Castrillo to the Land of Enchantment

Marcos Castrillo came out of Pinole Valley High and, after two seasons at Merritt College, is heading to DII Western New Mexico University of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

At 6-foot-7 and 195, Castrillo produced 6.9 points per game in 2012-13, shooting 48% and 72% respectively. He also nabbed 5.5 rebounds a contest.

Castrillo is graduating with a 3.2 grade point average and an A.A. in Business. He's heading to the right place as the Mustangs' men's basketball program posted a team grade point average of 3.18, the highest of all the teams in the league.

Here's Western New Mexico Coach Jeff Law on Castrillo: "We saw Marcos play in the [State] Final Four and he is going to give us many options. He plays strong on the floor and also does very well in the classroom."

Merritt Coach Keenan McMiller offered this: "Marcos has been a model student-athlete to the best of his abilities. What Western New Mexico University will get from him is a consistent hard worker who will display a good attitude and graduate on time."

The Broncos with a Land of Lincoln recruiting interest

A DeAnte' Mitchell tweet: "University (IL) forward Max Rothschild '14 is taking an unofficial visit to Santa Clara Sunday, per his AAU coach"

Rothschild stands 6-foot-8 and 220. Chicago State, Illinois Chicago and Northern Illinois have already offered. He went on unofficials to Bucknell and Penn last weekend.

CSUEB with a majority of northern California guys

New Cal State East Bay Gus Argenal has signed a pair of recruits recently. But who does he have returning on his roster? A goodly sized number of northern California talents (highlighted in bold) whose names many will recall:

* Arturo Garcia, F, 6-8, 230, Jr., Palm Springs Desert Hot Springs HS

* Spencer Britschgi, G, 5-11, 165,  Sr. , Redwood City Chaminade University

* Jacari Whitfield, G, 5-7, 160, Jr., San Francisco St. Joseph Notre Dame HS

* Mark Samuels, G, 6-0, 175, Sr., Berkeley Berkeley HS

* Tre Mauldin, G, 6-1, 175, Jr., Lancaster Lancaster HS

* Gabe Kindred, G, 6-2, 175, Sr., Oakland Salt Lake CC

* Ota Okungbowa, F, 6-3, 190, So., Sacramento Monterey Trail HS

* Kenneth Farr II, F, 6-5, 190, Sr., Richmond Salesian HS

* Ryan Hebebrand, F, 6-5, 220, Sr., Livermore Las Positas College

* Donavon Jackson, G, 6-4, 205, Sr., Lake Forest El Toro HS

* Paramvir Singh, G, 6-3, 180, So., Hayward Newark Memorial HS

Put a coaching job on your grocery list

Who knew that hanging out in a grocery store could result in a head coaching position. Guess who cleaned up in aisle three?

Darko, Dwyane or Carmelo?

Jack Hamilton pulls no punches in this article on the NBA draft selection of Darko Milicic over Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. Very interesting.

Veteto's play noted

Big Sky Basketball looks at Konner Veteto, Sacramento State's departing big. He's also a Placer High alum.

Argenal adds a backcourt shooter

Coach Gus Argenal has recruit #2 in the fold for Cal State East Bay.

Catch the Golden Gate Summer Shootout

The Golden Gate Summer Shootout is this weekend and Dave Curtis offers the details.

Faruqbey takes the 3:10 to Yuma

San Lorenzo High and Lakeshow standout guard Ali Faruqbey has made the call -- it's Arizona Western College in Yuma.

AWC finished 19-3 in Arizona Community College Athletic Conference play, 25-6 overall and have players from throughout the country on the roster.

In the last six years, the Matadors have accomplished a 160-37 record.

Here's an article from back in April on Faruqbey.

Argenal nabs a frontcourter

New Cal State University East Bay Head Coach Gus Argenal has landed Pioneer recruit #1.

Dellavedova to the Magic

Matthew Dellavedova was not selected in the two-round NBA draft but has signed on with Orlando.

Gordon not missing a beat

What is it with the trampling of opponents by the U.S. teams playing internationally? First it was Ivory Coast being routed, now China. LINK

Rogers to SJSU

Word is that Frank Rogers, out of Salinas High, Cabrillo College and then USF is joining the San Jose State University team. Per NCAA requirements, his departure from USF should mean he will be redshirting the 2013-14 year. Not sure if he is walking on or being scholarshipped by the Spartans.

At 6-foot-8 and 210 pounds, Rogers played in 28 games at just under nine minutes a contest, averaging 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds an outing in his sole season on The Hilltop. He shot 43% from the floor and 52% at the free throw line.

The 2013 Nor Cal Summer Tip Off

The fourth annual Nor Cal Summer Tip Off will be held Saturday and Sunday July 13-14 at City College of San Francisco.

Forty teams will participate in this NCAA certified event (allowing Division I colleges to attend) which will run 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For more info email: gerryfreitas@hotmail.com

Here's the beginning of Gerry Freitas' report on the 2012 edition:

The 2012 Nor Cal Summer Tip Off was held Saturday and Sunday July 14-15, 2012 at San Francisco City College. Thirty eight teams from throughout the western United States participated in the NCAA sanctioned event. 

Top Prospects: (*indicates highest consideration)

6'0" PG Tyrell Alcorn of El Cerrito HS 2015 (Oakland Soldiers 16's)
-Strong body. Knows how to play. Good passer and set up man. Good scorer of the drive. Good athlete.

5'11" PG Juwan Anderson of Bishop O'Dowd HS 2014 (North Coast Express)
-Quick & Solid PG who can run a team. Advances ball in transition. Very effective using ball screen. Good passer on the move. OK Shooter.

6'9" C Ryan Amaru of Willows HS 2013 (Nor Cal Warriors 17u Blue)
-Will post and face up. Good short driver. 12'-15' Range. Needs strength

6'4" SG Nate Ambrosini of Fortuna HS 2013(Nor Cal Warriors 16u)
-Smart and Crafty. Good all around skills. High IQ player who can shoot.

6'7" C Blaine Amos of Middletown HS 2013 (Nor Cal Warriors 17u Blue)
-Rugged. Hard worker. Below the rim player. Good hi-lo passer. Plays hard and takes charges. 15' range.

