of Weston Ranch High in Stockton, has committed to Coach Dave Wojcik and San Jose State University. The 6-foot-3 backcourter averaged 18.1 points per game last season.

More later.

Gottlieb's honesty

Kudos to Greg Gottlieb for his honest take on Katin Reinhardt's skill set and prospects for playing the point in college, let alone the pros. Gottlieb doesn't bash or ridicule, he's simply being frank with his opinion. Younger players can really benefit from this as the need to here it straight from those in position to evaluate is critical. Use it for knowledge of what to work on and for incentive to get better -- not as personal criticism.

Rafiq returns

Mamo Rafiq proves that you can go home again as he accepts the head coaching position at Yuba City High.

Borekambi heading back home

From Dave Rogahn: "According to Coach Rusty Smith, COS forward Bill Borekambi is returning to Europe (he's from Belgium) to play professionally"

Here's a backgroiund feature on Borekambi.

COS has one heading to Cal Baptist, another to Humboldt State

More from Dave Rogahn: "JC BB two Sequoias Giants moving on: Larry McMorris, G to Cal Baptist and Brandon Pomrehn, C to Humboldt State"

The 5-foot-10 McMorris will be playing for Coach Rick Croy, formerly of St. Mary's.

The 6-foot-7 Pomrehn, out of Arcata High, will be returning home to take the court for Coach Steve Kinder.

Congratulations to Gus Argenal

Gus Arsenal, a De La Salle and UC Davis graduate who formerly coached at Chico State and also Davis, is the new head coach at Cal State East Bay.

Welcome home Gus.

The whereabouts of the NCP 2013 Top 40

So who from the Nor Cal Preps 2009 Boys Basketball Top 40 is currently where? Let's take a look at those prospects four years out from their high school days.

The identification system:

* is in the pros (1)
* has completed his athletic eligibility (2)
* is participating in college ball (3)
* is working and no longer in school or participating in basketball (4)
* who knows where the young man is (5)

1    Reeves Nelson - 5

2    Brendan Lane - 3 (redshirted at Pepperdine this season after graduating from UCLA and transferring)

3    Chase Tapley - 2 (from San Diego State)

4    Xavier Thames - 3 (San Diego State senior-to-be)

5    Jared Cunningham - 1 (Dallas Mavericks)

6    Jerry Brown - 3 (will be doing a graduate year at Santa Clara after transferring from Fresno State)

7    Lucas Devenny - 3 (UC Riverside senior-to-be)

8    Niyi Harrison - 2 (Santa Clara)

9    Brandon Smith - 2 (California)

10    Shawn Grant - 2 (Oklahoma City University)

11    Damon Powell - 5

12    Greg Allen - 2 (lost his eligibility to play in mid-season at USC)

13    Chris Brew - 4

14    Deend Parker - 5 (just dismissed at USF)
   
15    Will Cherry - 2 (from Montana)

16    Brian Barbour - 2 (from Columbia)

17    Eric Obeysekere - 2 (from Holy Cross)

18    Sam Hicks - 3 (Chico State senior-to-be)

19    Wesley Hanspard - 2 (from Lindsey Wilson College)
 
20    Allen Huddleston - 3 (Fresno State senior-to-be)

21    Ryan Sypkens - 3 (UC Davis senior-to-be)

22    Tim Harris - 3 (Concordia senior-to-be)

23    Jefferson Powers - 3 (California senior-to-be)

24    Ken Rancifer - 2 (UC San Diego)

25    John Dickson - 2 (Sacramento State)

26    Tony Johnson - 2 (Lafayette)

27    Aalim Moor - 2 (San Jose State University)

28    Shaheed Young - 2 (Adams State)
   
29    Christian Williams - 2 (Jackson State)

30    Justin Standley - 5

31    Teandre Hubbard - 5    

32    Quincy Hill - 2 (West Georgia)
    
33    Nefi Perdomo - 2 (redshirted the 2012-13 season @San Francisco State?)
   
34    Justin Herold - 3 (Sonoma State senior-to-be)
   
35    Davion Berry - 3 (Weber State senior-to-be)

36    Charles Standifer - 3 (UC Riverside junior-to-be)
 
37    Jordan Knox - 2 (Cal State Fullerton)
    
38    Dillon Sabia - 5
  
39    Ifeanyi Ezeofor - not playing, is a student at Cal State Northridge
  
40    Adam Eackles - 3 (Cal State San Marcos senior-to-be)

Anything need correcting or updating? Shoot us an email.

A Levy Middlebrooks update

The name Levy Middlebrooks rang a bell so a little research later up popped his connection to Bay Area basketball.

Pepperdine Coach Marty Wilson apparently was a Wave teammate of Middlebrooks and posted these recent photos.

100 things I’ve learned from coaching at the college level

Weber State Assistant Coach Phil Beckner has compiled his "100 things I’ve learned from coaching at the college level" -- click on the pdf link.

Aaron Gordon at the four?

Rob Dauster makes the case that positioning Aaron Gordon at the four spot will be best for Arizona.

