JArgenal coming back

DLSHS Athletics: "Welcome home. @J_Argenal #dlsbasketball"

"Boys basketball: De La Salle names Justin Argenal as its coach" -- Darren Sabedra

"Argenal a quiet leader at the point for DLS" -- Damin Esper

Some are questioning why another college basketball assistant but even a cursory examination makes it clear that Argenal has deep roots both at De La Salle and in the area having been raised in Lafayette.

Pitts at DVC

Elliott Pitts is spending the year at Diablo Valley College but won't be playing basketball. He played two years plus seven games while at Arizona so it's likely one of those situations where he can play a season at a D1 school in 2017-18 and then petition to gain back a year of eligibility.

Caruso back for big senior season

Joel Welser/College Sports Madness previews Princeton:

"2016-2017 Overall Rank: #72
Conference Rank: #1 Ivy League

Projected Starting Five:
Amir Bell, Junior, Guard, 9.1 points per game
Spencer Weisz, Senior, Forward, 10.8 points per game
Henry Caruso, Senior, Forward, 15.0 points per game
Steven Cook, Senior, Forward, 11.7 points per game
Pete Miller, Senior, Forward, 6.6 points per game"

Caruso averaged 15.5 points and 6.2 rebounds alongside a team high 37 steals   last season. He shot 52%, 45% and 72%.

CBS Sports and the best coaching hire

"Candid Coaches: Who was the best new coaching hire this offseason?" -- Matt Norlander

Menlo adds Mooney to coaching staff

Ryan Silapan: "(1/2) Christopher High AD Ryan Dequin confirmed Dan Mooney has resigned as head basketball coach at the Gilroy public school to accept a (2/2) assistant coaching position at Menlo College. Mooney was head coach at Christopher for the last two seasons."

When Mooney was hired at Christopher:

"...Mooney has an impressive basketball background, having played professionally for 18 years with stints in the NBA, CBA and overseas in Europe. He earned All-American honors while playing for State University of New York at La Paltz and is an NCAA Hall of Famer. He began his coaching career at the now-closed Bethany University and was there for five years. During his time at Bethany, he coached not only the men and women’s teams, but also four of his own kids in the process. Most recently, Mooney was the head coach of the boys team at Monte Vista Christian and helped it to a Monterey Bay League-Pacific Division title in 2012. His Mustangs were 7-1 against Christopher under his leadership and now he’s looking to have the same success with the Cougars..."

Bingo!

Keith Van Horn: "Of all genetic physical gifts elite athletes have, I'm convinced spacial awareness is number 1 - over speed, quickness & jumping ability."

Although I'm sure he meant spatial awareness, here's a definition:

"Simply put, spatial awareness is the ability to be aware of oneself or other objects in space. Or as Google defines it, "an organized knowledge of objects in relation to oneself in that given space. It also involves understanding the relationship of these objects when there is a change of position."

An analytical paper of basketball and spatial relations:

"CourtVision: New Visual and Spatial Analytics for the NBA"

The Colin Kaepernick news cycle

This has turned out to be quite the educational opportunity for learning so much more about critical yet unspoken American history, segments of a past that has never appeared in high school history texts. So how many of us have taken advantage of such?

Colin Kaepernick has acted on his conscience, his beliefs and what he sees as longterm societal injustices, deliberate shortcomings dictated by the moves of the powerful and the wealthy. Some find his action disturbing, some find his subject matter disturbing, some find his choice of venue for his action disturbing, some find his racial makeup disturbing, some find his financial status disturbing.

Others call his actions a necessity if we as citizens are ever to challenge, expose and hopefully eliminate the sacred/sacrilegious myths surrounding so many entities in America. The twining of the national anthem preceding professional, college and high school events being but one strange and convoluted marriage. There are so many more critical subjects unfortunately being ignored.

Call it what you wish -- cherrypicking or righteous -- the following are some of the more educational and deliberative columns on the Kaepernick cycle:

"49ers’ Colin Kaepernick sat during national anthem and sparked national debate; what’s your contribution?" -- Marcus Thompson

"Let’s take the national anthem literally, and the songwriter at his word" -- Martenzie Johnson

"Where’s the Debate on Francis Scott Key’s Slave-Holding Legacy?" -- Christopher Wilson

"Colin Kaepernick Is Righter Than You Know: The National Anthem Is a Celebration of Slavery" -- Jon Schwartz

"Colin Kaepernick Is The American Dream" -- T.D. Williams

"On Kaepernick, protests and patriotism" -- Phil Taylor

"Kaepernick is asking for justice, not peace" -- Bomani Jones

"Kaepernick’s protest is as American as that flag" -- Domonique Foxworth

Two brief Nor Cal Clash notes plus one wish

Just remember the Nor Cal 2018 guys edged the 2017s without the services of Woodcreek's Jordan Brown...

...Plus, the 2017s shot 10-37 from long distance with the 2018s going 3-22. Yes, it was a group of talented prospects taking to the court after just one practice, a factor always to keep in consideration, but what percentage of the 20 who took to the court looked ready to contribute as freshmen on their respective college teams?

...Let's hope Lathrop High's Junior Ballard (6-foot-2, 2018) receives an invite to next year's event.

Curry mania

Verbal Commits: "2018 Cleveland (TN) F Ikcaven Curry has received an offer from UAB"

If I'm a coach, I'm signing ANYONE whose last name is Curry.

