The winners and MVPs of the Bay Area Memorial Day Classic

Here you go:

15u Division: Bay City 75, Team Select Garcia 58
MVP: Miles Amos of Bay City

16u Division: Team Superstar 15u 72, Knight Basketball Academy 15u 52
MVP: Jaden Shackelford of Team Superstar 15u

16/17 Varsity Division: Chuck Hayes 16u 60, IEBP 16 Blue 59
MVP: Josh Hamilton of Chuck Hayes

17 Elite Silver Division: Grace Kings 64, IEBP All Stars 58
MVP: Deontay Currie of Grace Kings

17 Elite Gold Division: Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue 39, Top Flight 17 Red 37 (Overtime)
MVP: BJ Stanley of Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue

The Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue Elite

Here's the roster for the Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue Elite squad:

* James Ballard 6-foot-5 2017 Vanden High

* Fred Burton 6-foot-1 2020 Brannan Middle School

* Ramzi Carter Jr. 6-foot-7 2017 Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep

* Tavian Henderson 6-foot-4 2017 St. Patrick-St. Vincent

* Zavier Lucero 6-foot-5 2017 Rodriguez High

* Romeo Mays 6-foot-6 2017 St. Patrick-St. Vincent

* Aaron Porcil 6-foot 2018 Vanden High

* Phoenix Shackelford 6-foot-2 2017 Vanden High

* Brian BJ Shaw 6-foot-5 2017 Bishop O'Dowd

* Jacob Smith 6-foot 2018 El Cerrito High

* Bryant BJ Stanley 5-foot-10 2017 St. Patrick-St. Vincent

Raymond Thomas is the coach.

Cal's Matthews goes grad transfer route

Jordan Matthews has decided to become a grad transfer.

LINK

He earned his degree in three years -- congrats to Jordan.

If you're not pulling for Manny Malou do check and see if The Tin Man from "Wizard of Oz" is a member of your family tree

"Before Kings workout, Malou’s worldwide odyssey included Yuba College" -- Joe Davidson/Sacramento Bee

Allocco remaining at USF

newcrew at the Dons Central Hilltop Hoops message board has posted about the status of Frank Allocco.

Which do you possess? Which are missing?

"NATURAL ABILITY – POST PLAYERS" -- Coach Bob Walsh

More on MChriss

Ed Isaacson with a solid look at Marquese Chriss.

The thinking of one college head coach

"Chris Collins on grad transfers: Mid-majors hold players back academically" -- Henry Bushnell

Bay Area Memorial Day Classic - Saturday

Caught some of the play at City College of San Francisco on Saturday at Gerry Freitas' Memorial Day Classic. It was the Elite Division which consisted of 32 teams.

Impressions:

*  Archbishop Mitty's Travis Friar went on a dunkathon for the Top Flight Elite 17u Red in their second game of the day. The 6-foot-7 2017 prospect displayed an ability to face up and dribble-drive to his left for shots against opponents (he's a righty). He missed most of the Mitty season due to a concussion but the athletic ability and skills set is soon going to make him a well-wanted recruit.

* Friar's travel team mate 6-foot-2 Logan Johnson, a 2018 out of St. Francis High, is so enjoyable to watch. In game two on Saturday, he didn't need to shoot outside because he could get to the basket off the dribble. But best of all, he loves to aggressively pressure his opponent defensively -- an element not often on display in travel team ball, let alone on day one of a three-day tournament and in what proved to be a rout at that. He's long, athletic and tenacious.

Another Top Flight Elite member, Jake Wojcik, possesses superb shooting form and touch. The 2018 Bellarmine talent knows how to play as his spacing and ball movement is indicative of his basketball IQ.

In fact, the Top Flight Elite squad plays excellent team basketball -- unselfish almost to the point of overpassing and with a winging of the ball from side to side that forces defensive rotations, or else.

Last but not least from Top Flight Elite, Los Gatos High's 6-foot-7 Dylan Belquist displayed solid athleticism and a nice skills set. He's a 2018 talent.

Gerry Freitas: "Bay Area Memorial Day Classic: Top Flight 17 Red shines in pool play.D1 prospects: Logan Johnson, Jake Wojcik, Angelo Athens, Dylan Belquist."

6-foot-10 Anand Hundal, out of Manteca High and playing for the Nor Cal Renegades, was one of the very few bigs on display Saturday. He knows how to use his body and strength well in working offensive angles against opponents. Hundal also showed a knack for shotblocking without fouling albeit versus opponents who were considerably shorter. A member of the 2016 class, he has yet to commit and may be doing a prep year.