Carvin heading south

Dave Rogahn tweeted: "Chris Carvin, PG, American River to Cal State Dominguez Hills. He averaged 10.7 pts and 6.5 asts last year for ARC"

Carvin began the year at Cal State Fullerton before a family situation brought him back home to the Sacramento area.

Dominguez Hills is a member of the California Collegiate Athletic Association, meaning Carvin will get the opportunity to be on display at Humboldt State, Chico State, Cal State Stanislaus and Sonoma State when the Toros play their northern Californian league brethren.

Here's an informative background article by Jessica Maynard.

Does McIntyre go pigskin or hoops?

Former Valley Christian High footballer and basketballer Jay McIntyre has a gridiron scholarship at Colorado if he so chooses.

Diew headed back east

Head-Royce's Ryan Diew has made his decision -- the 6-foot-3 backcourter is headed to Colgate University located in central New York as a preferred walk-on. The Raiders are members of the Patriot League, alongside Bucknell, Lafayette, Lehigh, Army, American, Holy Cross and Navy.

Much more later.

The victors and MVPs in the Bay Area Memorial Day Classic

* 17 Elite Division: Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue 56, Lakeshow Seniors 37

MVP: Desean Parsons of the Soldiers

* 17 Varsity Division: All Star Predators 69, Lakeshow 17 Black 53

MVP: Josh Johnson of the Predators

* 16U Division: Oregon D-1 Ambassadors 75, Lakeshow 16's Black 71

MVP: David Cooper of the D-1 Ambassadors

* 14/15U Division: SF Rebels 54, Clutch Players 15 Orange 47

A trio of Nor Cal guys with a SJSU diploma

San Jose State University athletics lists a trio of former northern California prepsters as new graduates:

* Calvin Douglas B.A. – Behavioral Science May 2013 (Antioch High, CCSF)

* Justin Graham M.A. – Kinesiology (Sport Management) May 2013 (Ripon High)

* Aalim Moor B.A. – Communication Studies May 2013 (St. Mary's High)

Rex Walters interviewed

Ray Crawford video interviews USF Coach Rex Walters. It runs a little over four minutes.

An Eli Holman update

Two notes on former Richmond High big Eli Holman:

* He will be on the Boston Celtic summer league squad

* In just over 27 minutes a contest, he averaged 13.2 points and 10 rebounds a game with the Hapoel Eilat in Israel.

St. Mary's on the list for a transfer

Ryan James/Gopher Illustrated writes (a Rivals sub is required): "Minnesota transfer Joe Coleman's list of new suitors includes...St. Mary's, and a host of other teams."

Coleman is a 6-foot-4, 210 shooting guard who averaged 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds a game as a sophomore. He made 32 starts in 34 contests, shooting 48%, 30% and 68% respectively while pilfering 37 steals, second on the team. He will be a junior this coming season.

USF adds another

Josh Horton writes about the latest Don on The Hilltop.

Dustin Kerns on communication

Dustin Kerns, formerly at Santa Clara and now the associate head coach at Wofford, writes about communication practices between coaches and their players plus between players themselves. He offers some very good ideas.

The Norcal Next Level Exposure event for unsigned female prep basketballers

Head Coach Heather Stewart and the Christopher High girls basketball program are teaming up with San Diego area-based West Coast Girls Hoops Report founder Coach Irvin Jerry in presenting the Norcal Next Level Exposure Camp.
 

The event will take place June 22-23 at Christopher High in Gilroy from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

It is designed for unsigned 2013 seniors through 2017 graduates and will feature skill development sessions run by Mike Allen of Mike Allen Sports, competitive games and all-star games. College coaches will be in attendance and this event can be signed up as an individual or with a team.

 Christopher High Coach Heather Stewart

As Stewart explained, "we are attempting to find talented female basketball players who fly under the typical radar. We are focusing our efforts on kids who are great matches for the DII, NAIA, DIII, and JUCO levels. These coaches are constantly looking for great players and have far less of a recruiting budget to find them."

She added, "college coaches from each of those levels will be in attendance so we want to get as talent as possible in the gym to be given the opportunity to play in front of coaches prior to the July travel period. As we know, clubs cost money, and there just may be that player out there who can't afford to travel or many not play with a spectacular team, but has the talent, heart, and work ethic that coaches are looking for. This is hopefully an opportunity for those players to be seen, in addition to those who are currently playing on a club team."

 2014 Christopher High point Cydney Caradonna

West Coast Girls Hoops Report evaluators will publish a writeup of the event and highlight top performers.

To sign up or to access more information, head to the Norcal Next Level Exposure Camp site.

Advice to coaches

Peter Schwelthelm offers his very sensible feedback to coaches of any sport.

Schwelthelm works with longtime NCAA Coach Bill Foster in a venture called Basketball Partners.

Does the RICO Act apply to the NCAA?

Patrick Hruby's latest screed (but it's factual) against the NCAA conjures up this thought: maybe the U.S. Attorney General should look into applying the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) against this blight on our nation. But Eric Holder is sort of busy right now.

McPhail heads south

Verbal Commits tweeted: "Former Buffalo forward Andre McPhail is transferring to Saddleback College"

The former Deer Valley High frontcourter is going from the snow capital of the U.S. to the OC. Saddleback finished 27-5 last season.