6'3" SG Jamie Andrews of Dublin HS 2013 (Nevada Wolverines Black 17u)
-Big body guard. Good shooter from 3. Good in transition to the rim. Shot selection is questionable.

6'5" PF/C Damien Banford of Newark Memorial HS 2014 (North Coast Express)
-Big body. Nice skill set for size. Good handle. Can drive it. Good passer. Post up and avoids contact. Needs to be in better condition and work on power moves...

The past and present doesn't decide the future

Hey, listen up you youngsters (that's a guarantee the rest of this will not be read by the under 18 demographic).

Look at the first 10 talents selected in the NBA draft.

Do you notice anything?

If you're blanking, who heard of #2 pick Victor Oladipo when he landed at Indiana out of high school? Rivals ranked him #144 in his class.

#3 selection Otto Porter could have mistakenly been called Porter Otto when he cast his lot with Georgetown and most Hoya fans wouldn't have noticed the error.

#10 C.J. McCollum certainly wasn't being thought of as any sort of a bluechipper when he chose Lehigh over Boise State and other mid majors.

It's all up to you.

Here's a related Dave Telep tweet: "NBA draft was a referendum on player makeup. Potential is great the ability to maximize and think just as important"

Andrew Sharp offers a compelling read about last night.

Agreed

A Coach Mike Blaine tweet: "There really ought to be a rule outlawing zone defense in AAU basketball. It is vitally important to see who can guard someone!"

Hope this was unanimous

Aaron Gordon has been honored as the Mercury News boys athlete of the year.

Cunningham to Atlanta

From the Draft Express folks:

OFFICIAL: The Atlanta Hawks trade Shane Larkin (#18) to the Dallas Mavericks for Lucas Nogueira (#16), Mike Muscala (#44) and Jared Cunningham.

Here's more on Cunningham.

More on McConnell becoming a Wolverine

Glenn Reeves offers more on Cole McConnell's move to Michigan.

Barbour taking his game across The Pond

Former Monte Vista High and Columbia backcourter Brian Barbour is headed overseas to Brittania.

The 2013 Nor Cal Clash in August

The fifth annual Nor Cal Clash will be held 3:30 p.m. Sunday August 25 at El Cerrito High School. This one-game event will have elite players from Northern California in the class of 2014 playing against elite players in the class of 2015.

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 NorCal Preps and CaliforniaPreps plus other media outlets.

Mike Booker of El Cerrito and Devon Jones of Capital Christian will be the opposing coaches.

The list of players participating in the event will be announced on August 5.

In last year's matchup, the 2014 guys topped their elders as Grant High's Cameron Oliver led with 19 points. Aaron Gordon totaled 41 points plus 14 rebounds for the 2013-ers.

Thomas to BOD

6-foot-6 Isiah Thomas of the Oakland Rebels has transferred from KIPP King Collegiate High, a charter school in San Lorenzo, and will be attending Bishop O'Dowd this coming school year.

Thomas will be teaming up with longtime friend Ivan Rabb on the court.

Parsons to the Beehive State

Grant High's De'Sean Parsons is headed to Salt Lake Community College. The 6-foot-5 prospect was honored as a First Team All State Division Two selection by CalHiSports. 

The Dons repping at the SF Pro-Am

James Stapleton reports on the USF Don talents participating in the San Francisco Pro-Am.

Another Shaw-to-Denver feature

Here's more on Brian Shaw taking the reigns in Denver.

Parker moving south?

A Bonta Hill tweet: "Hearing De'End Parker is heading to a NAIA school in LA"

Cal State University San Marcos has been mentioned. Jim Saia is the head coach there

Got to be pulling for Carrick Felix

Carrick Felix isn't from northern California but he can still serve as an example for those here who don't embrace that you can still be a leader even if a deadly jumpshot is missing from your offensive repertoire and that you can defend yourself into NBA consideration with the right mindset and focus on every possession.

The NOR CAL JUCO SUMMER JAMBOREE coming up on July 11-12

This is an NCAA certified evaluation event for four-year college coaches so look for the stands to be filled with such, especially assistants from around the country. A number of DII coaches will also certainly be in attendance.

It's being held on Thursday and Friday July 11 and 12 at Skyline College in San Bruno.

The rosters for each squad may change come November but this will be a great opportunity to see where some of the various northern California high school talents have landed.

Final Four participants Merritt College and City College of San Francisco will be on display plus always tough Fresno City College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Cosumnes River College,  Yuba College, Ohlone College and many more.

Here are the team scheduled to appear:

* College of Alameda
* College of the Redwoods
* College of the Sequoias
* Cañada College
* Chabot College
* Cosumnes River College
* DeAnza College
* Fresno City College
* Los Medanos College
* Merritt College
* Monterey Peninsula College
* Napa Valley College 
* Ohlone College
* Reedley College
* Sacramento City College
* San Francisco City College
* San Jose City College
* San Joaquin Delta College
* Santa Rosa Junior College
* Sierra College
* Skyline College
* Solano College
* West Hill College
* Yuba College
+ one independent team

THE SPECIFICS

Date: Thursday - Friday July 11-12, 2013
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day
Games: Each team will play 4 games (two each day)
Location: Skyline College, 3300 College Dr., San Bruno, CA

For more information, contact:

Gerry Freitas at (408) 998-1327 or via email: gerryfreitas@hotmail.com
Justin Piergrossi at 415-859-0175 or via email: piergrossij@smccd.edu

The Hornets are on Solomon Young

A Philippe Doherty tweet: "Sacramento State has offered local product Solomon Young, 6'6 forward out of Sacramento HS and Norcal Wildcats Elite AAU program"

Young is a 2016 prospect.

Dellavedova & the NBA draft

St. Mary's athletics writes about Matthew Dellavedova's travels about the country as he looks to impress for the NBA draft.

It's official for Fortier

Paul Fortier is now the Associate Head Coach at Cal Poly -- link link

William Jessup hires Lance Von Vogt

Rocklin, Calif. - William Jessup University Director of Athletics Mitch Pleis has announced Lance Von Vogt as the Warrior’s new head men’s basketball coach.