The latest coach article in the CBS Sports series

"Candid Coaches: Who's the college coach you'd most like to have a beer with?" -- Matt Norlander

One that has yet to appear (but don't hold your breath) is: Candid Coaches: Which college coach would you not want coaching your own son?

Pineiro interviewed

"Meet the Toreros: Isaiah Pineiro" -- University of San Diego athletics

This week's installment features Isaiah Pineiro, a 6'6" forward from Auburn, Calif. Pineiro started 19 games for Portland State last season, averaging 12 points and 5.5 rebounds.

"Isaiah Pineiro is a hard blue collar guy who loves to compete and work," said head coach Lamont Smith. "Pineiro is a very mature young man who has the ability to be a tremendous leader for our basketball team. We welcome his experience to our young ball club. He's also a high character young man that will be an excellent addition to our university and community."

Hit this link for the video interview.

Sonoma State University Basketball Coaches Clinic

Sonoma State University Basketball Coaches Clinic

The Sonoma State University Men's Basketball program invites all coaches, men and women, to attend the5th Annual SSU Basketball Coaches Clinic. The event will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Wolves' Den on the campus of Sonoma State University. The clinic begins at 9:00 am.

The event is open to all coaches, from middle school and AAU to college, and will include on-the-court demonstrations and teachings by Kyle Smith, Molly Goodenbour, Greg Clink, Russell Turner, and Bob Williams. All speakers will include on-the-court demonstrations. Each speaker will focus on a specific aspect of the game as they discuss topics such as developing guards, shooting, and developing a program.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

SCHEDULE
*Subject to change without notice

9:00am Kyle Smith - Head Coach at University of San Francisco
Topic: “Everything I need to know, I learned in high school.”

10:00am Greg Clink - Head Coach at Chico State University
Topic: Motion Offense

11:00am Molly Goodenbour - Head Coach at Cal State East Bay
Topic: Fastbreak Basketball

Lunch Break

1:00pm Russell Turner - Head Coach at UC Irvine
Topic: Offensive Adjustments

2:00pm Bob Williams - Head Coach at UC Santa Barbara
Topic: UCSB Match Up Zone

COST
Register and pay online on or before September 17th: $55
After September 17th: $65
Includes Morning Coffee / Donuts & Afternoon Lunch

***Coaching Staff Discount***
Must register for staff discount by September 17th
Bring three or more coaches for $50 each

Enter Promo Code: Coach2016

To register, click here.

The latest from Coach Bob Walsh

Coach Bob Walsh takes readers through his thinking and decisionmaking during a close game.

"The Business of Amateurs"

"IN NEW DOCUMENTARY, FORMER USC FOOTBALL PLAYER BOB DEMARS SHEDS LIGHT ON THE DARK SIDE OF COLLEGE SPORTS" -- Patrick Hruby

It's about college football but so much is applicable to basketball.

An excerpt: "This is a film made out of love. I love my school. I think that's hard for fans to reconcile—they don't want to see how their sausage is made. It was probably the hardest thing for me to reconcile, too. How do I explore the darker side of college athletics, but also show that I'm still as proud to be a Trojan as anyone who as graduated from USC?"

Fresno City College Annual Coaching Clinic - October 22

Fresno City College Men's Basketball will be hosting its annual coaching clinic on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Fresno City College. The title of this year's clinic is "Entitled to Nothing, Grateful for Everything." Points of emphasis for this year's clinic will include (but are not limited to): toughness, player development and the maturation process, and building and maintaining a culture of accountability, among other topics of contemporary interest in the game of basketball. You will also get an opportunity to observe the strength and conditioning program for Fresno City College Men's Basketball. The clinic will be hosted by Fresno City College Men's Basketball Coach Ed Madec and his staff.

Clinic Details:
Registration begins at 11:30 AM
On-court: Noon-1:30 PM
Weight Room: 1:30-2:15 PM
Lunch and Q & A Session begins at 2:20 PM

Clinic Cost:
$40/coach ($35/each additional member of your staff)-- if check received by October 12, 2016
$20/player attending clinic
Admission is $45/coach if payment is received after October 12, 2016, and $50/coach at the door.

Please make checks payable to Fresno City College Men's Basketball
Checks may be mailed to the following address:
Fresno City College
c/o Men's Basketball
1101 E University Avenue
Fresno, CA 93741

For questions and additional information please contact:
Nicholas Podesta
Assistant Coach
Fresno City College Men's Basketball
nicholas.podesta@fresnocitycollege.edu

Coach Rob's 2017 NorCal Top 20

Coach Rob/NorCal Report offers his end-of-summer top 2017 NorCal talents:

1. Gary Trent, Jr
2. Ira Lee
3. Abu Kigab
4. Alfred Hollins
5. Jadé Smith
6. Timmy Falls
7. Angelo Athens
8. Tydus Verhoeven
9. Damari Milstead
10. Joey Calcaterra

11. Jordan Roberts 

12. Darrin Person, Jr
13. Elishja Duplechan
14. Travis Friar
15. Walter Graves
16. Ben Avera
17. Austin Fadal
18. Souley Boum
19. Austin Alexander
20. Adrian Antunez

He also offered this after the Nor Cal Clash: "2018 wins... As we said today, 2018 is a great class, like 2016. Very deep. 2017 is weak by NOR⭐️CAL standards."