1% Club Basketball training in Turlock

1% Club Basketball is holding a Stanislaus County Elite Basketball Camp come June 17-20 at Turlock High.

Stanco Stampede is proud to introduce nationally renowned skill trainers Jeremy Russotti and Philippe Doherty to Turlock!

Russotti and Doherty bring their 1% Club training techniques and professionally designed curriculum to our area for 4 DAYS of training classes.

* K-2nd: noon - 5:00 p.m.

* 3rd - 5th: noon - 5:00 p.m.

* 6th - 8th: noon - 5:00 p.m.

* High School: noon - 5:00 p.m.

Here's the flyer for the event.

Go here to register.

Pratt not moving far

Jerina tweeted: "Congratulations! 2013 SF Examiner Player of the year & SF Rebels G Herman Pratt signed with Academy of Art San Francisco"

Pratt nabs another honor

Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep's High's Herman Pratt has been named the San Francisco Examiner City Player of the Year.

Aye gets closer to Bay Area/Nor Cal

Tyson Aye is moving from coaching at Imperial Valley College to Allan Hancock College -- congrats to Tyson on the new position.

Not good news

Keep in mind that an arrest or a formal charge is not a conviction of guilt but Joshua Melvin and Mitch Stephens report on the arrest of Decensae White on a murder charge.

SC & Pacific getting unofficial visits

Per West Coast Convo, a 2014 Washington state prospect is making the regional rounds -- "2014 Jacob Lampkin (Seattle,WA) will take three unofficial visits this weekend. (Santa Clara, Pacific, and Cal Poly)"

Here's something on the 6-foot-8 Lampkin from the Future150 folks.

Two Nor Cal players on Branch West Prep team

Branch West Prep Coach John Wood offers up descriptions of a couple of northern California talents on his team (Mitch Wood is his son):

Mitch Wood 6’7” post/wing is an unsigned senior player (2013) from Alvarez High School in the Salinas, California central coast area who displayed a versatile inside – outside offensive game. This past year, Mitch has continued to expand his game and he showed consistent outside three point shooting range along with a good board presence to lead the battle of the rebounds for Prep. He averaged 17 points per game and 15 rebounds per game this past high school season as he was a unanimous All-Monterey County Selection. As he develops strength, his upside is tremendous as a future college prospect.

and

Isaiah Pineiro 6’6” post from Placer High School in the Sacramento area class of 2013 was a player from a top Northern California Travel program that played for Prep in Las Vegas. He is a tough, solid player that will play at a high college level. Once Prep saw his versatility they were able to run isolation plays for him offensively either posting up or stepping out. He played the deep intercepting spot on Prep’s pressing defensive schemes and made numerous steals. 

The Bay Area Memorial Day Classic this weekend

The Bay Area Memorial Day Classic is happening this Saturday, Sunday and Monday May 25-27, brought to you by Gerry Freitas and Lakeshow Pump N Run.

It will feature many of the top teams and talents from throughout northern California and, in some cases, way beyond. Try squads also from Canada, Portland, Utah, Arizona, Montana, as well as southern California.

The competition will include 17u (elite and varsity), 16u and 15u divisions, with championships at each level. Games will be played at Game Changers (formerly Dream Courts) in Hayward, the Tice Valley Recreation Center in Walnut Creek and City College of San Francisco.

The Elite Division matchups will take place at CCS.

Here's the official site.

Nor Cal names for the Cal State East Bay opening

The Hoop Dirt folks offer up a list of some of the Cal State East Bay head coach candidates:

• Gus Argenal- Assistant coach Rice.
• Brandon Laird- Associate head coach Sacramento State.
• Kevin Nosek- Assistant coach UC Davis
• John Peterson- Head coach Ohlone College (CA).
• Rich Shayewitz – Associate head coach Sonoma State.
• Gary Stewart- Head coach Stevenson University (MD)

That's impressive even if it's just some of the names.

Adnice from Coach Knight

Moreau Catholic's Frank Knight tweeted: "Now that school is officially over I challenge my guys (coaches & players) to get better. This is where we make our biggest gains"

Playing in a tournament every weekend isn't necessary. Practicing daily and honestly evaluating personal progress is.

Phil Beckner's coaching advice

Weber State Assistant Coach Phil Beckner offers some tips -- 100 of them to be exact.

Dellavedova analysis

The Draft Express guys after viewing Matthew Dellavedova at a recent workout:

Matthew Dellavedova, St. Mary's – Dellavedova did a good job making up for lost time after electing to skip the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament and seeing that decision backfire after not being invited to the NBA Combine in Chicago last week. He ran his team very effectively in New Jersey, showing strong ball-handling skills, timing and court vision on the pick and roll, and the ability to make jump-shots off the dribble when defenses went underneath screens. Dellavedova measured a solid 6-3 without shoes, but sports just a 6-4 wingspan, which hampers him primarily on the defensive end, an area he struggled in both in college and in this setting. His unselfishness and high basketball IQ could nevertheless convince a team to use a NBA roster spot on him as he appears to be more than talented enough to hold his own on the offensive end of the floor at either guard spot. He also looks willing to, at the very least, put the effort in defensively to not embarrass himself.