Von Vogt brings a wealth of knowledge from all levels of college basketball including six years as a successful head coach with an overall record of 108-57 to William Jessup University.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected as men's basketball coach at William Jessup University at such an amazing time of growth within the school and athletics,” stated Coach Von Vogt. “The move to the GSAC in 2014 partnering with the current unprecedented growth of the University places WJU as one of the most desirable Christ centered higher education institutions in the country. I am grateful for President Dr. John Jackson, Chief Development Officer Eric Hogue, Director of Athletics Mitch Pleis and Associate Athletic Director Farnum Smith as well as the entire hiring committee for their thoroughness of the search and extending me this opportunity."

The Daytona Beach Shores, Florida native comes to the Warriors after three highly successful seasons as the head men basketball coach and assistant athletic director at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington. The Pirates have posted a 65-25 overall record, while going 34-12 in the North Division of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) over the last three years.

In his first season at the helm of the Pirates, Von Vogt led Peninsula College to their first NWAACC Championship in forty-one years.  Von Vogt was honored as the NWAACC Coach of the Year as the Pirates went 22-7.  Heading into his second year, the Pirates started out the year ranked #1 in the NWAACC and earned their first national ranking in school history.  The Pirates finished 25-6 overall and 13-3 in conference before falling in the final four of the NWAACC tournament.  Last season, the Pirates finished the season 18-12.  In three seasons, Von Vogt has coached one NWAACC MVP, four All-NWAACC, six All-North Division and five All-Academic players. In addition to coaching, he served as the athletic development coordinator for the Pirate Athletic Association.

Prior to his arrival at Peninsula, Von Vogt spent the previous four seasons as the lead assistant men's basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona.  During his time at AWC, he helped guide the Matadors to three Arizona Community College Athletic Conference championships and two NJCAA Region XVIII championships as they went 103-24 over Von Vogt’s four-year tenure.  Von Vogt recruited and developed four All-Americans, seven All-Region and ten All-Conference players.

Before arriving at AWC in 2006, he was the assisted at Eastern Kentucky University where the Division I Colonels placed fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference. Prior to that, he was the head coach at Oxford College of Emory University, where he led the Eagles to a pair of playoff appearances. His three years are the three most successful seasons in the history of the program earning two playoff appearances which were the first in the program’s history. In his third season, Oxford College of Emory University recorded a school-record 22 wins, regional and inter-regional championships and a spot in the NJCAA Top 10, which earned Von Vogt the 2004-05 Region Coach of the Year honors.

Von Vogt's first coaching experience came under the legendary coach Lefty Driesell. Von Vogt served as the director of basketball operations at Georgia State under Driesell from 2000 through 2002. During that time, the Panthers earned a trip to the 2001 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round with a win over Wisconsin. Georgia State followed with it’s first-ever trip to the NIT in 2002. Von Vogt also worked as a graduate assistant for Georgia Tech for two seasons.

Von Vogt earned a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Georgia State and a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida.

New Director of Athletics Mitch Pleis stated: “William Jessup is very fortunate to have Lance and his family joining our University.  Lance brings an enthusiasm and commitment that will enhance our basketball program for many years to come.”

Chief Development Officer Eric Hogue stated: "We were prayerfully determined to hire the right coach for the future of our men's basketball program. I believe our student body, faculty, donors, alumni, the community and our beloved 'Warrior fans' will come to appreciate the intentional leadership and basketball expertise of Lance Von Vogt. The future is very bright."

Coach Von Vogt is excited to already be laying groundwork for Warriors upcoming season.

"I've already spoke to most of the returning players and they are hungry and committed to making our 2013-14 season one to remember,” stated Von Vogt. “We have high expectations for next season and we can't wait to get to work while giving all the glory to God."

The Warriors won the 2013 California Pacific Conference Championship.  Von Vogt will lead the way for the Warriors move to the Golden State Athletic Conference in 2014-15.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004.  WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Biology, Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations include Business Administration, Christian Leadership, Counseling Psychology, Organizational Leadership, and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

God Bless,

Jeff Bussell
Sports Information Director
Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach
2013 California Pacific Conference Champions

Lumpkins aces in the classroom too

Former Serra High frontcourter Stephen Lumpkins has graduated from American University:

"...Stephen Lumpkins (3.33, Business Administration) was named to the academic honor roll for the second time..."

Add to that team-leading 14.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game averages.

The latest on former Fairfield High frontcourter John Dickson

John Dickson is finishing up school at Sacramento State and trying out for the NBA.

Another Eric Musselman interview

Rob Dauster interviews Arizona State Associate Head Coach Eric Musselman, a former Bay Area resident as well as head coach of the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes in college roundball rules and regs

Some changes are coming to college hoops next season.

Ugbaja & Yussef selected

John Murphy notes that Jiday Ugbaja has earned quite the honor. Likewise for Temidayo Yussuf.

Argenal hires DBO

Coach Gus Argenal has made his first hire at Cal State East Bay.

Shaw gets the Nuggets' top spot

Oakland native Brian Shaw has been named the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. Running a team that won 57 games last season is not the usual situation so it's good that he will have some talent at his disposal.

Developing trust

Coach Bob Walsh writes about his methods for developing trust among the players making up the squad.

The Sheldon Trail Summer Jam experience

Bill Paterson goes long in recapping the best of the Sheldon Trail Summer Jam.

It bears repeating that big time newspapers don't cover prep basketball in the middle of summer. Heck, that goes for small town entities too. So appreciate what Paterson and the Bee do.

More on Pope

Bob Bell also checks in on Malik Pope.

It's an epidemic, no, maybe a pandemic, no it's worse...

Rustin Dodd looks at the so-called transfer epidemic.

Two missing points:

Why do the transfers bear the brunt of this issue when it's coaches coming a-calling? Poaching requires a poacher.

A snippet: "...Schools are recruiting kids right off of campus,” K-State coach Bruce Weber says...."

Call it semantics but nope, it's not schools but fellow brethren reaching out.

If "graduate transfers' are hired guns and “It’s totally unfair to programs where they’ve worked with kids for four years,” Weber says, then what are coaches who leave a year after recruiting a kid due to a 'better' offer?