Coach Rob's 2018 NorCal Top 20

Coach Rob/Nor Cal Report offers his end-of-summer top 2018 NorCal talents:

1. Jordan Brown
2. Logan Johnson
3. Elijah Hardy
4. Amadou Sow
5. Nathan Mensah
6. Naseem Gaskin
7. Jack Wilson
8. Mason Forbes
9. James Akinjo
10. Tolu Jacobs Yaffa
11. Khaleem Bennett
12. Brown Eyisi
13. Andre Kelly
14. Dylan Belquist
15. Lunden Taylor
16. Zach Chappell

Coach Rob after the Nor Cal Clash: "2018 wins... As we said today, 2018 is a great class, like 2016. Very deep. 2017 is weak by NOR⭐️CAL standards."

Harrison Barnes & Kyree Walker

Welcome to The Players’ Tribune, a new media platform that presents the voices of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before. Founded by Derek Jeter, The Players’ Tribune aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and publishes first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune strives to be “The Voice of the Game.”

7-foot Tolu Jacobs Yaffa will be in the middle for Capital Christian

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: 2018 Center Tolu Jacobs Yaffa Highlights
Highlights from the 2016 EYBL Circuit and Peach Jam tournament.

Musings on the Nor Cal Clash

Yes, the Nor Cal Clash was an all star game loaded with talent but also with limited practice time for the coaches and players so anything happening during it shouldn't be canonized as part of the Holy Grail of northern California basketball.

A few thoughts:

2017s

Who among the double-figure scorers shot well, at least efficiently statistically?

Joey Calcaterra finished with 25 points, going 7-15, 4-9, 7-9.

Angelo Athens went 5-8 overall, 2-4 from long distance on his way to 12 points..

Darrin Person posted 12 points on 5-10, 0-1, 2-3 marksmanship. He added 10 boards for a double-double.

Additionally, Jadé Smith was credited with a seven assists to three turnover ratio.

10-37 shooting from three-point range combined with 13-18 at the charity stripe isn't a winning combination yet the squad lost by just three points.

2018s

Zach Chappell totaled 21 points, shooting 6-9, 0-1, 9-10.

Teammate Dylan Belquist tallied 11 points via 4-9, 1-1, 2-3 in addition to 10 boards.

Additionally, James Akinjo enjoyed eight assists to just a pair of turnovers.

The victors shot just 3-22 from beyond the arc but going 29-42 at the foul line helped overcome the long distance misses.

Here are the overall statistics, including minutes played.

In for a treat

Here's the entire Nor Cal Clash played on Sunday thanks for NorCal Sports TV:

Osinachi Nwachukwau at AVC

The oracle of Antelope Valley College hoops has the latest on a former San Leandro High talent beginning his college basketball journey:

Osinachi “Osi” Nwackukwau, 6’4”, 190, SF, Freshman

Another article featuring Dulani Robinson being at Texas Southern

"Texas Southern guards Dulani Robinson and Zach Lofton hope to cash in on one more chance" -- Greg Mitchell

He's earned it

"San Ramon Valley HS athetic director John Raynor leaving school after 29 years as hoops coach, AD, teacher, etc. Moving to Tahoe." -- John Murphy

The Tritons are waiting

"UC San Diego is ready for its Division I moment" -- Justin Mehr

More coverage on UC San Diego pining to join the Big West Conference.

A NGaskin feature

"Oakland (Calif.) Bishop O'Dowd wing Naseem Gaskin catches Cal's eye" -- Ryan Gorcey

2018s 96, 2017s 93 - Nor Cal Clash

Gerry Frietas: "Juniors (2018) 96, Seniors (2017) 93 in Nor Cal Clash. MVP is Zach Chappell (2018) of Capital Christian. Leads juniors with 21."

Gerry Freitas: "Nor Cal Clash MVP Zach Chappell of Capital Christian" He shot 6-9 overall and 9-10 from the foul line.

Gerry Freitas: "Nor Cal Clash game stats" Hit this link

Gerry Freitas: "After falling behind 14-2 to start the game the class of 2018 (juniors) came back strong, survived 13 lead changes throughout the game and made the plays down the stretch to defeat the class of 2017 (seniors) 96-93 in the seventh annual Nor Cal Clash on Sunday afternoon at Contra Costa College. The seniors now lead the all-time series 4-3.

Junior Zach Chappell of Capital Christian was selected player of the game by the media and scouts in attendance. Chappell lead his team with 21 points (17 in the second half) and also had 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. James Akinjo of Salesian turned in a fine performance for the juniors (and was in the running for MVP) with 12 points, 6 rebounds and a game-high 8 assists. Dylan Belquist of Los Gatos and Mason Forbes of Folsom both had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the class of 2018.

Senior Joey Calcaterra of Marin Catholic lead all scores in the game with 25 points and also had 7 rebounds. Darrin Person of Immanuel chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the class of 2017. Angelo Athens of Bellarmine had 12 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists for the seniors. Jade' Smith of St. Joseph-Notre Dame had a solid all-around performance for 2017 with 6 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

Scoring Totals:

Class of 2018 (juniors): James Akinjo 12, Jack Wilson 6, Logan johnson 11, Naseem Gaskin 8, Elijah Hardy 6, Zach Chappell 21, Chris Cagle 2, Elias King 8, Dylan Belquist, Mason Forbes 11

Class of 2017 (seniors): Joey Calcaterra 25, Walter Graves 10, Tydus Verhoeven 8, Timmy Falls 7, Jade' Smith 6, Souley Boom 6, Austin Fadal 5, Angelo Athens 12, Austin Alexander 2, Darrin Person 12

Trent Jr. to Prolific Prep

Gary Trent Jr. is coming to Pacific Prep. The highly-ranked shooting guard is out of Minnesota and had announced in July that he was transferring to Findlay Prep (FP) for his senior year.