Dwight Young showed superb shooting form and with distance. Another member of the Nor Cal Renegades as well as Manteca High, he is a 5-foot-11 2017 guard who is an excellent catch-and-shoot marksman and also displayed proficiency at getting the ball inside to his frontcourters.

6-foot-6 Riley Grigsby of the West Valley Basketball Club and Archbishop Mitty was off with his shot in game one but in the overtime session where the victor is whichever team scores first, he and his teammates controlled the tip, unselfishly passed the ball around the perimeter until Grigsby was in position for an open shot and he caught the pass, went up and buried a trey to end it.

Grigsby's 6-foot-6 teammate on both squads,  \Mike Diaz, is a bruiser inside. His willingness to bang and bruise will get the 2017 power player a scholarship somewhere in the DII/DIII mix.

Seaside's Finest Jamaree Bouyea did not play on Saturday due to an eye injury but the plan was for him to play Sunday. The 6-foot-2 point attends Palma High.

+++++++

On Monday: "Oakland Soldiers 17 Blue beat Top Flight Elite 39-37 in overtime. Zavier Lucero had the GW putback on the final seconds" -- NorCalPreps.com

"St Patrick St Vincent 2017 PG BJ Standley was named MVP" -- NorCalPreps.com

UAA III, Las Angeles - Splash City

Saturday a.m.

Indy Hoosiers 73, Splash City 61

Damari Milstead scored 21 points and Joey Calcaterra 15, SC shot 25-57, 3-14 and 10-19 plus just four assists.

Saturday p.m.

Splash City 48, Illinois Wolves 46

Damari Milstead totaled 16 points. SC shot 20-48, 1-8 and 7-14 alongside three assists.

+++++++

Sunday a.m.

Splash City 83, Canada Elite 78

Damari Milstead shot 10-13 on his way to 21 points as well as four assists with Joey Calcaterra totaling 20, including 4-5 from three-point range. Chris Seeley posted a 17/12 double-double. SC finished with 14 assists.

Sunday p.m.

DC Premier 73, Splash City 70

Damari Milstead shot 8-11 and scored 18 points, Chris Seeley 7-12 for 16 points and Jadé Smith concluded with 14 plus five steals. SC achieved 14 assists and was up 42-27 at the half but DC won with a 46-28 second half.

Nike EYBL Atlanta this weekend - Oakland Soldiers

Saturday a.m.

The Family Detroit 84, Oakland Soldiers 79

Alex Barcello went for 30 points in an odd but effective manner (7-20, 2-7, 14-17) plus seven boards and five steals and the Soldiers went 30-37 at the foul line but were out-boarded 48-33.

Saturday p.m.

Phoenix Phamily 86, Oakland Soldiers 68

The Phoenix Phamily out-scored the Soldiers 56-26 in the paint and the latter went just 4-7 from the charity stripe and 8-28 from long distance.

+++++++

Sunday a.m.

BABC 72, Oakland Soldiers 67

Alex Barcello continued to thrive with 27 points, five boards, five assists plus four steals.

Sunday p.m. 

RM5 88, Oakland Soldiers 75

Alex Barcello enjoyed 26 points plus seven assists while James Akinjo came tantalizing close to a triple double with 12 points, 10 assists and six boards. The Oaklanders shot 28-59, 8-21 and 15-16 while distributing 18 assists.

Monday a.m.

Las Vegas Prospects 83, Oakland Soldiers 79

Alex Barcello totaled 36 points.

Matt Scott: "The Oakland Soldiers started their game vs the Prospects w/ 5 guys - they now have 3 & only down 78-80 w/ 30 secs left "

+++++++

*** It looks like some player movement has taken place with the Soldiers as two talents have switched teams:"A strong Dream Vision squad got even stronger with the addition of 2017 prospects Christian Popoola Jr. (Las Vegas Bishop Gorman) and 6-6 Donnie Tillman (Henderson, NV, Findlay Prep)."

Plus, some players who had been participating with the Soldiers also didn't play this weekend.

Salinero stays local

According to John William Parsons of Coastside Basketball, 6-foot-1 Half Moon Bay High guard Jake Salinero is going to stay around -- he'll play at Cañada Skyline College next season.

Apologies for my mistake.