Players are on one year contracts so yes, every year is free agency for them. Pony up and guarantee a four or five year scholarship offer and then complain if a student-athlete departs early for greener pastures.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/06/22/4308063/rise-in-transfers-creates-a-college.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/06/22/4308063/rise-in-transfers-creates-a-college.html#storylink=cpy

Profiling the very first college basketball prospect analyst

Before there was a Rivals, a Scout or even this intertoobs things, there was Howard Garfinkel.

Montez and Hammell honored

Michael Coit writes about the selection of junior Jon Montez as the Santa Rosa Press Democrat’s All-Empire Small School Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Phil Barber does the same for senior Corey Hammell as the Santa Rosa Press Democrat Large School Player of the Year.

"Would you let your daughter marry him?"

This Alan Stein post is must-reading as he shares what NBA executives ask him about various prospects.

Do you have character or are you a character? Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with the latter as long as the former governs behavior but that's a tricky mix.

SC interest now an offer

Santa Clara has moved from liking to loving -- via West Coast Convo: "RT @LC_Recruiting: 2014 Jason Todd looking solid on the court. Todd recently received an offer from Santa Clara"

Here's earlier coverage.

The Zags want Pope

Josh Horton covers Gonzaga's interest in Malik Pope who is still recovering from injury.

McConnell to Michigan

Wolverine athletics makes the official announcement of the addition of Cole McConnell.

Pitts to scale up

Elliott Pitts is on the Arizona campus and Bruce Pascoe writes the first task for the freshman is to add weight.

Aaron Cameron to CRC

 (photo courtesy of David Steutel, MaxPreps)

Recent Sacramento High graduate Aaron Cameron has made a decision and his plan is to play the 2013-2014 season for Coach James Giacomazzi and Cosumnes River College basketball.

The 6-foot-2 backcourter, coming off Co-MVP honors in the Metro Conference, made his choice for multiple reasons.

Cameron explained, "It's a great program, one that has a history of sending players on to the next level. Coaches Giacomazzi and Podesta had a plan for me academically and athletically that will help me accomplish my goals. All I have to do is bring the hard work. It’s also nice that the school is 10 minutes from my home.”

He continued, "I'll be playing the one and the two but mainly the one so that I can continue to develop at the position. I see myself as a scoring point guard."

Here's Podesta on Cameron: "I can say he is a very special player that we are extremely excited to have on the team this season.  He is in the mold of former Hawk Tony Gill, who's currently playing at the University of the Pacific, in that he really exemplifies what a student-athlete should be. Aaron is an extremely well-rounded young man who is active in family, the community, in addition to being an outstanding basketball player. Beyond his physical gifts and athletic ability, Aaron is a fierce competitor, who brings tremendous intensity to the program. We couldn't be happier to have him represent our team, campus community, and student body this season."

Asked to describe what fans will see on the court from him, Cameron offered, “Defensively I will work hard, offensively I will bring my ability to score the basketball, especially from the 3-point range. I will also bring my passion to compete. There's a fire in my belly."

As there are different aspects to commanding, Cameron offered more: "I can lead by example, that shows up in my work ethic. But I can also be very vocal so my leadership style is a bit of both. I know how to speak to people to get things done."

Responding to a query regarding how his school friends would describe him, Cameron said, "A hard worker dedicated to what he does but also down to earth."

Academically, he is interested in both Psychology and Sports Management as majors.

Jackson IS coming to SJSU

Learned this week from different people that El Cerrito High and Oakland Soldier backcourter Rae Jackson will be coming to San Jose State University after all. The 6-foot-2 talent earlier attended Rodriguez High in Fairfield before making the move down to the East Bay.

Here are two cut-n-pastes from an article around the time of Jackson's transfer:

"...El Cerrito Head Coach Michael Booker says of his future point guard, "Rae has many strengths but I think his greatest strength is his triple threat ability. Rae has the ball handling skills needed to drive to the basket and finish strong with either hand, he has the ability to shoot his jump-shot off the dribble, spotting up or coming off screens and he has the court vision to find and pass to teammates for easy scoring opportunities...."

"...I think Rae has the ability to play collegially at the division one level," says Booker. "I think that Rae at the next level would immediately help any program in need of a point guard/basketball player. Rae is a good student who meets all the requirements to attend a four year college, he is a good teammate, his skill level and basketball IQ is very good. He can defend his position and he understands a team defensive system. More importantly, he understands how to use his strengths to help his team succeed..."

Back in January, Jackson gave a verbal commit to SJSU but that was with the previous coaching staff.

Will Cherry video interview

Below is Will Cherry talking after his June 17 workout with the Golden State Warriors:

Diew decides for the education

A lot of lip service is paid by young men and their parents about education being first and foremost over prestige and bragging rights but then the decision is made to matriculate at Northeast by Southwest Tech.

That isn't the story with Ryan Diew.

Diew, of Head-Royce School and the Oakland Rebels, is one who has always stressed that personal edification was at the top of his list. So when the moment arrived , he decided that Colgate University in Hamilton, New York was the overall best situation for him.

The student population there is 2,800 and the Raiders are a member of the Patriot League alongside American, Army, Bucknell, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. Boston and Loyola Maryland are joining up come September.

The Colgate bonafides: other than the Ivy League, the Patriot League is considered as the most selective group of universities in NCAA Division I and is just behind the Ivy League in highest student-athlete graduation rate. It is also noted as a member of the "Hidden Ivies: Thirty Colleges of Excellence" and well as one of Newsweek's "New Ivies."

The 6-foot-3 Diew (who has added a half inch just recently) offered this about his decision: "

"I think real highly of academics and have always wanted to attend a good academic school whether it a DI, D2 or D3 one. That was the deciding factor. When I talked with the coaches on my visit, they told me I would get a fair shake."

But initially, Diew's sense of Colgate was one of remoteness. It's located in the midlands of New York state, 40 miles southeast of Syracuse and 250 miles northwest of the Big Apple. He wasn't so sure.

"I was doing research every night on College Prowler and other sites. The campus is gorgeous and the area is beautiful but I just needed to know more."

One selling point (remember we are usually talking about large teenagers) proved to be the 'nutrition availability' category: "I like to eat and the dining plan for freshman is you can eat as many times as you want each day."