The education at Justin Sienna is excellent plus the Findlay Prep coaching staff has undergone changes in the last few months. Andy Johnson left to become an assistant under Todd Rice at Southern Utah. Paul Washington was recently named the new head man at Findlay Prep and he has two sons on the team, one who is a 6-foot-7 power forward and a national recruit. The other is a 6-foot-5 swingman.

Having Washington at the helm makes it four head coaches in five season for FP.

Cobb receives a Hornet offer

Drew Cobb: "Proverbs 3:5-6... Received my first offer from my hometown today, God works in mysterious ways, just have faith"

Cal United: "Cal United Guard Drew Cobb (Sheldon HS/2017) received an offer from his hometown Sacramento St. Hornets today "

Cobb is 6-foot-4, 190 with the rep as a defensive stalwart. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.3 boards and 2.3 assists last season at Sheldon.

From the 2015 Nor Cal Spring Showcase: "Athletic with a nice first step, ok ball handler, real good passer, capable in transition, solid driver/penetrator. Can he shoot?"

Douglas to The City

Santa Rosa Junior College Men's Basketball: "Congratulations to point guard Josh Douglas for signing a letter-of-intent to San Francisco State University. All five of the Bear Cub Sophomores from this past season have now graduated and received scholarships:

Siaan Rojas - Western Washington 
Jordan Hickman- Sonoma State
Jacob Wilson- Belmont Abbey 
Arnold Silva-Hawaii-Hilo 
Josh Douglas- San Francisco State"

The 5-foot-7 Douglas prepped at Vintage High and averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists for SRJC while shooting 45%, 43% and 77% this season.

Belquist with a Mountain West Conference offer

Top Flight Elite AAU: "s/o to @BelquistD for receiving an offer from #UtahState"

Out of Los Gatos High, Dylan Belquist is a 6-foot-7 2018 wing who averaged 19.3 points plus 7.2 rebounds a game last season.

Here's a November 2015 Belquist feature.

Video highlights of last season.

USF offers an Oregon guard

Nolan Bertain: "Excited about receiving an offer from the University of San Francisco 🏀 Thanks to Coach Smith and the staff." He hit the Hilltop on August 2.

Bertain is a 6-foot-4 2017 prospect out of Oregon. He also has offers from Point Loma Nazarene, Air Force, Stetson and Seattle Pacific.

DGordon headed to Lithuania?

David Pick: "Source: Drew Gordon - brother of NBA dunk machine Aaron Gordon - close to deal with Rytas Vilnius."

Rytas Vilnius is a team in Lithuania.

Five from Nor Cal at Cal State Dominguez Hills

Cal State Dominguez Hills Coach Steve Becker officially announces the latest members of his recruiting class and two are Bay Area connected:

"...A monster scorer from Monterey Peninsula College, Deondre Otis inked his National Letter of Intent and brings his 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game averages to Carson after being named a CCCAA All-State and 1st-team all-league selection, following a prep career during which he led his squad to a pair of state finals en route to 1st-team WCAL and 1st-team All-Metro honors, as well as MVP nods from the San Francisco All-Star Game and MLK Classic at Cal Game.

"We are excited to add a player with Deondre's winning pedigree to our program," says Becker. "Deondre was one of the most versatile guards in California's JUCO league this year, and with his ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball, score, facilitate, and rebound the basketball, we expect Deondre to impact the winning process as soon as he steps foot on campus..."

and

"The lone forward on the list, Marquis Godfrey from the College of Southern Idaho brings a 6'9" frame to Carson after averaging 6.2 points, 6.0 boards and 1.0 block epr game as a junior.  Also inked to an NLI, the Oakland native scored in double figures six times, and pulled down at least 6 boards in 14 games, with a monster 17-board effort against Western Wyoming as one of four contests with at least 10 rebounds.

"Marquis will add athleticism, shot blocking, rebounding and versatility to our post position," Becker says.  "He comes to us from one of the top junior colleges in the country in CSI, where he played a major role in their success. We are excited to get to work with Marquis."

This duo is in addition to Theo Johnson, Mike Hatfield and Glenn Baral signing earlier.

This quintet could make up the starting five.

Call it the JArgenal effect. Also just noticed that Justin Standley is now an assistant at CSDH, his alma mater.

Best travel team game I've ever witnessed

BigAalim: "I liked a @YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4tuKxmxZ5o  Bay Area Hoosiers vs. Drew Gooden Soldiers"

College coaches and your son

"Candid Coaches: Which college coach would you want coaching your own son?" -- Gary Parrish

So which four-year Nor Cal college coaches stand out to you and why?

They wanted him to do two jobs

Steve Fisher is so well-liked (and why not) down in San Diego that some of the large amount donors want him as both head coach and athletic director.

"Fisher declines overtures to be hybrid AD at SDSU" -- Mark Ziegler

More on the move of the San Joaquin Section finals

"Section basketball finals coming to Pacific" -- Thomas Lawrence

Still up in the air

In a note about some Montana hoops transfers at the egriz basketball message board, a poster wrote:

"He transferred to Rocky. It's a better fit for him and he will be playing with two former Griz teammates -- Riley Bradshaw and Jermaine Edmonds (I'm told he is transferring to Rocky also)."