MMoore with a pair of mini-camp invites

David Pick: "McKenzie Moore, lead MVP candidate of the New Zealand NBL, has been invited to the Nets and Mavs mini camps."

LINK

Liking Brandon Ashley

"2016 NBA Free Agency: Brandon Ashley is a young option for the Pelicans"  -- David Fisher

KVaughn to Nets mini camp

David Pick: "I'm told Kwame Vaughn, All-FIBA Europe Cup SG, has been invited to next Nets mini camp."

Looks like MPC got one out of Palm Springs

6-foot-2 backcourter John Rich, out of Palm Springs High, will be at Monterey Peninsula College in 2016-17. He was named the MVP of the Desert Valley League this season.

LINK

George Johnson Jr. to the Bluegrass State, no, make that the Basketball State

Some may argue with this statement but the most worshipped element in the state of Kentucky is basketball. Roundball is the Holy Grail of the Bluegrass commonwealth and George Johnson Jr. is about to take his first communion.

Offered a full ride scholarship by the University of Pikeville (UPIKE), Johnson accepted and now has been anointed as the on-court leader of the Bears. It's a powerhouse program that won the National Championship in 2011. UPIKE finished 25-6 and ranked #8 nationally in the final NAIA division 1 poll in 2015-16 but in need of a point guard for next year's squad.

The 6-foot sophomore was a First Team All Bay Valley Conference honoree, averaging a team best 17.1 points this season for College of Marin as well as 4.2 assists while shooting 48%, 45% and 79%. Pikeville Coach Kelly Wells saw tape of Johnson and became convinced he could fill the missing element on the Bears. After some phone calls, it became a mutual admiration society, and Johnson signed on.

"Coach [Wells] reached out and he was honest from the start," Johnson explained. “They were looking for someone to continue the legacy at the point guard position and have an immediate impact.”

Other attractions for Johnson included having family in nearby Louisville and UPIKE being a winning program with impressive facilities. They have a major college basketball arena, the East Kentucky Exposition Center that seats 7000 fans, plus Pikeville usually faces off with the likes of Kentucky and Louisville on an annual basis.

From the It's-Never-Too-Late Department, Wells actually initially reached out while Johnson was concluding a recruiting visit to Tuskegee University in Alabama.

So what will Bear basketball fans see from Johnson? "I'll definitely bring leadership qualities and playmaking. I'm a scoring and passing threat who can attack the rim or shoot from three-point range. I'm also a team person who comes from a successful background and I really try to be as positive as possible."

Gritty resolve was also on display from Johnson this season as the Mariners endured a reduced squad as well as experiencing a coaching change two weeks prior to the start of the season. Sanctions resulting from the prior season's 26-4 squad took away nine actual victories leaving this year’s team with a 2-23 record. "It was tough but we moved on as a team," Johnson explained. “Noah Everly, Keiland Callum and Bobby Reeves were also sophomore guys that had to deal with the unfortunate sanctions situation, including the last-minute coaching change. I just give it up to those guys who stood by my side and continued on with the season, I owe them a lot.”

He's looking to major in sociology at UPIKE.

Johnson praised those who have aided his basketball journey thus far. "I want to thank all my coaches throughout my career as well as my parents. My Dad has been vital and started coaching me when I was little.  Also thanks to my College of Marin coaches, Coach [Marshall] Collins who stepped in this season and Coach Dave [Granucci]."

One Team Lillard matchup this weekend

Frank Burlison on Team Lillard (which was in the Southland this weekend):

"I saw all of a handful and hunks of others totaling 21 games at Orange Lutheran (or as we residents of  “The County” more readily refer to it as “OLU”), via the four courts used in its two gyms.

The most notable of those being the contest between Team Lillard (named for adidas endorsee and Portland Trail Blazers’ guard Damian Lillard, an alum of the program), formerly known as “the Oakland Rebels) and the Big Ballerz, made up mostly of players from the Southern California-based Chino Hills team that was 35-0 and No. 1 in all of the major national Top 25 rankings last season...

...Class of 2017 standouts from Oakland Tech, 6-3 Souley Boum and 6-7 Cameron Reese, as well as 6-3 senior-to-be Tre Gray (El Cerrito in Richmond), helped Team Lillard pull out to its seemingly commanding advantage.

But the relentless crashing of the backboards of 2017 wings LiAngelo Ball and Elizjah Scott and two other members of the extended Ball family helped the comeback and eventually contributed to pulling it out in OT."