Simon Tryzna has more on Dellavedova.

More on Josiah Turner

Adam Zagoria fleshes out Josiah Turner's recent workout in New Jersey.

Overlooking all the other stuff, Turner just hasn't played all much in situations that would help him progress in his hoops IQ -- his high school and college tenures were self interrupted -- and that lack of 'development from experience' appears to be holding him back.

Unsolicited advice: find a pro situation and a coach -- regardless of the money -- that will be learning beneficial and work through any obstacles. 

The 2013 YBA Dawgs

With over 55 student-athletes moving on to playing college sports in just the past four years alone, Youth Basketball Academy Director Ken Gee has three more names out of his 2013 class to add to the list:

* 6-foot-10 Cristiano Felicio - Oregon

A 2011 Draft Express article on Felicio offer this analysis.

NBADraft.net also has this coverage.

(photo courtesy of The Placer Herald)

* 6-foot-2 Drew Ardissone, Rocklin High - Pacific Lutheran University

(photo courtesy of The Elk Grove Citizen/Steve Crowley)

* 5-foot-10 Conner Sutton, Elk Grove High - Simpson University


The YBA Varsity Black team is coached by Yuba College Assistant Coach Nate Stephens. This spring, the team has notched victories over Oakland Solders varsity, Bay Area Rebels, Norcal Pharaohs and Play Hard Play Smart, besides going undefeated in the Spring Showcase at City College of San Francisco.

The notable players on the squad are (with commentary by Gee unless noted):

* 6-foot-4 wing Vasilije Saraba, Del Campo High, 19.4 points per game - potential DI 2014 player

* 6-foot-7 forward Adilio Da Silveira, Del Oro High - college ready body who has impressed so far this spring

* 6-foot-7 Hayden Cook, Rocklin High - grew four inches the past two years and is an up-and-coming player drawing interest from DII schools  

* 6-foot-0 Ahmad Smith, Bella Vista High - from Gerry Freitas: "any JC would be lucky to have this player"

* 6-foot-3 Cedrick J. Thomas, Lindhurst High - an athletic wing player who has commited to Yuba College

* 6-foot-0 Matt Hayes, Pleasant Grove High - won a state championship and Gerry Freitas has him as the high rated point guard in northern California

A little on Josiah Turner

Adam Zagoria tweets that a familiar name was recently involved in a tryout with the Nets: "Lots of interesting guards here at #Nets combine in front of 30 NBA teams: Peyton Siva, Brandon Triche, Josiah Turner, Khalif Wyatt"

Zagaoria then added: "Josiah Turner was outplayed by Peyton Siva but he looked very quick getting up and down the floor."

Josh Newman contributed: "Siva has gotten the better of play against Turner, getting into the lane seemingly at will and looking to dime up the big men" 

Verlin to hire his final coach this summer

Jagdip Dillon reports that Pacific Coach Ron Verlin plans to complete his coaching staff in June/July.

More on Brown to the Broncos

Here's Santa Clara Coach Kerry Keating talking about newcomer Jerry (Sacred Heart Cathedral) Brown:

"As a recent college graduate, Jerry gives us much needed experience and size, especially on the defensive side of the ball," said Keating. "Obviously he has made a huge decision in his life to pursue a master's degree here at Santa Clara while using his last year of eligibility. He will enroll in our new one-year Entrepreneur master's program. It only speaks volumes to Jerry's character and discipline to take on such a task."

 Here's Brown talking why Santa Clara:

"I chose Santa Clara because it was a school that can offer me a lot in regards to their style of play, location and it is a great academic institution," said Brown. "My family can watch me play without traveling. I feel like I have a great support system in the Bay Area. The master's program is one year. It is really going to push me academically, but it's what I signed up for and I am very excited to be able to get my master's."

Wagner announces the signing of Andoh

Here's the official Wagner College athletics announcement of the signing of San Jose State University transfer David Andoh.

A team basketball camp at Menlo College

Menlo College in Atherton is hosting a team camp for high school varsity teams June 21-23. The cost is $500 and there is a guarantee of seven games. Overnight accommodations are available. Interested coaches should contact Menlo Assistant Men's Basketball Coach Jesse West at 650-543-3846 or by email at jesse.west@menlo.edu.

Haysbert to CPP

American River College athletics has announced that Chad Haysbert is moving on to Cal Poly Pomona. The 6-foot-8 former Center High frontcourter was a First Team All Big 8 Conference selection for the 2012-13 season.

The Broncos just won their first California Collegiate Athletic Association regular season and tournament titles and went a game into the DII national tournament. With CPP, Haysbert will be back north when challenging fellow California Collegiate Athletic Association members Cal State East Bay, Cal State Stanislaus, Chico State, Humboldt State, San Francisco State and Sonoma State.

Just when you think you can pounce...

At least on prejudging the personnel, Yuba College looked like prey rather than predator in the 2012-13 season. Hunted rather than hunter. Playing in the state championship game the year before must have seemed like an alternate universe.

Even Coach Doug Cornelius had concerns -- "coming into the season we thought we would take some lumps."

He had nine freshman and two sophomores at his disposal. The prediction was a fifth-place finish.

So what happened?