However, Edmonds does not appear, at least not yet, on the 2016-17 Rocky Mountain College roster. RMC is located in Billings, Montana.

Cal State East Bay Alumni BBQ

Gus Argenal: "1st annual summer alumni BBQ! This is what we are all about."

Every program at every level should be doing this regardless of receiving any financial support for the school or athletic department for expenses. Do it simply because it's the right thing to do.

The latest on the situation at Pacific

"Lawsuit: Pacific 'misled' former basketball player Kobre" -- Bob Highfill

Reading the article requires registration but here's the opening:

"Former University of the Pacific basketball player Alec Kobre has filed a lawsuit against the university alleging that school officials knowingly misled him while he was taking an online course needed for admission into the university and during a subsequent investigation into academic fraud.

Kobre, who graduated in May, was suspended for the first six games of the 2015-16 season by the university in wake of a joint investigation with the NCAA over allegations of academic fraud within athletics. Two other Pacific basketball players, Sami Eleraky, a returning senior, and Eric Thompson, who also graduated in May, also were suspended for portions of last season.

The suit, dated Aug. 10, was filed with the Superior Court of California, San Joaquin County. The allegations center on an online course Kobre took through the University of Idaho in summer 2014 to meet Pacific’s transfer requirements, which are higher than NCAA standards. Kobre transferred to Pacific from Santa Rosa Junior College in fall 2014 and played two seasons for the Tigers..."

Pacific Union lands a Maryland recruit

Corey Fitzgerald, a recruit from Takoma Academy, commits to play college men's basketball at Pacific Union College.

Fitzgerald joined FieldLevel on January 27th, 2015, and he was assessed and certified by his coach, Jerry McFarland. To help college coaches better understand his unique qualifications, his academic information and highlight videos were also added to his profile.

Name: Corey Fitzgerald
High School Graduation Year: 2016
Height: 6' 3" Weight: 180 lbs
Positions: SG, SF
High School: Takoma Academy (MD)
Head Coach: Jerry McFarland

Out until Monday.

That's it for now.

Mims back at it in Nor Cal

7-foot Donald Mims played two years ago at Cosumnes River College and made quite the impression with 4.4 shotblocks a game as well as shooting 58% as a freshman. Prior to the 2015-16 season, Mims decided to head down to Midland College, this after CRC Coach James Giacomazzi moved to Las Positas College. The plan was for Mims to redshirt and add strength to his slim frame while in Texas.

But the Lone Star State program that once seemed so inviting turned sour. Suspensions of some of Mims' teammates occurred as well as a number of injuries throughout the roster.

"So I came home," Mims explained. "I earned some Midland credits and also took summer classes back here. One thing I do want to say is that the Midland community is really into the game and comes out to support the team."

Now he is at Las Positas College and eager to get back on the court. "I love ball and things are awesome now," Mims explained. He seems so jovial and out-going that the mayor of Livermore might want to watch out if Mims gets any political urges.

His advice to high schoolers is "to be a student-athlete. Do your work." As for Mims on the court, "my main focus is defense." Definitely look for the field goal percentage defense of Las Positas to be lower in 2016-17.

He also has added incentive to being a positive factor on and off the court. "I'm from Antelope (15 miles northeast of downtown Sacramento) and I want to do well and provide hope for the kids there."

Any four-year schools out there looking for a rim protector?

Marquice Clark to the Beaver State

Marquice Clark, out of Yakima Valley Community College and Natomas High, will be playing for Coach Mike Arnold and Portland Bible College this season. He averaged 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds this past season.

An NAIA school, Portland Bible College is a member of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference and has played in five of the last six national championship tournaments.

This is basketball -- be still my heart -- spreading the floor, synchronicity, unselfishness

Greg Youncofski: "Players can learn a lot studying how Serbia's Milos Teodosic reads/passes/scores using the ballscreen." Hit the link.

Teodisic is #4 in the video. Who wouldn't want to play with this guy? And it's really all basic stuff simply performed.

Don't know what this means for JC boxscores and the like

"Changes on tap for Mercury News, East Bay Times high school sports coverage"

-- Darren Sabedra

Welcome to the first week of the new high school season.

Before the games begin, we want to update you on some things we’ll be doing with high school sports coverage this year.

We have partnered with Prep2Prep, a growing online high school sports site designed to give opportunities for student journalists. This partnership will allow us to spread Prep2Prep’s content to a wider audience while significantly increasing the number of games at which we will have a correspondent.

We also have forged a partnership with MaxPreps. Coaches/team reps no longer will report their scores to us, but instead will report to MaxPreps. This partnership will enable MaxPreps to transfer its data from Bay Area schools — box scores, schedules, rosters and more — to our soon-to-be redesigned Mercury News and East Bay Times websites (launch date scheduled for Aug. 29). We also plan to use that online data to present leader-boards in print (i.e. top rushers, passers and scorers in Bay Area high school football). For us to do that, though, coaches/team reps will need to be diligent about inputting their information in a timely fashion. For any coach who does not have MaxPreps admin access, this is where he or she begins. Click here.

Friday football scores will appear online only on Saturday, but the Sunday paper will feature a full page wrap-up of the weekend action and a peek at next week’s games. The Thursday high school page, a staple of our coverage for years, will continue.