Asked what he will bring to the Raiders, Diew said, "I think I'll be a utility guy, doing whatever the team needs me to do. I've always been a good teammates. Plus, my shooting and uncanny knack for finishing."

Diew has yet to decide the the areas of study of most interest for him are computer science, business and biology as he sees himself working Silicon Valley or in corporate finance or becoming a doctor.

Right now, he's working out and playing in the San Francisco Pro-Am League and will be heading to the Empire State in late summer.

Holcomb now heading Simpson

Coming back to familiar territory, Jim Holcomb is the new head coach of the Simpson University men's basketball program.

Can't access the article in the Redding newspaper but here is his bio from the Shasta College men's basketball site:

Coach Holcomb grew up in Lookout, CA and graduated from Big Valley High School. After high school, he attended College of the Siskiyous where he received an AA degree and played two years of basketball. He then married and moved to Yreka, CA, where he worked and raised a family. He coached in 1989-1994 at the junior high level and then took the freshman coaching position at Yreka High where he coached four years. Then in 1999, he was hired as the Assistant Men’s Basketball coach at Simpson University where he was working on finishing his Bachelor’s Degree (while still living in Yreka). Coach Holcomb and his family moved to Redding in 2002 so that he could finish his teaching credentials. Jim coached basketball at Simpson from 1999-2003. Simpson University is in the NAIA II division as well as NCCAA II in Christian Colleges. In the 2002-2003 season, Simpson had 21 wins, with a Regional Championship and third place in the National Tournament in Oklahoma City. Then in 2003 Jim was hired as the Head Boy’s Basketball Coach at Anderson High. He coached there for five years where his teams won two league titles and played in two Section title games. Coach Holcomb and his wife, Jeanette, have been married for 34 years and have two daughters, Jill and Jennifer. His wife Jeanette is a Registered Dental Assistant for Shasta Community Health in Redding. Daughter Jill, is in the nursing field in Palm Beach, FL. and his other daughter, Jennifer, is a Deputy Sheriff in Palm Beach County, Florida. In his spare time Jim likes to go hunting, spend time outdoors, and most of all be with his family.

The service for Charles Jergo

Bill Paterson provides the memorial service information on Charles Jergo.

Here's more background.

Pitts already in Tucson

From Bruce Pascoe:

...While Aaron Gordon is headed to Prague and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been finishing up high school, Miller said freshman guard Elliott Pitts has arrived on campus along with Kansas transfer Zach Peters.

Miller said he has already been holding some of the limited summertime workouts that are now allowed under NCAA rules but will save most of his allotted time for later in the summer, when the entire team is expected to be on campus...

The Broncos getting a visit

A Left Coast Recruiting tweet: "2014 Jason Todd (Mill Creek, WA) is on an unofficial visit right now. Todd is visiting Santa Clara"

His background:

THE WINNER: Jason Todd, Washington Boys Basketball POY

THE BASICS

School: Jackson (Mill Creek, Wash.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 200 pounds

Athletic achievement: Todd averaged 21.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, leading the Timberwolves (26-1) to the Class 4A state championship game. An All-State first team selection by The Seattle Times and News Tribune, Todd shot 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 81 percent from the free throw line. In three postseason games, he averaged 16.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals, capturing Class 4A state tournament Most Valuable Player honors.

Academic excellence: Todd has maintained a 3.60 GPA.

Exemplary character: In addition to donating his time as a youth basketball instructor, Todd has volunteered locally assisting in elementary school classrooms.

THE PRAISE

“Jason Todd is a true definition of a student-athlete with exemplary character,” said Cory West, head coach of rival Kamiak (Mukilteo, Wash.). “What impresses me the most is his ability to play all five positions at the high school level. He can run the point comfortably, he has worked in the offseason to develop a better outside shot that he can hit consistently in order to play the 2 or 3 spot, and he can play on the block because he is so strong and finishes around the basket. Also, his ability to pass is key to his team’s success. He is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams at the high school level.”

A lengthy feature on Eric Musselman

Jeremy Hawkes, Arizona State Media Relations, offers a two-part series on the basketball life of Eric Musselman.

Part One

Part Two

Team Superstar 2013

LeRohn Dodson runs the Team Superstar program out of the Fresno area. Affiliated with Under Armour, the teams consist of talents from the San Joaquin and Sacramento area.

Here are the top two 2013 squads:

Team Superstar Elite

* PG 6-foot-0 Taelin Webb, La Mirada HS
* PG 6-foot-1 Malik Thames, Pleasant Grove HS
* PG 6-foot-3 Austin Armstead, Bullard HS
* G 6-foot-3 Murshid Randle, Central HS
* G 6-foot-4 Braxton Huggins, Mira Monte HS
* W 6-foot-6 Elliott Smith, Freedom HS
* PF 6-foot-8 Fatai Eke, East Bakersfield HS 
* W 6-foot-9 Malik Pope, Laguna Creek HS
* W 6-foot-9 DJ Wilson, Capital Christian HS
* PF 6-foot-9 Darius Hamilton, Central HS
* PF 6-foot-9 Matthew Thomas, Newark Memorial HS

and

Team Superstar Blue

* PG 5-foot-10 UC Iroegbu, Capital Christian HS
* PG 6-foot-0 Blake Shannon, Mission Oak HS
* G 6-foot-0 Dante Henley, Jesuit HS
* G 6-foot-2 Issac Clark, Independance HS
* G 6-foot-2 Brian Enriquez, Hesperia HS
* G 6-foot-4 Chris Sullivan, Long Beach Poly
* F 6-foot-4 Leo Goodman, Las Vegas HS
* F 6-foot-5 Nate Claxton, Grace Davis HS
* PF 6-foot-5 Nate Admundsen, Central HS

Loved this article

Scott Phillips looks at Coach Buzz Williams, the Marquette basketball program and elements that make up the culture of that enterprise.

Now this is standard stuff: "It’s about accountability day-after-day and impacting our guys in a positive way so that when their career is finished, they’ll be prepared to succeed,” Williams told NBC Sports...