Plus:

Devin Ugland: "2017 Team Lillard F Camron Reese is beast. In constant attack mode. Crashes the O-Glass for easy putbacks and above the rim finishes."

Joel Francisco: "Loved 6-2ish Souley Boum (Team Lillard)....scoring combo with a smooth shot..Looks like Hollywood's Don Cheadle too."

As expected...from Cal to Cal

"Kentucky transfer Marcus Lee may commit to Cal when he visits on Tuesday" -- Dane Belbeck

Update on an ex-Mitty and USF talent

E Carcia: "Obradoiro is interested in re-signing Angelo Caloiaro. The American forward with Italian passport averaged 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in ACB in 34 games. Caloiaro is also drawing interest from other ACB teams."

Nodar heading north

City College of San Francisco sophomore Jarrod (St. Mary's High) Nodar has committed to Lewis & Clark College up in Portland. The 6-foot-5 sophomore averaged 7.6 points per game for the state champion Rams this season

LINK

It's a program headed by Dinari Foreman and currently featuring a number of Bay Area talents:

* Markel Leonard
* Kristian Grobecker
* Kyle Owens
*Jonathan Boddie
* Matt Collins
* Evan Davison

Colton moving to the Evergreen State

6-foot-6 Robert Colton is headed to Whitman College in Washington. The 24-5 Missionaries made it to the Sweet 16 of this season's national tournament and concluded the season ranked #6 and #7 in two polls.

LINK

An Aussie out of Archbishop Riordan plus College of Marin and CCSF, it's good to see him finally getting back on the court. He will be majoring in economics.

Here's a 2015 Colton feature.

Congrats to Robert.

Hilton heading to Oregon

Half Moon Bay High/Coastside Basketball frontcourter Austin Hilton has signed to play for Coach Shanan Rosenberg, formerly of Foothill College, at Linfield College in Oregon.

The 6-foot-7 Austin was named the MVP of the Peninsula Athletic League this season.

Congrats to Austin.

Done for the week

That's it for posting this week -- be back on Monday. Looking forward to watching the talent at CCSF this weekend.

Tournaments this weekend

Locally, the Bay Area Memorial Day Classic is taking place this weekend at City College of San Francisco plus Jamtown in Oakland. Go here for all the relevant information including teams, schedules and locations.

Down in southern California, the Magic Memorial Day Classic is happening. Team Lillard will be playing down there.

The Nike EYBL is in Atlanta this weekend and the Oakland Soldiers will be taking the court there.

The Aggies offer a 2017 point

Adam Finkelstein: "UC Davis is latest to offer New Hampton School (NH) PG Kristers Zoriks."

Zoriks is a 6-foot-3 2017 point with offers from Wake Forest, George Mason, Northeastern, Davidson and Vermont as well as having recently taken an unofficial to San Francisco.

Congrats to Joe Slocum

(Slocum is second from the right)

Alaska Nanooks: "The University of Alaska Fairbanks held its 94th commencement ceremony on Sunday (May 8), honoring the class of 2016 at the Carlson Center. The university handed out 1,460 degrees to some 1,367 students which included 820 women, 547 men and 21 Alaska Nanook student-athletes...

...The commencement ceremony was highlighted by men's basketball's redshirt senior Joe Slocum, who was selected as the student speaker for the event. Slocum, a five-year student at Alaska and men's basketball captain this past season, was one of two Nanook student-athletes (235 people total) to receive master's degrees on Sunday.

"To be naturally inspiring, you must have determination," Slocum said in his speech. "Determination is what got us to this moment here today … Remember all the hard times and know that your determination got you through all of them. And know that these situations helped make you the competent person you are today … Our class will go on to inspire the world..."

Slocum is out of Vallejo High and City College of San Francisco.

DRobinson & Texas Southern

Last year, word was that guard Dulani Robinson was transferring to Texas Southern University from Pacific and would be sitting out this season as a redshirt.

He isn't listed on the 2015-16 TSU roster but that may be because of school policy -- not posting redshirt information until they are eligible to play.

However, Robinson is listed here.

Nobody was impressed with USF's recruiting back in the 1950s but that didn't matter

"The other greatest team in Bay Area history" -- Baxter Holmes/ESPN

Good news for Jonathan Galloway

With UC Irvine's 7-foot-6 Mamadou Ndiaye remaining in the NBA draft instead of returning for his senior season, his time on the court will now need to be filled and this bodes well for 6-foot-10 sophomore Jonathan (Salesian High) Galloway. The graduation of 6-foot-10 Mike Best will also provide greater opportunity for additional minutes.

