An update on Robert Sandoval

One of our favorite players is former Bay Area Hoosier Robert Sandoval. He signed with Azuza Pacific and here are his freshman numbers to date in 19 minutes of play per game:

* 7.2 ppg.

* shooting 46% overall, 9-22 on threes

* a surprising 11-19 from the foul line

* 40 assists to 24 turnovers

* a second-on-the-team 20 steals

* 2.1 rebounds a game

An update on former Bay Area Hoosier Robert Sandoval

Robert Sandoval was a pleasure to watch in his final club team season with the Bay Area Hoosiers. Now he's a freshman at Azuza Pacific and here is his profile:

HIS YEAR: One of the top incoming freshmen in the GSAC, guard Robert Sandoval will have an immediate impact on the Cougars ... Smart and tough player ... Can shoot from the perimeter but is outstanding at getting into the lane and making plays, whether it be finding the open man or finishing a shot ... Skill-wise and emotionally is very well-developed and ready to play as a freshman ... Rated a natural leader ... Could press for a starting position but will certainly see plenty of action.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 2 seasons of varsity basketball for Head Coach Tim Amundsen at state power Clovis (Calif.) East High ... As a 2010 senior led the Timberwolves to a 25-8 record and the CIF Central Section Division I championship ... Was named the Fresno Bee Player of the Year after averaging 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.8 steals ... As a 2009 junior was named All-Fresno Bee after averaging 14 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists ... Tallied 31 points, 10 assists and 8 steals in a victory over Cleveland High ... Was a 2-time All-Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference honoring, earning conference MVP honors as a senior and sharing it as a junior.

Robert Sandoval does it again

Try a triple-double this time:

Timberwolves are wonders in win over Central
Clovis East acts the part of area's No. 1 team.
Andy Boogaard
The Fresno Bee
January 22, 2010

They turned away fans at the door, but not top-ranked Clovis East High inside Friday night in a Tri-River Athletic Conference showdown at Central that's sure to mean something in a month.

Robert Sandoval, the Timberwolves' CEO and the Central Section's premier player, delivered 19 points, 13 assists, 10 rebounds and, in general, controlled the floor in a don't-blink game that valued it as they beat the No. 3 Grizzlies 85-78...

Go here for the remainder.

An interesting recruiting story on Robert Sandoval

Fresno doesn't qualify as northern California but here's an article on one of my favorite players to watch:

Sandoval could be real deal for 'Dogs
Andy Boogaard
The Fresno Bee
January 7, 2009

Robert Sandoval is an extraordinary point guard who plays basketball at a high school 6 miles away from Fresno State, which is ordinary at the position.

But the Bulldogs don't want him -- not yet.

Baffling.

A week ago, the Clovis East senior dropped 31 points on Centennial-Compton, a top-50 team nationally.

Last summer, he toasted similar powers, Mater Dei-Santa Ana and Bishop Gorman-Nevada, for 36 and 30.

A year ago, he stepped out of a four-hour morning bus ride after playing the night before and delivered 31 points, 10 assists, eight steals and three rebounds against Cleveland-Reseda, whose coach, Osiris Nalls, said: "We see more athletic guards down here, but his skill level and IQ level are better. He's pretty much in a category by himself."

Against major-college guard prospects from these programs, the 6-foot Sandoval beats them off the dribble, defends them off the dribble, breaks their press, scores rim-high, passes and manages the game.

"Robert stands out in those games -- for both teams," Clovis East coach Tim Amundsen says...

Go here for the remainder.

Robert Sandoval wins MVP

(photo courtesy of Dave Keefrer, California Preps)

Clovis East (CE) senior backcourter Robert Sandoval continued his winning ways as CE swept through the competition in the Simi Valley Tip-Off Classic over the weekend, winning four straight contests. Sandoval and his mates beat Valencia in the championship game. He garnered Most Valuable Player honors.

Jeremy Russotti's latest player development event

Here is a prospect report from trainer Jeremy Russotti's latest player development event:

3rd Annual Central Cali's Finest Instructional Showcase Event From Scouting Reports November 13, 2009

October 24 and -25 marked the 3rd Annual Central Cali's Finest Instructional Showcase Event. Once again it was a huge success with approximately 125 players in attendance from the Central Valley.

The drills sessions were impressive and each guy worked very hard, was attentive, and reaped the knowledge the training staff had to offer. Evaluation games followed the drills sessions and below is a write-up of the top players from the event.

Central Cali's Finest Instructional Showcase Top Prospects

# Robert Sandoval (Clovis East) 2010
Robert was the cream of the crop at this weekend's event. Robert can do it all. He will try and take your heart from you when he plays, which is hard to find in athletes of his generation. He is a phenomenal ball-handler, can control the game as a leader, and was knocking down the mid range shot. He also showed some bounce with his athleticism that was not shown at last year's event. If he continues to improve his 3-point shot, mixed with his court game, he is going to have a great college career.