But the separation comes with:

“We spend an inordinate amount of time off-the-floor talking about communication and the ways that we can improve that,” Williams said. “We teach guys how to properly introduce themselves, how to make eye contact with people, how body language affects other people and how to say certain things and certain phrases. Every player is taught about body language and how to communicate to others by using basketball examples.”

Hit the link above for an extraordinary read.

A question involving Michael Carter-Williams

No one has the ability to divine the future (despite the hanging out of plenty of shingles from those claiming the ability to do just that) but this question is worth asking and chattering about: did staying at Syracuse benefit Michael Carter-Williams more than had he transferred after a splinter-filled freshman year?

The answer isn't quantifiable but he's on to the NBA.

Rob Dauster looks into this intriguing stay-or-go situation.

What a welcome to DI basketball

Former Berkeley High and Diablo Valley College wing Khufu Najee just finished up at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, having signed back in November with IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), a member of the Summit league.

It just happens IUPUI is tripping this summer. No, not to beautiful British Columbia or south of our southern border.

As the tour description goes: 

"The IUPUI basketball team will be making a 10-trip to Italy later this summer, playing three games against international competition in mid-August. The trip, coordinated by Sports Tours International, will run from Aug. 9-18 and include stops in Milan, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Rome and Vatican City.

As part of the cultural aspect of the trip, the travel party will take part in a guided tour of Venice early on and later take a midweek guided tour of Florence, capped by a visit to the Accademia Gallery. The team is also slated for a bike tour and sightseeing in Lucca and a trip to the Colosseum and Squares of Rome. Among the final stops on the trip is a tour of Vatican City and Vatican Museum on on the team's final evening in Italy."

I volunteer to carry the team bags.

Columbia announces recruiting class, including Kendall Jackson

In an article from Columbia University athletics, former Bishop O'Dowd and Lakeshow point Kendall Jackson is discussed as one of Coach Kyle Smith's signees:

Kendall Jackson – G - 5-8 - 160 - Union City, Calif. - Suffield Academy/Bishop O’Dowd

Jackson possesses great speed, court vision and is regarded as a pass-first point guard. He transferred to Suffield Academy in New England after playing at Bishop O’Dowd in Northern California. In 2012-13, Jackson averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds per contest, helping Suffield go 20-4 and 10-0 in league action.

“Kendall will be one of the quickest players in the Ivy League,” commented [Coach Kyle] Smith. “He will give us a change of pace at both ends of the floor and gives us a true point guard. He had a tremendous year with Suffield and before that played at one of the premier programs in California (Bishop O’Dowd), so we know he is battle-tested.”

William Jessup joins new conference

William Jessup University has announced its membership in the Golden State Athletic Conference come the 2014-2015 season. The school is currently is a member of the California Pacific Conference.

Young moving from TAM to SJSU

Former Monterey Peninsula College big Andrew Young is transferring to San Jose State University.

A June 12 Young tweet: "I'm playin at San Jose state this coming year..."

A friend's tweet: "I think my heart sank when I found out @4everYoung41 is leaving = Hope you enjoy SJSU tho!"

He is applying for a family hardship waiver from the NCAA which will allow him to play in 2013-2014 rather than having to redshirt and sit out a season. 

The 6-foot-8, 240 pound Young played in 32 games at Texas A&M as a reserve this past season (his junior year), totaling 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds an outing at 13.1 minutes. Overall, he shot 36% from the floor and 71% at the free throw line .

At Monterey Peninsula College, Young averaged 21.8 points and 14.2 rebounds during the 2011-2012 season, both tops in the state. His production resulted in him being selected as a first-team all-stater by the California Community College Athletic Association. Off the court, he earned dean’s list honors.

Three more Lobos moving on

Monterey Peninsula College Coach Blake Spiering has all four of his sophomores moving on to four-year schools.

Zen Maki to Sonoma State was previously covered here.

The other three signees are:

* Adam Myren heading to Linfield College (Oregon). A 6-foot-5 backcourter out of El Camino High in the Sacramento area, he put up 7.2 points an outing and was second on the Lobos with 46 assists. Linfield is the school where former Foothill Coach Shanan Rosenberg is now coaching.

* Jonny Parker moving on to Clarke University, an NAIA college, in Dubuque, Iowa. The 6-foot-4 former Valley Christian High talent averaged 7.6 and 6.2 rebounds a contest last season.

* Jonothan Sims, a Monte Vista Christian High graduate, will be attending NAIA-affiliated Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas. The 6-foot-4 guard is a three-point specialist.

Marqus Crawford and MC-Elite

Marqus Crawford, MC-Elite, Morgan Hill.

Someone might call this the M3 in today's modus operandi of branding.

But it's basketball related as former Sobrato High star Coach Marqus Crawford has started his own hoops training business, hence MC-Elite and it's based in Morgan Hill.

Here's the official announcement.

Here's the MC-Elite site.

Here's Marqus Crawford's background.

The phrase find a niche and fill it certainly applies here as south Santa Clara County should be a fertile ground for such an enterprise.

Out of the blue...

Just got an email from Joe Keller (if that name doesn't ring a bell then you haven't read the best book on youth basketball ever published). Wonder if Demetrius Walker works the camp (yes, sarcasm intended)?

Parents, Coaches, and Players:

We currently have a few spots that opened up for this year's camp 2013, which is Phenom's 10th year anniversary.  If you know of any special players that are not signed up and are looking to attend please contact our office so we can get them approved by our regional camp directors or Phenom Camp Director.

Every year after the camp we get an overwhelming amount of calls of parents telling us they were not aware of this camp.  If you know of anyone, please let them know about Phenom and they can check us out with video on www.phenomfriends.com. It is a website dedicated to those involved in the Phenom USA Community. If you haven't checked out the website, please do so today. You will find that it is a wonderful site for basketball fans that lets you express your basketball insights and there is an open forum for questions regarding Phenom and its staff. You can ask staff members or coaches questions and even communicate with those that have attended the Phenom camps in prior years.

If you have any further questions regarding nominations or referrals, please do not hesitate in calling us. Our contact information is listed below.

Jr. Phenom Camp
August 1st-4th 2013
San Diego, California

Phenom 150 Camp
June 27th-30th 2013
San Diego, California

Slam Magazine..."Greatest youth camp around, a must do event- Our view,its an experience, not just a camp."