7-foot-2 senior Ioannis Dimakopoulos returns in the middle for the Anteaters but Galloway is next in the height chart. The former played just under 15 minutes a game for Coach Russell Turner and averaged 5.2 points plus 2.6 rebounds while Galloway finished with 2.7 and 3.7 respectively in 14 minutes an outing.

Turner has a 6-foot-10 freshman coming in but he'll require a lot of skill work before being ready to compete on a nightly basis. Galloway will be big both literally and figuratively in 2016-17.

Inaugural West Coast Championships

Inaugural West Coast Championships  June 25-26 / Bay Area Gyms 8u-14u Boys & Girls Level 1, 2 & 3 Divisions Availabe Presented by: 3 of NorCal's premier event holders will come together to provide an extremely competitive stage for teams/players to showcase their talents in a healthy & organized environment.  This BLAST will go out to well over 10,000 contacts so be sure to enter your team/teams early; as this event will undoubtedly SELL OUT! Dont Wait CLICK HERE TO REGISTER POWERED BY:  & EXPOSURE EVENTS  REGISTER / CONTACT:  > RUBEN GARCIA / 925) 367-3912 info@TeamSelectBasetball.com www.TeamSelectBasketball.com > NATE FORD / 415) 445-5487 nford@KidsClub.org www.SFRebels.org > MELVIN LANDRY / 510) 773-8083 OaklandRebelsBasketball@gmail.com www.OaklandRebels.org "Foundation for Excellence; On the Court, In the Class Room, In Life"

2016 NIKE Youth Basketball Camp Series

2016 NIKE Youth Basketball Camp Series: <<< SUMMER BREAK >>> > June 13-15 @ Antioch Community Center / 4703 Lone Tree Way / Antioch CA Boys & Girls / Ages 7-15 GET DETAILS & REGISTER: "CLICK HERE" PRESENTED BY: NIKE Youth Camps These camps will focus on the core fundamentals in the 5 areas of basketball (Defense / Ball Handling / Rebounding / Passing / Shooting).  Regardless of skill level, it is important for all players to refresh on fundamentals of the game.  Kids ages 7-15 (boys & girls) are all welcome.  Along with fundamental skill development; these camps will also consist of games, activities, camp t-shirt, NIKE prizes, awards, certificate of completion & much more.  In addition to the highest level of instruction; campers will get to interact with TOP RANKED high school players (as camp leaders). CAMPERS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING THEIR OWN LUNCH & HYDRATION EACH DAY.

"INDEPENDENCE DAY INVITE"

7th Annual "INDEPENDENCE DAY INVITE" Presented by: Team Select / SF Rebels  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Saturday/Sunday July 2nd/3rd @ JAMTOWN / 31 4th St / Oakland CA > 3rd grade through Varsity / boys & girls > $200 per team     > 3 game minimum CONTACT / REGISTER: CLICK HERE RUBEN GARCIA / 925) 367-3912 info@TeamSelectBasketball.com www.TeamSelectBasketball.com NATE FORD / 415) 445-5487 nford@kidsclub.org www.SFRebels.org "Foundation for Excellence; On the court, In the Class Room, In Life"

An important story to remember

"BREAKING BARRIERS/How C.M. Newton changed the face of the SEC" -- Andrew Maraniss/The Undefeated

The truly evil was taking place not all that long ago.

Is C.M. Newton a hero? No. 'Just' someone with inclusionary values, a keen sense of fairness and the willingness to do what was right even if hated by the vast majority.

Greene heading south

NorCalHoops: "Devin Greene (@devin_greene23) will be play basketball at Hope International University (NAIA) next year."

Devin Greene: "I'm going to Hope University on athletic scholarship! And studying theology! All glory to God.. I just sit back and stay faithful"

Here's a feature on Greene.

He's a 5-foot-9 guard out of Sheldon High.

Hope International has made it to the NAIA national championship series in Kansas City four years straight. Greene will be back north during league play when HIU takes on fellow Golden State Athletic Conference members William Jessup and Menlo College.