Until now, readers in the South Bay/Peninsula received only South Bay/Peninsula coverage and readers in the East Bay received only East Bay coverage. This season, you will get it all. As the CIF continues to expand its playoffs at the regional and state levels, this change will better serve readers and coaches, introducing them to schools their teams could eventually face in playoff action.
Change isn’t easy; we know that. But we also know these changes will allow us to continue providing coverage of high school sports.

These also apply in many other aspects of life -- a key friend, a key relative, etc.

"14 POINTS TO BEING A KEY PARENT" -- Coach Morgan Wooten

Do take a read

"Getting More Playing Time" -- Tyler Coston

Outside of hoops, a world of critical knowledge also exists

Call Fresno Pacific Coach C.J. Haydock a Renaissance Man. Reaching way beyond matters of basketball (unless you are coaching a really young team), he offers this advice: "If you ever attend a parenting class and they don't teach bodily fluid clean up like 50 percent of the time you really should get a refund." ;-)

D-League expansion draft

The NBA D-League held an expansion draft on Wednesday and here are the Nor-Cal connected players involved:

"The Long Island Nets (Brooklyn), Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte), and Windy City Bulls (Chicago) have each obtained the rights to 12 players following the results of the 2016 NBA Development League Expansion Draft. The teams will hold the rights to those players for two seasons.

The selections made in Wednesday’s Expansion Draft came from a pool of players from 2014-15 and 2015-16 NBA D-League rosters. Each 2015-16 NBA D-League team was able to protect the rights of up to 10 players while the three expansion teams were able to select up to 12 unprotected players, with no more than two selections coming from any one NBA D-League team..."

Windy City Bulls

Round 2: Kiwi Gardner (Santa Cruz Warriors)

Round 11: Xavier Thames (Fort Wayne Mad Ants)"

Former Ohlone Coach John Peterson's new venture

"New basketball facility opens on Saturday in Torrance" -- Eric Sondheimer

"SHOOT 360 LA GRAND OPENING AUGUST 27TH!
Join us for a Grand Opening Celebration!
August 27th • 10am-4pm 
2076 Artesia Blvd., Torrance, California 90504


Tours, Special Guests, Free Clinics, and first 360 people get a free gift, including a chance to win a Xbox 360!"

More

A change that will definitely bring forth some on-line 'discussion'

Joe Davidson: "After 30 seasons at Arco/Sleep Train for the boys and 17 for girls, the Sac-Joaquin Section basketball finals will be at UOP. Terrific venue"

Bulldawgs Labor Day Shoot-Out

BullDawgs

“Labor Day Shoot-out"

September 3rd& 4th, 2016

Basketball Tournament​

Coaches, and Team Managers, 

BullDawgs Basketball Club would like toinvite you to our Fall tournament.

Girls Divisions

4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, J.V. and Varsity 

Boys Divisions

4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, J.V. and Varsity 

• $225.00 – 1-3 teams

• $200.00 – 4 teams and up 

• 3 Game Guarantee 

• (some teams will play 4 games) 

• 4-5 team(s) per Division

• High School Rules

• Shot Clock will be used for 8th thru HS Divisions

• 1st Place Awards

• 20 min Running Clock

• Directors at all Locations

• Certified High School/College Officials

Location: City College of San Francisco and Ingrid B. Lacey MS

For Information contact: Alfonso Joo Cell 650-267-3678

Email at alfonsojoo@yahoo.com Register and Info on www.Dawgsclub.com

More on recruiting

"Recruiting Game: Process fulfilling but stressful for Centennial’s Troy Brown" -- David Schoen

"...And it wasn’t only colleges that the Browns were hearing from at the time.

“I remember it really heated up his sophomore year, the calls from prep schools from all over the country,” Brown Sr. said. “The different AAU teams reaching out, ‘Is he happy where he’s at?’ Lots of those types of questions...”

and

"Recruiting Game: Small colleges provide scholarship options for athletes" -- Ron Kantowski

and

"Recruiting Game: Financial aid agreement gives athletes more flexibility than letter of intent" -- Bartt Davis

A Logan Johnson update

"2018 PG Johnson, Brother of Tyler Johnson, Visits UM" -- Christopher Stock

A Drew Gordon notation

"Notable players available in 2016 D-League expansion draft" -- Chris Reichert

A Nor Cal talent is noted:

"Drew Gordon — UFA — Delaware 87ers
6-9, PF, 26-years-old

Gordon had a cup of coffee with the 76ers back in 2014-15 and then finished out the season posting nightly double-doubles in Delaware. He posted 13.0 points and 10.6 rebounds that season and then in 2015-16 put up 14.0 points and 9.6 rebounds in France for Chalon.

Drew is the Magic’s Aaron Gordon’s older brother and plays similarly with less versatility overall. He’s a rebounding machine who bullies his way to buckets down low. In college he hit two total 3-pointers, but two years ago he hit 25 and last year in France he made 11, so the threat is at least present. Gordon wants to be in the NBA and he’s currently unsigned, so he could start the year with one of these clubs in hopes of an early call up."

Four Nor Cal talents in a very early Top 100

Joshua Riddell's NBA Draft Top 100 includes:

#4 Josh Jackson Kansas freshman

#6 Ivan Rabb California sophomore

#59 Cameron Oliver Nevada sophomore

#88 Malik Pope San Diego State junior

Great background and insight here

"Gregg Popovich will lead the team he was left off of four decades ago" -- Jackie MacMullan

The latest on Alfred Hollins

Hillcrest Prep: "Congrats to Alfred Hollins on his offer from Arizona state university!"