Players will be looked at by the top scouting services in the country.
Hoopscooponline.com (Clark Francis), Slam magazine, California Preps, Buckeye Prep, Prep Spotlight, Rise Magazine, ESPN Magazine, Rivals,ESPN.com and many more. 
Play against the Nations Top Talent
Players will get: Complete Phenom Camp Package, 2 sets of Pro style uniforms,  All Meals, and the greatest camp on earth.
Also, this year BAM will be offered to all campers.  For more information on BAM, please check the website. 
  
Thank you,
Phenom Basketball Inc.
(951)247-9669 office
(951)247-4290 fax
www.phenomcamps.com
www.facebook.com/phenombasketball

Joe Keller
joe.keller@phenomamerica.com
Phenom..."Where the player becomes known"

Weber offers Vincent

A tweet from Cameron Schott: "2014 St. Mary's (Stockton) SG Gabe Vincent RT “@GabeVincent22: Just got an offer from Weber St"

Who from the Bay Area will be next in Ogden? And if it's a backcourter...

A good read on The Game last night

Here's the best read you will find on last night's matchup in the NBA Finals.

The best in the world still sport feet of clay at times. The winner is who sheds those impediments the most.

More on AG

Jonathan Givony/Draft Express looks at Aaron Gordon.

A snippet:

Aaron Gordon, 6-9, Freshman, Power Forward, Arizona

Likely the best athlete on the U19 roster, Aaron Gordon will undoubtedly play an important role on this squad, as he proved to be one of the most versatile players in attendance throughout the training camp in Colorado Springs.

Showing an extremely unique blend of physical attributes, intensity and smarts, Gordon set the tone right off the bat with his no-nonsense attitude, having no qualms whatsoever about going into the paint and making his presence felt. He grabbed seemingly every loose ball that came off the defensive glass, often skying well high above the rim to do so, and then sometimes initiating the break on his own. He also showed a little bit of a post game, utilizing his superior quickness and aggressiveness to score points, despite not possessing an overly advanced back to the basket arsenal or the thickest frame around. Defensively, Gordon was everywhere, switching out onto guards, making plays at the rim, and playing with a fantastic motor to compliment his tremendous athleticism...

Hit the link above for the remainder.

Catching up with the Sabias

Dave Curtis reports that the Sabias are nowhere near done with basketball and that Dillon will be playing locally next season.

Great work by Dave.

Kudos to Bill Paterson

Do give Bill Paterson a major thumbs up for covering the Sheldon-Trail Summer Jam as hoops events this time of the year do not exist for major city newspapers.

Good work Bill.

Two bad dribbles, an errant pass but all's well that ends well

Caught the end of the Heat - Spurs game the other night and it was basketball at its, well, most intriguing.

San Antonio's double-digit lead was being surrendered as late in the game:

* Tony Parker drags his foot on a dribble drive and stop resulting in a traveling call (to be fair Parker was the key to the Spurs holding on to their lead)

* Manu Genobili does the same

* An bad pass out from the left corner heads into the background for another violation

* Genobili goes right and then pulls up for an off balance no-no-no-yes! shot as he drains it

* Tim Duncan touches the ball but once in scoring position during the last five or so minutes (scoring on a whirling drive that culminated in a close-in bankshot)

Popovich and Company are lauded (and rightfully so) for their schemes and the carrying out of them but win and whatever -- good and bad -- preceded the victory is soon forgotten.

Henry Abbott nail it with his latest. He ends with:

"...That's not how we might like to see it, but I like this: It's just one more way NBA basketball -- this messy, beautiful, surprising, delightful, heartbreaking game -- is just like real life."

Mills gone for the finals

St. Mary's alum Patty Mills out is for the remainder of the championship series for the Spurs.

Another Lillard honor

Damian Lillard receives the key to the city (Ogden, Utah) -- it wouldn't have happened had he gone to a bigtime school in a large city so count this as another plus as a result of his choice.

Canty to the Great Northwest

Husky Haul clears up any confusion on the St. Patrick St. Vincent Jalen Canty Washington commit: it's a football scholarship but he'll also try and add basketball to his college sports participation.

*** But Canty begs to differ: "Everybody its a basketball scholarship"

Burlison hearts Gordon

Frank Burlison on Aaron Gordon:

"...In my humblest of opinions, Gordon, along with Smart and Payton, was one of the three most impressive players on Monday.

His spring, quickness to the ball and overall energy exuded at both ends of the floor bordered on stunning at times.

Is he a “3” (small forward) or “4” (power forward) when he suits up for Sean Miller and the Wildcats?

What does it matter? He’ll be on the floor as much, and as long, as anyone in Tucson next season..."

BAshley's road to greater effectiveness

The Draft Express folks offer analysis of Brandon Ashley's game and a prescription for betterment (the last sentence being the key):

Brandon Ashley, 6-8, Sophomore, Power Forward, Arizona

One of the biggest disappointments at this event relative to his talent level and the accolades that have followed him in his career thus far, Brandon Ashley struggled to establish himself in any way, shape or form throughout the week and was unsurprisingly part of the first round of roster cuts.

6-8, very smooth, and very much looking the part of a major prospect on first glance, Ashley has done little to improve his frame since the first time we saw him a few years back, leaving many question marks regarding how much time he's spent in the weight room. Not quite strong, aggressive or tough enough to bang with the other post players down low, but not skilled enough to spend as much time on the perimeter as he seems fond of, Ashley is very much stuck in between positions at the moment. He can make an occasional jump-shot with his feet set, but is just an average ball-handler, having a difficult time finishing around the basket through contact. Defensively, he lacks intensity in a major way and regularly had rebounds taken away from him in traffic, not being helped by his short wingspan and underdeveloped frame.

Ashley is in the right place at Arizona under Sean MIller to try and overcome his shortcomings and still make the most of his considerable talent-level, but he will have to show a better motor and apply himself more consistently on both ends of the floor if he's to reach his potential. Getting cut may have been a blessing in disguise for him, as he clearly has a lot of work ahead of him.

Cherry shows locally

Phil Jensen writes about Will Cherry, owner of a degree in communications, being worked out by the Golden State Warriors.