For you 1s out there

"Point Guard Off-Season Blueprint" -- Bryan Burrell

For you 2s out there

"The Shooting Guards Off-Season Blue Print" -- Bryan Burrell

Just another hack cloaked as a college president

Kenneth Starr played Inspector Javert when investigating Bill Clinton but became an "' know nothing' co-conspirator when Baylor University students were being raped and assaulted by their brethren on campus. Football is God!

LINK

BIG MAN/TALL WOMAN INSIDE PRESENCE CAMP

Dear Student Athlete, 

You are invited  to attend the BAY AREA BIG MAN/TALL WOMAN  INSIDE PRESENCE CAMP. Below is the EVENT information. Please read as thoroughly as possible.

6/18-6/19
 HEAD INSRUCTOR(S): AL GRIGSBY (CAL) , LARRY GREEN (NAVAL ACADEMY)
BIG MAN/TALL WOMAN
INSIDE PRESENCE CAMP
 

The Big Man/Tall Woman Camp is for  forwards and centers who want to become complete post players. Campers will learn all aspects Big Man/Tall Woman play, including playing in the post as well as playing face up to the basket.
 

The summer camp is for boys and girls basketball players entering the 7th-12th grade. Players will be divided by age and skill level so campers will be playing against players of similar skill level.
 

Topics Covered:

►Becoming a force inside                      
►Post defense                                          
►Proper footwork

►Post scoring and post moves              
►Improve your shooting range                  
►Rebounding and boxing out

►Face up scoring                                  
►Finishing strong at the rim                        
►Shot blocking

The camp will consist of instructional stations, games, individual help, competitions, lectures and more.

Registration can be done ONLINE ONLY at: http://studentathletecamps.com/

CONTACT US @ 925-464-6838 FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

Oakland Rebel's Summer 2016 Tournaments!

Oakland Rebel's Summer 2016 Tournaments!

View Full List of Tournaments On Our Website & Register!

3 on 3 Rebel Streetball Tournament June 25, 2016 - Oakland Rebels 13u Red Team Presents a 3 on 3 Rebel Streetball Tournament Bancroft Middle School 1150- Bancroft Ave San Leandro, CA 94577 Begins at 11 am Ages 8-14 BOYS & GIRLS  $50 3 on 3 | $20 PER CONTEST AGES 8-14 BOYS & GIRLS DIVISIONS EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE JUNE 7 LATE REGISTRATION JUNE 8 - 15 View Details and Register NOW!

Inaugural "West Coast Championships" Presented by "NorCal Summer Collaboration" June 25th - June 26th  Boys and Girls 8U- Varsity Division I,II,III $275 1 team  $250 3 Teams  $225 5 or more View Details and Register NOW!

Summer Alliance Tournament July 9th & 10th, 2016  Registration deadline, July 1, 2016 Boys and Girls 8U- Varsity Division I,II,III $275 1 team $250 3 Teams $225 5 or more View Details and Register NOW!

JAMTOWN Summer Camps/Clinics JAMTOWN's $25 2-hour clinics are back!   Shooting Clinics feature state of the art Shoot-A-Way machines used by Division I NCAA teams & the NBA. (All ages welcome; players separated by skill level.) Morning Clinics: 10AM-Noon Afternoon Clinics: 1-3PM June 20-24, 27-31 July 8, 18-22 & 25-29 August 4-5, 15-19 JAMTOWN 31 4th Street, Oakland, CA 94607  View JAMTOWN Summer Camps/Clinics

2016 SUMMER SHOWDOWN

2016 SUMMER SHOWDOWN Presented by: JAMTOWN / Team Select / SF Rebels  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Saturday/Sunday June 4th/5th @ JAMTOWN / 31 4th St / Oakland CA > 3rd grade through Varsity / boys & girls > $225 per team     > 3 game minimum     > 1st place medals CONTACT / REGISTER: CLICK HERE RUBEN GARCIA / 925) 367-3912 info@TeamSelectBasketball.com www.TeamSelectBasketball.com NATE FORD / 415) 445-5487 nford@kidsclub.org www.SFRebels.org "Foundation for Excellence; On the court, In the Class Room, In Life"

Rojas moving to the Great Northwest

Two years ago, Siaan Rojas came out of Concord High as a Diablo Valley League First Team honoree after averaging 16.5 points per game and signed on at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). He realized his skills needed honing and a greater consistency was required in order to continue his advancement. Now as a 6-foot-5 sophomore, Rojas is headed to DII national power Western Washington University (WWU).