Try a 15-1 Bay Valley Conference record.

Try a now seven-in-a-row league championships.

That's part of the fun and wonder about sports. Games offer the opportunity for necessary learning experiences. Losses can trigger the needed mindset and often educate more than wins. Plus, every so often the collective whole proves greater than the sum of the individual parts even on an undersized squad such as the 49ers.

Here's the rundown:

On November 2, the 49ers fell 72-71 to powerful host and predicted state champion City College of San Francisco. Call this one a moral victory if such a situation actually exists.

An 86-75 loss to Mt. San Antonio soon followed, this despite a three point 49er lead with two minutes to go in the matchup with the eventual state champions.

But December 8 proved to be a turning point, one in a positive direction despite a 95-59 defeat at the hands of 2013 Final Four participant Chaffey College. 

Cue up Coach Cornelius: "it was an eye opener as the kids realized this wasn't going to be easy. A light started coming on with them and they realized the need to focus and work harder."

Oh boy, did it.

From then on, the 49ers posted an 11-game win streak and then a four game victory. The embarrassment of a huge loss wounded pride rather than creating pointed fingers and a circular firing squad. It woke up a youthful band of talent to the reality that a greater effort was needed.

So can the positive direction continue despite the loss of freshman guard and conference Most Valuable Player Akachi Okugo plus Achoku Moikobu and Yev Dyachenko?

"On paper, we look pretty good," Cornelius offered. "We have seven guys coming back, including our starting five and four and their backups."Leading scorer Chris Smith returns as does Jaysen Williams (8.1 points), Gary Melvin (7.6 points), Jeremy Bubier (5.9 points) and Darrell Polee (5.7 points).

That's without any additions to the team.

Also, let's offer a major shout-out to the folks behind the Yuba College men's basketball site. Here's wishing every community college hoops program emulated this.

Kinder interviewing for position in the islands

Per the Hoop Dirt folks, Humboldt State Coach Steve Kinder is in the running for the top spot at Hawaii Hilo.

That would certainly be a change in the weather for Coach Kinder and we wish him well in the process.

Gordon & Lee honored nationally

Aaron Gordon and Marcus Lee made the Parade 2013 All-America squad.

Ashley & Gordon invited to Under19 USA camp

Come June, here are the players invited to the USA Basketball's 2013 Men's U19 World Championship Team training camp.

12 of these 24 talents will make the team -- the Bay Area is being repped:

• Ryan Arcidiacono (Villanova)
• Bryce Alford (UCLA)
• Brandon Ashley (Arizona)
• Robert Carter (Georgia Tech)
• Damyean Dotson (Oregon)
• Kris Dunn (Providence)
• Javan Felix (Texas)
• Michael Frazier (Florida)
• Marcus Georges-Hunt (Georgia Tech)
• Shaq Goodwin (Memphis)
• Aaron Gordon (Arizona)
• Jerami Grant (Syracuse)
• Montrezl Harrell (Louisville)
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona)
• Jahlil Okafor (Whitney Young High in Illinois)
• Rodney Purvis (Connecticut)
• James Robinson (Pittsburgh)
• Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State)
• Jarnell Stokes (Tennessee)
• Rasheed Sulaimon (Duke)
• Devin Thomas (Wake Forest)
• Mike Tobey (Virginia)
• Nigel Williams-Goss (Washington)
• Justise Winslow (St. John's High in Texas)

Wendell to be sharing his wealth in the Philippines

Nelson Beltran reports that Wendell McKines will be playing in the Philippine Basketball Association come August.

Welle honored as Santa Cruz County POY

The timing seems odd but the Santa Cruz Sentinel just named Aptos High's Cole Welle as its All-County Boys Basketball Player of the Year. At 6-foot-6, he'll be a senior in 2013-14.

Also, keep track of Santa Cruz High backcourter Kiree Hutchings, a 5-foot-10 point entering his sophomore season come September.

'We had it rough -- now travel is a piece of cake'

It's a little like oldsters and their bragging rights about how "we walked two hours through the snow to get to school" vis-a-vis how easy youngsters have it today but here's how NBA players and teams used to travel. As Dolph Schayes is quoted: "But that's the way it was. By today's standards, it's the Stone Age."

The 2013 Bay Area Memorial Day Classic

The Bay Area Memorial Day Classic is happening this Saturday, Sunday and Monday May 25-27, brought to you by Gerry Freitas and Lakeshow Pump N Run.

It will feature many of the top teams and talents from throughout northern California and, in some cases, way beyond. Try squads also from Canada, Portland, Utah, Arizona, Montana, as well as southern California.

The competition will include 17u (elite and varsity), 16u and 15u divisions, with championships at each level. Games will be played at Game Changers (formerly Dream Courts) in Hayward, the Tice Valley Recreation Center in Walnut Creek and City College of San Francisco.

The Elite Division matchups will take place at CCSF

The Hornets are having a signing party

Sacramento State basketball is hosting a signing party with Coach Brian Katz delving into his four 2012-13 signees.

The basketball exploits of three former Aggies

UC Davis athletics updates the efforts of former Aggies from northern California now playing abroad.