Orlando Johnson interviewed

John Devine offers print and video with a very informative Orlando Johnson interview. Johnson's drive and toughness was missed by many.

Robert heading to SRJC

Garrett Robert, out of Rincon Valley Christian High, is headed to Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) for the 2013-14 season. The 6-foot-3 backcourter is an excellent passer who can also produce points when called upon.

Here's RVC Coach Darren Nelson describing Robert's best skills in an earlier article: "Garrett sees the floor better than any player I have ever played with or coached. He has an uncanny ability to not only find open teammates after drawing defenders to himself, but also to hit them right where they need it to score. He throws exceptional no-look passes with ease. He is also one of the best midrange jump shooters I have ever seen in high school."

SRJC Coach Craig McMillan annually turns out scholarshipped backcourters (just recently Bobby Sharp, Sama Taku, Lorenzo McCloud, Kevin Aronis) so this looks like a good choice for all the parties involved.

Late on this SJSU - Braxton Huggins news

From Team Superstar Coach LeRohn Dodson: "Cal State Bakersfield offers 6'4 G Braxton Huggins of Mira Monte HS. Now has offers from Fresno State, San Jose State, Northridge, UC Irvine"

This offer is from the Coach Dave Wojcik regime.

Here's an earlier post on SJSU and Huggins.

Cooper moving from Del Mar to OG

John Murphy reports on Coach Ryan Cooper taking over at Oak Grove High.

Here's a bit more on Cooper.

A bit on Malik Pope

A tweet from Rivals' Eric Bossi: "I hope Malik Pope gets a chance to play at 100% in July. Kind of feel he's been lost in the shuffle/forgotten while out with injury"

Pope suffered a fractured tibia back in February.

It's Aaron Gordon Day

All sorts of updates on Aaron Gordon:

* Rob Dauster

* John Murphy

* Mike DeCourcey

* Tracy McDannald 

Brandon Ashley did not make the latest cut. Jonathan Givony offers this: "One guy who has been somewhat disappointing so far is Brandon Ashley. Just kind of floating around. Not showing much toughness or intensity"

Hope he takes it as a challenge.

Job opening at Porterville

There is a head basketball coach opening at Porterville College but the compensation is strangely miniscule and no benefits are offered. What's up with that?

Caloiaro moving on to German League

Angelo Caloiaro is on to his second stint of playing ball overseas, per this Emiliano Carchia tweet:MCB signs Angelo Caloiaro http://www.sportando.net/eng/europe/germany/57075/mcb-signs-angelo-caloiaro.html …"

The former USF and Archbishop Mitty star just finished playing in Italy.

Here's more background.

.

Rabb's team wins gold

Ivan Rabb's U16 USA squad took the gold medal by downing Argentina -- Adam Zagoria reports.

Speaking of Rabb, Alex Kline and many others tweeted this: "Texas & Florida offered 2015 center Ivan Rabb of the Oakland Soldiers"

Conrad aids in another NetScouts victory

As Carl Berman details, the NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars grabbed another win, this one versus China as Jason Conrad totaled eight points and a trio of rebounds.

U'u named CP's Media Darling

Drake U'u is the 2012-13 Media Darling Award Winner for Cal Poly.

Ashley confident

25 bodies for 12 openings obviously means a majority will not make the cut but Bruce Pascoe writes that Brandon Ashley believes he will nab a spot.

Bobbitt goes back to the future

Former Castro Valley High Roderick Bobbitt played as a freshman at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa and then returned to the Bay Area -- City College San Francisco -- as a redshirt, where he sat out due to academics.

Now, he has returned to the nationally-ranked school to play his sophomore season of eligibility.

From Indian Hills Coach Barrett Peery: "Yes, he's back with us and doing great!!"

Bobbitt averaged 9.4 points per game when last at Indian Hills, shooting 38%, 26% and 70% respectively. He also passed for six assists an outing and pilfered just under three steals a contest.

Head here to follow Indian Hills basketball.

Austin Keaton re-discovered

Austin Keeton had a very good year at Modesto Junior College a year ago but then disappeared. While looking for something else (doesn't it always happen that way?), his current location popped up.

He is attending and playing basketball for Culver-Stockton College, an NAIA school in Canton, Missouri and one that finished 26-9 overall and 10th in the nation this past season. Keaton, listed as a senior, played quite well:

Meanwhile, [Austin] Keaton, a 6-foot-2 guard from Turlock, Calif. (Pitman HS / Modesto JC), was a 2013 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I Men's Basketball All-America team honorable mention selection. He was second on the team in scoring, averaging 16.1 points per game. He shot 46 percent from the field, including 39 percent from outside the 3-point arc, and 80 percent from the foul line, which was good for 31st in the NAIA.

In addition to free throw shooting, Keaton ranked 16th in the NAIA in 3-pointers made with 84 and 22nd in total scoring with 562 points. Keaton's 562 points this season is the seventh-highest in school history. He also averaged 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Just found this Frankie Tovar-penned article from January 2013 on Keaton.

Wrote this article on Keaton on February 2012.

Kone moves further south

A John Murphy tweet: "Ben Kone, a 6-foot-7 soph who played as a frosh on the Salesian HS varsity, has transferred to #Mitty, said Mitty hoops coach Tim Kennedy"

Damian Lillard joining the Screen Actors Guild

Check out Damian Lillard (the man has some acting chops):

Rabb lead U.S. squad

Adam Zagoria reports that Ivan Rabb's 19 point/14 rebound double-double helped power the U.S. team over Puerto Rico. It's Argentina tonight for the championship.

Meet Pacific's Gabriel Aguirre

Jagdip Dillon takes a look at Tiger newcomer Gabriel Aguirre.

U'u picks up Cal Poly award

From this report after the Cal Poly team banquet:

University Dean's List selection and senior guard Drake U'u (Sacramento, Calif.), who started 20 of 32 games last year and finished with a 2.08-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, earned the program's Academic Award.
"Drake is the perfect example of the complete student-athlete," said Callero of U'u, who will graduate from Cal Poly with a business degree. "He excelled in the classroom, developed into a top point guard and kept everyone loose with his sense of humor and jokes on road trips. Drake kept his priorities in order while helping us win big games."