"I want to win and coach [Tony Dominguez] wants to win a national championship," Rojas explained regarding his attraction to the Vikings program. Dominguez is 88-37 in his four seasons at WWU. The team won the national championship in 2012 with Dominguez as the associate head coach and reached the national semifinals in 2013.

So what will Rojas bring with him? "A lot of versatility. I can pass, dribble and shoot." Rojas averaged 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists (a solid 106 assists to 53 turnovers) for Santa Rosa in the 2015-16 season, finishing as the leading scorer and second in rebounding and assists. "Me playing both guard positions my whole life and being tall, I've always been able to see over the defense and get my teammates involved."

All that, plus "I'll play hard. I can be positioned anywhere from the 1-4."

Asked why he chose SRJC, Rojas explained, "Coach Mac [Craig McMillan] just told me about their tradition. I really liked coach from when we talked and he never promised me anything. A lot of other schools told me I would be this and that and could do this and that but coach never did any of that. I also felt like I would get a lot better from Coach Mac because he played at the DI level and coached there."

He added, "I got babied in high school and I had to learn how to play hard. Coach Mac pushed me every second and I realized I can't take any plays off."

Rojas will be joining forces with 6-foot-5 senior Jeffrey Parker, out of Salesian High, who should end up as the all-time leading scorer at Western Washington.

He noted three particular basketball influences in his life. "Coach Mac for helping me become better, teammate Jacob Wilson for always pushing me and my cousin Cheo White. He has taught me a lot about the game and gives me advice all the time."

Majoring in Behavioral Studies at SRJC, Rojas isn't set yet but will likely continue in that direction at Western Washington.

Johnson to Pikeville

Out of College of Marin, George Johnson Jr. has landed a full ride scholarship with the University of Pikeville, a program that finished #8 nationally in the final D1 NAIA poll this season.

The 6-foot-1 sophomore, out of Heritage High, averaged a team best 17.1 points as well as 4.2 assists while shooting 48%, 45% and 79%.

MLee coming back home

Marcus Lee is departing Kentucky LINK

Oscar Combs: "IRONY: For guy who supposedly can't shoot, Marcus Lee leaves UK as career leader in FG accuracy...Better than any Cat who ever played at UK."

Getting a degree from UC Berkeley (a guess but why anywhere else?) and with a year away to bulk up the body and then develop ball skills sounds like the definition of a win-win.

The coaching turnover is beyond epidemic

Okay, maybe this is too low of the hanging fruit variety but Pacific interim coach Mike Burns (who wasn't retained) signed on with Portland as an assistant in April. It's May now and his new residence is (at least for this month) Boise State.

LINK

So why no wailing lamentations from the professional recruiting analysts, those with published dissertations about the 'epidemic' player transferring that is 'ruining' college basketball?

No, this is not intended to reflect in any way on Mike Burns, who should be free to take any position at any time.

The Banana Slugs live on!

"63 percent of UCSC students vote in favor of paying to keep D-III sports" -- Ryan Masters/Santa Cruz Sentinel

UC San Diego students pony up

"UCSD students vote to fund Div. I sports -- The move is contingent on an invitation from the Big West and the blessing of UCSD's Faculty Senate --
Mark Ziegler/San Diego Union-Tribune

Gotta root for a young man like this

"Jaylen Brown: The 2016 NBA draft’s Renaissance man - Sure to be a lottery pick, Brown is a true original" -- Marc J. Spears/The Undefeated

What's missing is information on Brown's parental situation because that must be a reflection on who he is now too.

Is this something like a loss leader?

UCLA's deal with Under Armour -- how is UA ever going to make back anything close to $280,000,000? Bruin football is not exactly a powerhouse, try 7-5 this season, and basketball at Pauley Pavilion needs a booster (no pun intended) shot. Granted, the Bruins will be much better in hoops this coming season but still...

New coach at Acalanes

Sol Henik: "I'm happy and excited to announce that I am now the head varsity boys basketball coach for Acalanes High School! Go Dons! "

WCE Nor Cal Showcase report

"WCE Nor Cal Showcase San Pablo, CA" -- Joel Francisco - ESPN

Francisco offers both individual praise and criticism and good for him because too many don't. A few of his evaluations:

Best Player

Zach Chappell (Sacramento, Calif./Capital Christian)

2018, PG, 6-foot-4, 180 pounds

There were a handful of prospects that could have been tabbed best player, but when it came down to consistency, Chappell separated himself from the pack. The rangy point guard plays at a great pace, sets up teammates, and can knock down jump shots.