Best is beefing up -- McConnell & Souza tops academically

Here's a portion of a post at the UC Irvine basketball message board: "...Mike Best who weighed only 187 last year has put on over 30 lbs and grown an inch..." 

I believe he was an injury redshirt this past season.

Also noted: "...Dr. Thomas Parham, UCI's Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, noted scholar-athlete distinction for Derick Flowers, Adam Folker, Reed McConnell, Travis Souza and Michael Wilder..."

 

Howell off to the Land of 10,000 lakes

A Dave Rogahn tweet: "JC BB signing: Sam Howell, SG, from Napa Valley to Minnesota-Crookston"

The 6-foot-3 Howell is out of Seattle.

The DI official signing period is over

Players and coaches can still make a deal via an aid agreement (which is not binding) but it looks like quite a few talents will walk-on, player at a different level, start out with a community college or not play at all.

Here's a somewhat haphazard compilation of names seemingly minus destinations at this point:

* Dylan Alexander, 6-foot-5, Weston Ranch High

* Gabe Bealer, 6-foot-5, Antelope High

* Will Buell, 6-foot-7, Colfav High

* Aaron Cameron, 6-foot-1, Sacramento high

* Aubrey Dawkins, 6-foot-2, Palo Alto High

* Eric Duncan, 6-foot-1, Weston Ranch High

* Jermaine Edmonds, 6-foot-3, Salesian

* Ali Faruqbey, 6-foot-1, San Lorenzo High

* James Hadnot, 6-foot-6, Sacramento High

* Matt Hayes, 6-foot-0, Pleasant Grove High

* Rae Jackson, 6-foot-3, El Cerrito High

* Daiveon Leverett, 6-foot-7, Weston Ranch High

* Guillermo Nunez, 6-foot-1, Sierra High

* De'Sean Parsons, 6-foot-5, Grant High

* Garrett Robert, 6-foot-3, Rincon Valley Christian High

* Malik Thames, 6-foot-2, Pleasant Grove High

* Cedric Thomas, 6-foot-2,  Lindhurst High
 
* Ilan Zur, 6-foot-5, Summerfield Waldorf High

Any errors here?

We'll try and run down any landing spots.

One versus the other -- the lean is for athletes

Coach Bob Walsh ruminating on quickness and leaping ability for skills prospects and basketball-playing talents/skills set on athletic types.

Two Bay Area prospects in 2015 class

The Future 150 folks have Ivan Rabb at the two spot in their 2015 national rankings. Matt O'Reilly of Campolindo High is #71.

Juan Anderson ain't going nowhere

Gary Parrish reports that, upon further review, former Castro Valley High wing Juan Anderson has decided to remain at Marquette.

Humility has many shapes and forms, as does the opposite

Andrew Wiggins is the Next Big One -- Sam Mellinger weighs in (and you have to read the last couple of lines).

It's the little things that actually matter

Loved some of the ideas and thought processes in this "Takeaways From The NBA Combine" article written by Josh Stirn:

"...Another thing to note is the difference between standing vertical and the maximum vertical. For a big man, more times than not, they will be jumping from a standstill position off of two feet in games. That's why it was impressive to see Cody Zeller measure with the top standing vertical in the entire draft.
At the same time, the most important thing for big men is getting off the floor quickly - the combine doesn't measure that. While Zeller can just high (which is needed to make up for his short standing reach), he doesn't get off the ground super quick..."

and

"...A guy like CJ Leslie killed the lane agility and ran the court as fast as anyone, but he doesn't know what to do with that speed in the games. Its great to run the court fast, but it is even better to run the court every possession. Leslie is a guy who takes a lot of plays off and doesn't always go at full speed - which is why you shrug off his sprint times..."

Will 2013-14 be Ashley's year?

The CBS Sports folks, in writing about "Breakout Possibilities" for next season, listed a local:

Brandon Ashley, 6-8, F, Arizona -- You could make the case that at least three Wildcats will have breakout years next season. Arizona is tearing at the seams with talent, and Ashley is the most tantalizing of all. Already projected as a 2014 first-rounder, the 6-foot-8 wing could double his points-per output if he can step back and shoot a little more, in addition to adding about 10 pounds of weight in the offseason.

Estrada moves a bit north

Jordan Estrada came out of De La Salle and played two years for Coach Steve Coccimiglio at Diablo Valley College. Then it was off to Sacramento State for the 2011-12 season. He missed the 2012-13 go-around due to a back injury. Now he has decided to finish his collegiate eligibility under Coach Greg Clink at Chico State University.

The Wildcats are coming off a 19-11 record and participation in the DII West Regional tournament, with Damario Sims, the third-leading scorer and second on three-point attempts, having graduated.

Dunbar's offers

Jerina recently tweeted: "Congratulations 2014 PG Trevor Dunbar offers from Montana State, Fairfield Univ. and Florida A&M (San Francisco,CA)"

How about some West Coast geography getting in there?

Wendell is going post-grad

Caught this Wendell McKines tweet: "I've just decided that I'm taking an online summer course at #NMSU. #MASTERS"

A pair of Jaguars move on

Two more JC signings from Dave (DRinCA) Rogahn: "Stephan Hester & Chris Turner, both from San Jose CC to UT Permian-Basin (D2)"

Both are sophomores.