HP just added a 2017 7-foot-3 center to play alongside 7-foot DeAndre Ayton, the #1 talent in the 2017 class. A bunch of other talents (besides Hollins) have also transferred in to the Arizona-based basketball program.

The sky is falling!!! We have a crisis!!!

"Shawn Forrest has been named an assistant basketball coach at SMU, his third school since the end of last season.

Mustangs coach Tim Jankovich announced Forrest’s hiring Tuesday.

Forrest spent the past three seasons as an assistant at Western Kentucky before head coach Ray Harper resigned. Forrest was named a UTSA assistant in May, but two weeks later left for Louisiana Tech before the unexpected opening at SMU..."

A bit more on Noah Allen

John Devine: "The former Palma sharpshooting guard has transferred from UCLA to Hawaii, where the senior will be eligible to play immediately after graduating in three years at UCLA.

The 6-foot-6 Allen played in 24 of the Bruins 32 basketball games last season, averaging 6.4 minutes a game. He had a season high six points in a loss to USC.

Because of a series of sanctions handed down by the NCAA, Hawaii will not be postseason eligible this season. Despite the ban, Allen choose to transfer, where he is expected to contend for a starting job..."

A degree in three years at UCLA while also playing basketball -- that is an exceptional achievement. Kudos.

What so many have to endure just to survive

"Chicago and the struggle for hope" -- Jerry Bembry

The latest CBS Sports poll

"Candid Coaches: Which college coach will be the next to make the jump to the NBA?" -- Matt Norlander

Succeeding is a whole 'nother element. It's usually to a team with talent deficiencies and that's a difficult situation to turn around especially in the midst of adjusting to coaching in the NBA.

Nor Cal Clash

2016 Nor Cal Clash

The seventh annual Nor Cal Clash will be held Sunday August 28 at Contra Costa College in San Pablo at 2:00 p.m. This one-game event will have elite players from Northern California in the class of 2017 playing against elite players in the class of 2018.

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

Coaching in the game will be Mike Wall of Folsom and Mark DeLuca of Valley Christian in San Jose (formerly of Berkeley).

The players participating in the event are:

Class of 2017

Austin Alexander 6'5 Capital Christian (Sacramento)
Angelo Athens 6'2 Bellarmine (San Jose)
Souley Boum 6'2 Technical (Oakland)
Joey Calcaterra 6'4 Marin Catholic (Kentfield)
Austin Fadal 6'3 Monte Vista (Danville)
Timmy Falls 6'2 Dublin
Walter Graves 6'5 Clovis West (Fresno)
Damari Milstead 6'3 Moreau Catholic (Hayward)
Darrin Person 6'6 Immanuel (Reedley)
Jade Smith 6'4 St. Joseph-Notre Dame (Alameda
Tydus Verhoeven 6'8 Manteca

Coach Mike Wall - Folsom

Class of 2018

James Akinjo 5'11 Salesian (Richmond)
Dylan Belquist 6'7 Los Gatos
Chris Cagle 6'6 Woodcreek (Roseville)
Zach Chappell 6'4 Capital Christian (Sacramento)
Mason Forbes 6'8 Folsom
Naseem Gaskin 6'3 Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland)
Elijah Hardy 6'2 Bishop O'Dowd (Oakland)                                      
Logan Johnson 6'2 St. Francis (Mountain View)
Elias King 6'7 Christian Brothers (Sacramento)
Tiveon Stroud 6'8 Selma
Jack Wilson 7'0 Serra (San Mateo)

Coach Mark DeLuca - Valley Christian (San Jose)

Akinjo & Johnson

Will the defensive efforts James Akinjo and Logan Johnson are known for be on display at the Nor Cal Clash?

Hard to believe they won't despite the nature of such a get-together.

Who else in the 2017 and 2018 guard classes works as hard defensively?

Cunningham to China

"Jared Cunningham (193 cm, Oregon State’12) begins a new chapter in his pro career as he heads to China this 2016-17 to play for Jiangsu Tongxi (China-CBA). Bids goodbye to the NBA after four seasons under his belt. Cunningham played 35 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015-16 and was able to register averages of 3.0 ppg and 0.8 rpg. In March 2016 Jared signed on with the Milwaukee Bucks. He ended up playing four games for them and averaged 4.0 ppg and 2.3 rpg. Through his NBA career, the 25-year-old Cunningham has played for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers."

This shouldn't be news

"Majority of black college coaches say they've been mistreated by police" -- Matt Norlander

There's a coach with biracial parents who used to live in Los Gatos. Ask him how many times as an adult he was pulled over while in his car. Driving while black is real even in supposedly 'enlightened' locations.

Lathrop's Junior Ballard opened some eyes

"6'3 JR Ballard Class of 2018 Is just a tough player and happy to have him this summer! Gets it done on both ends!" -- Coach Shad (of Cal United) (hit the link for video)

This series looks to be good

"Recruiting Game: Recruiting evolves from simple to complex in Information Age" -- Ed Graney

An excerpt from the first of a series of articles:

“Take basketball,” [Frank] Burlison said. “You have 360-plus Division I teams with 13 scholarships annually. Do the math. Any given year, maybe 20 to 30 guys make the NBA. But we tend never to focus on all those who don’t make the pros or were never going to, kids who received free educations and went on to become teachers and doctors and lawyers and businessman and positive, upstanding members within their communities.