Most Upside?

Naseem Gaskin (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O'Dowd)

2018, SG, 6-foot-3, 170 pounds

Gaskin is slowly but assuredly evolving into one of the better looking 2-guards in the west. He can get sloppy at times with his decision making and his ball skills against pressure need work, but due to his length, bounce, and evolving game, he should be a high major player.

Biggest Surprises

Travis Friar (San Jose, Calif./Mitty)

2017, PF, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds

Frair has long arms, sneaky bounce, and plays the game with a no nonsense approach. He can finish above the rim, drop in the 3-ball, and snatch rebounds in traffic. A definite Division 1 sleeper in my book.

Most Underrated

Logan Johnson (Mountain View, Calif./St. Francis)

2018, PG, 6-foot-2, 165 pounds

There might not have been a more under control point guard prospect in the camp. Johnson picked his spots when to explode to the rim, handed off some spectacular passes in traffic, and had an array of explosive finishes. This crafty left-hander needs to continue to smoothen out his jump shot, but the physical tools and mindset are evident.

2016 Official Talent Out West Showcase Report

2016 Official Talent Out West Showcase Report 

- April 2, 2016

- HS (20 Prospect Report)

- Reno, Nevada

- Editor: Christian “PoP” PoPoola 

Two talents out of northern California are detailed:

 * 2016 6’4 G Jordan Roberson, Reno Prep (NV)

Roberson is an athletic combo guard who can knock down shots off the bounce. Very smooth combo guard who can score in bunches and from all over the floor. We love Roberson upside if he can tighten up his stroke and gain weight so he can be an impact at the next level. Athletic and with good.

* 2016 5'10 PG Adrian Rico; Reno Prep (NV)
Strong ball handler who got to the rim consistently at camp. Finished well at the rim and played hard on both sides of the ball. We like his ability to apply ball pressure and play the passing lanes. Good handle with a nice quick change of direction. Rico made a lot of plays happen on and off the ball.

Calcaterra and San Francisco

4Ballers Only: "Congrats to Splash City 17s SG Joey Calcatera for picking up another offer this one to USF."

A perfect fit for what Coach Smith wants to do on offense.

Call it re-loading, not re-building

Ronnie Flores: "Kyree Walker 6-5 SF reportedly will enroll @ Moreau Catholic in Hayward this fall. 1 of the most physically imposing 2020s in the country."

Reinforcements for San Jose City College

A batch of new talents are incoming for San Jose City College:

"Big welcome from the Jag family to Zach Fleming/Berkeley HS. Zach is a 5'11 PG with excellent basketball IQ"

and

"Jags excited about the addition of 6'4 combo guard RahTawn Fobbs from Castro Valley High School! Great athlete!"

and

"Jags welcome 6'2 SG/San Jose HS, Jitesh Purswani to the program. Jitesh averaged 23pt a game this past season."

The scoop on pre-draft workouts

"Front-Office Insider: Predraft workouts" -- Bobby Marks/The Vertical

UC San Diego on the move to D!

The Guardian: "Division I referendum passes! UCSD will be going DI in athletics in the near future. Vote had a 35% turnout, over the 20% required to pass."

As mentioned earlier, the Tritons want to join the Big West Conference.

Baylor makes a change

"Report: Baylor board of regents fires president Ken Starr"

If only Baylor football was coached by Bill Clinton then we might see a change there.

Bears offers a 2017 wing from Findlay Prep

Donnie Tillman: "Blessed to say I received an offer from University Of California."

Cal out with another 2017 offer

Las Vegas Prospects: "Las Vegas Prospects 6'8 SF O'Shae Brissett (2017) receives another offer, this one from the Cal Bears."

San Joaquin Delta adds four

San Joaquin Delta Men's Basketball is adding new talent. Here are the recent announcements by the Mustangs:

"Delta welcomes D'Angelo Finley from Weston Ranch. He was the MVP of the VOL and was selected first team all area by Stockton Record."

and

"Delta welcomes Heritage High School's Kobi Ford. A 6'5 wing, He was second team all league this year."

and

"Delta welcomes 4 year varsity player John Berna, who averaged 17 points per game as point guard at Bear Creek HS"

and

"We would like to welcome 6'7 Cameron Pieters! Cameron averaged 29 points per game and 20 rebounds per game at Stockton Christian HS."