# Rashad Jackson (Thompson Jr. High) 2015
That is right, this is the first 8th grader to attend one of our "Finest Events" and Rashad had no trouble holding his own. He has a great feel for the game, long, and can get to the basket. He was very confident with his shot, even though it wasn't consistently hitting. It shows he has confidence and going to be a very high level player in the year's to come.

# Rakim Brown (Central) 2010
"Rocky" on one possession can raise eyebrows with his smooth skill level, and the next can have you saying he is out of control. With that said, once he knows how to change speeds depending on certain situations, he is going to be a very hard person to guard. A definite college prospect since he can shoot the ball and can finish around the rim

# Antwon Whitfield (Clovis East) 2010
Antwon had a great weekend shooting the ball. He is a pure perimeter shooter and when you play with Robert Sandoval, you will be getting a lot of open looks. He shot the ball with confidence, worked very hard during the skill sessions and should be a key component for Coach Amundson at Clovis East this upcoming year.

# Tim Billingsley (Bakersfield) 2012
Tim was the sleeper at this year's event. Though undersized, he can flat out get it done. He has picture perfect form and was hitting from deep all weekend. However, he is no one-trick pony, as he would use his pump fake to get to the basket or hit the mid range shot. Although undersized, Tim is a high D2 level player and should have a huge year for his team.

# Rodney Webster (Hanford West) 2010
Rodney was one of the most competitive players in the gym. He has a very strong body and is quick with the ball. Just about everyone in camp had trouble with his handles and his foot speed. Should be one of the top PGs in the valley area but he needs to improve his decision making and shot to play at the next level.

# Randall Jackson (Garces) 2012
Randall is a fierce competitor that worked extremely hard during the drills session. His hand speed is off the charts, which allows his moves and ball-handling to be at a high level. He also showed that he can be a lockdown defender during the games sessions. He got to the basket but needs to become a better finisher and needs to continually work on his outside shot.

# Josue Salaam (Hanford West) 2014
All of the coaches had to double take when they noticed that he is only a freshman. Josue's game is very silent, however, even though he was dropping 3-4 three-pointers each game. He was very consistent all weekend and was one of the top shooters. As he gets older, more mature, his game should expand to all facets and should be a college prospect.

# Jordan Belton (San Benito HS) 2012
A combo guard that showed much improvement in his 3 point shot. Absolutely one of the hardest players at camp that caused havoc on defense. Was very aggressive taking it to the basket and finished against bigger defenders. Very aggressive on both ends and competes relentlessly.

# Lonnie Watson Jr. (Paso Robles) 2010
A long guard that had a great weekend. Played very hard and was aggressive on the offensive end. If he could improve his shot selection he will be that much better. Competed and made plays and looks fully healthy for the first time in a long while.

# Cody Brice (Hanford West) 2010
Had a great weekend, showcasing soft hands, nimble feet, and polished post moves. Cody is 6'8", can really pass the ball out of the post and is a great shooter. Once Cody develops conditioning, he will be a great get at the D2 level.

# Carl Goodman (Bullard) 2011
The word that sums up Carl is Bouncy! Carl had a smile on his face all weekend, playing every opportunity he could to work on his game. He is a great competitor, capable defender, and was hanging around the rim all weekend.

# Darnell Johnson (Bullard) 2010
Big time competitor who simply was a joy to have around. A football-basketball guy that came out after his Friday night's football game and simply got after it. A relentless motor for a wide body Wing/Forward that showed a great deal of skill. Handled it, rebounded it, and got every loose ball. A great athlete who has a bright future both on the hardwood and gridiron.

# Saig Horn (Clovis East) 2010
A combo guard that has really improved his game. A lights out shooter in the Clovis East system, Saig showed this past weekend that he has a lot of feel for the game and can play PG. He will be a deadly second PG/combo with Robert Sandoval this upcoming year. Saig competed the entire weekend and simply made plays.

# Tyler Gosling (Ripon Christian) 2010
A forward who flat out competed both days. Tyler worked quite hard and was very active as he bounced around and rebounded with intensity. Scored around the basket and really showed his mobility and quickness throughout the weekend.

# Shaquille Wilson (Foothill) 2011
A long slender 6'8 athlete that oozes with potential. If Shaquille can tap into that potential and really work on his skills he will have a bright future. Has the ability down the road to play multiple positions if he continues to work and get stronger. Will have a very good year with the athleticism and length he possesses.

# Jason Carmichael (Mt. Whitney) 2010
Very strong point guard that is very crafty and skilled. Was sick on Day 1 but came on Day 2 and let his presence known. Very quick handles and a decent shooting stroke.

# Rayshon Snowden (San Joaquin Memorial) 2012
Rayshon is a young player that has a lot of upside. Though he didn't perform extraordinarily over the weekend, he did show that he is an up and coming talent in the Central California area.