The 6-foot Hester is out of Texas so he's returning home.

The 6-foot-2 Turner prepped at Oak Grove. 

Christopher Turner

Two former San Jose City College transfers are already on the team: Keith (Hayward High) Martin and Fabian Sebastian.

This is a fascinating post on many levels

Take a read here -- it's a critique of Mark Few's recruiting résumé.

Gonzaga just isn't going to get a stream of blue chippers, killer instinct or not (whatever that is). Never has, never will. Who does in the West Coast Conference?

The Zags land talented kids but do not and cannot generate annual interest from four and five star prospects like the Kentuckys, North Carolinas and Dukes.

This is not a weakness of Few's, it's a reality of being a WCC member, situated in Spokane. Gonzaga has an identity, a hard-earned and well-deserved one of, more often than not, overachieving.

If Few was at say UCLA, his landing of blue chippers there wouldn't be as a result of a newfound talent to attract and close the deal. The parameters around him would have changed, not him.

Loved this (but I am old)

A Derrick Jones tweet: "I do skill workouts but I don't need to advertise because I just want my guys to get schollys, & they ALL have. Mixtapes are for entertainers"

Mixtapes are for the ego and that's fine -- we all like to portray ourselves in the most positive light possible and keep our deficits (mostly) hidden. But who will be the first to break the mold and display nothing but his defensive efforts at keeping his opponent in front of him? Who will show nothing but excellent footwork?

An interesting Twitter conversation

Brad Winton: "All this talk of today's players being entitled isn't nearly as bad as most make it out to be. It's the adults who have changed"

and

Raphielle Johnson:  "Agree completely"

and 

Adam DeSautels: "Agreed, but change in adults have led to changes in players as well. Parents are the big issue from what I've seen"

+++++

There certainly are the pimps and scoundrels but let's also not forget that there are wonderful coaches, trainers, parents and kids out there -- adult role models doing it for all the right reasons.

A handful looking at Coates

Jernina tweeted: "USD, Penn, Arizona Christian, Humboldt State and Vanguard all recruiting 2014 PG Jalen Coates (Sacramento,CA)"

Coates is a 5-foot-7 point at Burbank High.

Strickland perseveres to a basketball scholarship

Tyler Orsburn profiles Jamaree Strickland, whose has taken an unlikely path to a basketball scholarship at an American Athletic Conference school.

This is a great read

Flinder Boyd ain't exactly living the high life in Slovakia but he's playing professional basketball.

Something so basic yet...

Coach Bob Walsh begins his latest post thusly: "It's always amazing how much I learn when I hold individual meetings with my players. I learn more about how to coach my team during one on one conversations than I do in any practice, game or by watching film..."

More on Jared Shaw

Eamonn Brennan offers his two cents on Jared Shaw not only being run off at St. Louis but being told his status for next year just a few days ago. Coach Jim Crews owns an indelible stain on this one -- shame on him.

A Bob Bramlett interview

The Shot Science folks talk with West Valley Basketball Club Bob Bramlett.

A Jim Les profile

Calum Shove profiles UC Davis Coach Jim Les.

Wesonga is transferring

Here's confirmation of Stuart Wesonga's move to Indian Hills College in Iowa.

Bracy to Pacifica

Thomas Gase reports that Brandon Bracy has found a new school and will be returning to the basketball court.

Yussuf picks up Big Sky offer

photo courtesy of Mercury News

A Scott Sommer tweet: "Montana State has offered Alameda (Calif.) St. Joseph's of Notre Dame W Temidayo Yussuf"

Yussuf stands 6-foot-6 and is a strong rebounder. St. Joseph Notre Dame lost in the state championship game 47-46 this season, falling on a 30-foot jumper just before the buzzer.

MaxPreps named Yussef to its Division V First Team All State squad in April.

Martin to SJSU

6-foot-10 Miles Martin, formerly of Homestead High in Santa Clara and now at Westwind Prep in Phoenix, has aligned himself with San Jose State University. He attended Homestead through his junior season and then transferred to Westwind to face much better competition and play under Coach Jeff De Laveaga.

Hope to speak with Coach De Laveaga soon.

Estrada to the Wildcats

Chico State has signed another talent -- Jordan Estrada -- who was last with Sacramento State. The 6-foot backcourter also played at Diablo Valley College and, originally, De La Salle High.

This weekend's 6th Annual City Championship Tournament

The 6th Annual City Championship Tournament is taking place this Friday, Saturday and Sunday and features 48 teams.

12 games will take place on Friday evening featuring City and Bay Area squads -- the remainder of the matchups are scheduled for Saturday (42) and Sunday (24).

The majority of the games will be played at the City College of San Francisco Wellness Center, at 756 Ocean Avenue.

On Saturday and Sunday, there will be some games (mostly 16s and mostly consolation games) at the nearby Excelsior Boys and Girls Club located at 163 London Street.

Note on Saturday that CCSF charges $4 to park in the back lot below the football field but the parking is abundant. It is possible to park on neighboring streets for free.  The Balboa Park BART station is two blocks away across I-280. Also, if you are coming from the North Bay or north side of the City note that the Bay to Breakers Race is on Sunday (5/19) and typically slows traffic through the City so plan your route in advance and take into account a longer travel time.