“There are dirty, seedy people in politics, in business, in the medical field, in every field. It’s also true in coaching and recruiting. But there is still more good than bad in it. I really believe that. The recruitment of thousands of young men and women athletes each year still leads to more long-term positive ripple effects on society than not...”

Interesting

"INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL TRENDS (RIO 2016)" -- Zak Boisvert

Excellent advice here

"Raising them to be resilient: Wisdom from parents of superstars" -- Aimee Crawford

Sonoma State University Basketball Coaches Clinic

Sonoma State University Basketball Coaches Clinic

The Sonoma State University Men's Basketball program invites all coaches, men and women, to attend the 5th Annual SSU Basketball Coaches Clinic. The event will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Wolves' Den on the campus of Sonoma State University. The clinic begins at 9:00 am.

The event is open to all coaches, from middle school and AAU to college, and will include on-the-court demonstrations and teachings by Kyle Smith, Molly Goodenbour, Greg Clink, Russell Turner, and Bob Williams. All speakers will include on-the-court demonstrations. Each speaker will focus on a specific aspect of the game as they discuss topics such as developing guards, shooting, and developing a program.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

SCHEDULE
*Subject to change without notice

9:00am Kyle Smith - Head Coach at University of San Francisco
Topic: “Everything I need to know, I learned in high school.”

10:00am Greg Clink - Head Coach at Chico State University
Topic: Motion Offense

11:00am Molly Goodenbour - Head Coach at Cal State East Bay
Topic: Fastbreak Basketball

Lunch Break

1:00pm Russell Turner - Head Coach at UC Irvine
Topic: Offensive Adjustments

2:00pm Bob Williams - Head Coach at UC Santa Barbara
Topic: UCSB Match Up Zone

COST
Register and pay online on or before September 17th: $55
After September 17th: $65
Includes Morning Coffee / Donuts & Afternoon Lunch

***Coaching Staff Discount***
Must register for staff discount by September 17th
Bring three or more coaches for $50 each

Enter Promo Code: Coach2016

To register, click here.

UC Davis hoops tour in Costa Rica

In games thus far, the Aggies have split two games:

* Game 1: 68-65 victory over Brock University with Lawrence White's 17 points leading the way

* Game 2: 76-74 loss despite getting a double-double (20 points, 11 boards) from JT Adenrele

Beasley at UAassociation Next Experience

2020 guard Robby Beasley participated in the @UAassociation Next Experience in New York City over the weekend.

"The inaugural season of the UA Next Combine Series concluded in the Bay Area, CA in June and will culminate in the UA Next Experience at Under Armour’s Elite 24 Game in Brooklyn NY this coming weekend.  Over the course of the 6-combine series, approximately 240 elite rising freshmen competed for one of the 25 coveted spots in what amounts to the rising freshman Elite 24 Game. Of the 25 players participating in this prestigious event, 14 of them attended one of the 6 regional combines this past spring and summer.  The balance of the roster spots were filled by well-known and nationally ranked players from around the country.

The 14 combine participants includes: Robby Beasley (CA)..."

4Ballers Only: "Remember the face, remember this name Robbie Beasley class of 2020 Splash City the NEXT PG coming out the West Coast"

Beasley will be attending Dublin High.

Rowland next to Moscow

David Pick: "Khimki Moscow reached out to well-established floor general E.J. Rowland to inherit Tyrese Rice vacant PG role, according to source."

The St. Mary's grad, who played in Israel last season, has enjoyed an extremely productive hoops career overseas.

A good word (and more) about the AAU culture

"Is AAU culture ruining basketball? Suns coach Earl Watson would argue the opposite" -- Dave King

A TFalls prediction

The NorCal Report: "If Timmy Falls (@TF1000_) becomes this year's Jordan Ford, don't be surprised. In fact, bank on it."

Those are mighty big shoes to fill -- controlling a game from the backcourt -- but here's hoping it happens.

The Tigers offer a Tennessee prep point

Jonah Jordan: "Ridgeway guard Jalen Crutcher has been offered by Damon Stoudamire at Pacific University."

He's a 6-foot-3 2017 point out of Memphis who has offers from a handful of other mid-majors.

Excellent, informative article here

"Playing abroad gives Sac State, UCD men’s basketball jump-start on season" -- Bill Paterson

Labor Day Shootout & Fifth Annual Fall Classic

2016 Fall Tournament Series

Sept 3-4  & Sept 24-25

PLAY IN BOTH EVENTS TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

--------------------------------------

INAUGURAL

"LABOR DAY SHOOTOUT"

Presented by:

Team Select / CA Ballaz

Saturday/Sunday Sept 3rd/4th

Oakland CA

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

-----------------------------------------

5th Annual

"FALL CLASSIC"

Presented by:

Events by Select

Saturday/Sunday Sept 24th/25th

JAMTOWN / Oakland CA

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

-----------------------------------------

CONTACT:

RUBEN GARCIA / 925) 367-3912

info@TeamSelectBasketball.com

www.TeamSelectBasketball.com

   

LEROY HURT / 415) 850-7001

cabasketballjournal@yahoo.com

www.CABallaz.com

"Foundation for Excellence; On the court, In the Class Room, In Life"