Teams -17s

* ACA 17s
* Bay Area Warriors 17s
* Blue Devils Seniors
* Coastside
* E-Time #1
* E-Time # 2
* Gold City
* Greenline
* Hoop Matrix 17s
* Lakeshow Seniors
* Lakeshow 17s Elite
* Lakeshow 17s
* Lakeshow 16s
* Lunardi's
* Matrix Orange 17s
* NBBA
* Oakland Rebels 17s
* OJBA 17s
* Rise
* Roadrunners 17s
* SF Rebels 17s
* Seaside Finest # 1
* Seaside Finest # 2
* Soldiers 17s Blue
* Stanco Stampede #1
* Stanco Stanpede #2
* Team Sage-Truth
* Top Flight Elite 17s
* Wildcats

Teams - 16s

* ACA 16s
* Backcourt Ballers
* Bay Area Warriors 16s
* Blue Devils 16s
* Classic Basketball 
* E-Time 16s
* Hoop Matrix 16s
* Jim Mullin 16s
* KOPA
* Lakeshow 16s
* NorCal Wildcats 16s
* Nor Cal Warriors 15s
* Oakland Rebels 15
* OJBA 16s
* Olympic Club 16s
* Purple Reign
* Roadrunners 16s
* SF Rebels 16s
* Seaside Finest 16s
* Soldiers 15s
* Top Flight Elite 16s
* Thunder 15s 

Ellis to Chico State

Bill Paterson notes Isaiah Ellis' signing with Chico State. The Wildcats lose 7-foot Jason Conrad in the middle so playing time will be available to be earned.

Brian Shaw is a wanted man

This article notes that Oakland native Brian Shaw is interviewing for the head coach opening in Detroit and seemingly Brooklyn too.

The Seawolves go south for next recruit

A Dave (DRinCA) Rogahn tweet: "Calvin Smith of Palomar has signed with Sonoma State, a D-2 in Rohnert Park. He has 3 years of eligibility remaining"

Smith is 6-foot-5, 215 out of Glendora.

Here is his official Palomar bio.

Matthews in at Riverside CC

A Mark Whicker tweet: "Phil Mathews, last seen as UCLA assistant, gets the head coach job at Riverside CC"

The former USF head coach takes over for John Smith who has joined Dedrique Taylor's staff at Cal State Fullerton.

The Aggies looking at Drew

St. Louis castoff (and that unfortunately is the right term) Jared Drew is garnering the interest of UC Davis among a number of other teams.

Now if Drew scored 20 points per game this season and subsequently decided he wanted to play elsewhere on a bigger stage, would the chorus be singing about him and all those other damn transfers?

McBride headed to the Cornhusker State

Justin McBride, a sophomore at Lassen College, has committed to a scholarship at Grace University to play basketball and major in Business with a Marketing emphasis.

The 6-foot-0 McBride was a starter and averaged 5.2 points a game while shooting 41% from beyond the three-point line. He passed for 59 assists in 2012-13 for a 23-9 squad that made it to the third round of the state playoffs.

Grace University, a private school in Omaha, Nebraska, competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association and finished the this year with a 17-17 overall record.

From Coach Devin Aye: "Justin is the first of an expected four Cougars to accept a scholarship in the coming weeks from the 2013 Golden Valley Conference champion Lassen College team.  Congrats to Justin on a great accomplishment and the opportunity to have his degree paid for while playing basketball at the university level!"

Young heads back to Oz

St. Mary's athletics reports that Mitchell Young is turning pro in Australia.

Always worthy of a re-read

It's time to re-visit Adam DeSautel's essay titled "The Fine Line Between Confidence and Self Perception"

DeSautel coached at Westwind Academy until moving to the Northwest and becoming the coach at Redmond High in Washington.

Two Cosumnes River College players moving on

Head here to learn more about Cosumnes River College's Charles (Capital Christian High) Standifer and Orion (Bradshaw Christian High) Kidd moving on to UC Riverside and Greenville College respectively.

Smith to Casper

A Jack Nowlin tweet: "Casper College signs Oakland's Leo Smith. The 5-11 PG averaged 18 points and 5 assists last year"

This is the same Wyoming two-year school that Dominique and Demetrius Lee attended.

Wright promoted to head coach

As Jimmy Graben details, River Valley High boys basketball will now be headed by Mark Wright.

A trio of Highlanders working it in the classroom

Congratulations to Lucas Devenney, Josh Fox and Taylor Johns for their respective academic achievements at UC Riverside this academic year.

Three Renegades moving on

Per DRinCA, a trio of Ohlone College talents have made their next step choices:

* Fredrik Boehn, PF - West Georgia (7.9 points per game)

* Chris (Castro Valley High) Read, SG - Cal State Stanislaus (15.5 points per game and a team-leading 69 steals)

* Warren (Castro Valley High) Wright, G - Johnson & Wales (CO) (4.0 points per game)

More on Hoyt coming back to Sonora

Alex MacLean/The Union Democrat goes long in writing about new Columbia College Head Coach Rob Hoyt returning to the fold.