A Josh Akognon update

Here's some news on former Casa Grande basketball star Josh Akognon, courtesy of Bob Padecky's blog:

Josh Akognon to play in Europe
Bob Padecky
Santa Rosa Press-Democrat
October 22, 2009

Former Casa Grande star Josh Akognon will be flying Friday to Estonia to begin an 8-month stint for the professional basketball team in the city of Kalev-Cramo.

Akognon, who starred for Cal State Fullerton, went undrafted but had tryouts with five NBA teams: Warriors, Lakers, Kings, Spurs and Trail Blazers.

“I was told that I was an NBA player but that I needed some more experience,” said Akognon, a 5-foot-11 guard. “I also was told that the team in Estonia is one of the top European teams and playing well there would really help me.”

Akognon was not sure what his salary would be but that, at a minimum it’s $5,000 a month.

plus, a bit more from Padecky:

Oh yes, Josh also got married

Josh Akognon called me back Thursday to add, “I got married on Sept. 5.”

Akognon, headed to Europe for pro ball, met Arianna Scales when they both attended Washington State. Both of them played basketball for the Cougars and they were both point guards.

Both also moved to get degrees at other universities, Josh in Afro Ethnic Studies at Cal State Fullerton and Ariana in Sports Management from Washburn University in Kansas.

Evan Sanzo-Davis to Seattle U

Just saw that former Bishop O'Dowd 'big' Evan Sanzo-Davis is now playing for Cam Dollar at Seattle University. Sanzo-Davis played last season as a freshman at Las Positas College.

A great read on Frank Burlison

Frank Burlison is a longtime southern California hoops reporter (and someone who responds to every email sent to him) and Justin Young conducted a recent interview with Burlison. Yes, there isn't any northern California info here but it's a fun and worthwhile read so we are passing it along. Go here.

Jeremy Russotti's latest training event

Jeremy Russotti, Philippe Doherty and the rest of the coaching team work wonders at these events. Go here for all sorts of information on Russotti and the training he offers plus do check out his j-glove, designed for improving shooting accuracy.

Here's a writeup on the latest One % Club Basketball training event:

This past weekend was the mark for the 4th Annual “North Bay’s Finest” Instructional event held at Sonoma State University. The North Bay is where Jeremy Russotti’s “The Finest” events originated and this year’s group did not disappoint. The coaching staff noted several times that this year’s bunch included the top overall talent in its 4-year existence.

Players that stood out:

Brian Crow (Novato) 2010 ­ Overall this 6-foot-6 power forward took the cake as the top performer at the event. Over this past summer, Brian has slimmed down to be a rising recruit in the Bay Area. He has the muscle to bang with bigger bodies, skill to be an anchor in the post, and willing to run the floor to out work his opponent continuously. Look for a huge season in the MCAL from Brian.

Jordan Semple (Arcata) 2010 ­ Jordan is what every coach at the next level is looking for when it comes to potential. He is a legit 6’6”, can handle the ball, solid in the triple threat position, very smooth around the basket, and has a nice shot. His release point on his shot has risen from last year, making him that much harder to guard. However, on day 1, Jordan was lethargic and played with a limited killer instinct. With the guidance of Phil Doherty, Jordan hit another level on Day 2 and showed he had another gear and why he can be a very good scholarship prospect.

Ben Freeland (Montgomery) 2011 ­ Ben has made huge strides since last year’s event. A true 6’9”, Ben has the body to play Division 1 basketball. Following in the footsteps of former Monty Big man Kyle Jeffers (Oregon State), Ben should be the next in line to play at the next level. His skill level has improved and his demeanor on the court shows much more confidence than in the past. If he continues to add weight (weight room) and shows the dedication Coach Fitchie strives for in his players, Ben should be the talk of next year’s event.

Stuart Wesonga (San Marin) 2011 ­ Stuart has really improved since last year. He is still raw and needs work on his offensive game, however, he is eager to be a top power forward in the bay area by next year. He is super athletic, rebounds every miss, and runs the floor with abandon. He should lead a much-improved San Marin team in the MCAL in the upcoming season.

Tyler Gaffaney (Branson) 2010 ­ Mr. Gaffaney is probably the nicest kid you will meet off the court. However, on the court he is all business. Tyler can flat out get it done! He rarely turns the ball over, had his hand in every possession, was the best shooter at the event, and always made his teammates better with the extra pass. To top it off, he was a lock down defender; causing the players he guarded fits throughout the weekend. A lower level college coach is going to get a very productive, model student athlete after this
season.

Kenneth Woodward (Terra Linda) 2010 ­ Kenneth is a basketball sponge that knows how to control the game of basketball from the point guard position. He consistently pushed the ball on the break, while hitting the open man flawlessly. He showed a nice handle of the basketball and the type of player that is eager to learn and wants to get better. Should be the top floor general in the MCAL for the upcoming season.

Xavier McCall (Cardinal Newman) 2011 ­ Anybody with the nickname “X”, you know is going to be tough. Xavier did not disappoint this weekend and showed he is the cream of the crop in the North Bay in the 2011 class. Xavier is close to breaking out and reaching
his full potential. He has great body balance and strength; however, he needs to work on his hand speed and quickness with his ball-handling. He tends to over-dribble, which causes unneeded turnovers. Xavier can shoot the ball, however, simplifying his game will
really allow him to be the top guard in the NBL for the next two years.

Brandon Cole (Vallejo) 2010 ­ Brandon instantly caught our attention during the ballhandling session. Brandon has extremely quick hands, allowing him to really control the ball at ease. During the games sessions, he utilized that skill in order to get to the basket
with ease. His shot mechanics has flaws, however, his mid range shot was solid. Brandon competed all weekend, showing the will to play defense and do what it takes for his team to win.

Mike McKinney (Fairfield) 2010 ­ Mike was one of the next solid Fairfield guards to come through our event. He is super bouncy, has a nice shot, and great feel for the game. He has a continuous motor and should be a tough guard in Coach Wilson’s offense for the
upcoming season.

Tom Witzel (Arcata) 2012 ­ Though only a sophomore, Tom is 6’6” with a very strong frame. He rebounded the ball great this weekend and finished well around the basket. However, he needs to work on his athleticism off two feet, and continually develop on his perimeter shot. Just like Jordan Semple, Tom needs to find another gear and play with fire. If so, he should be one of the top North Bay prospects in the upcoming years.

Tyler Idowu (Rodriguez) 2010 ­ Tyler is a very hard-working and relentless once he steps out on the court. He worked so hard during the drills and games session that he started to cramp by the end of Day #1. However, he still had enough motivation to throw down the jam of the event with his tomahawk slam on an opponent. Tyler is undersized (6’4”), raw in talent, and needs work on his offensive skills and jump shot in order to succeed at the next level.

Micheal Best (Terra Linda) 2011 ­ This is our first time seeing Michael, and he stood out with his upbeat performance during the drill and games sessions. He is 6’8”, can block shots, and has some skill, however, he needs to build on his strength. Since he is only a junior, he has the height to be a strong force in the MCAL and to play at the next level. However, he needs to fight through adversity and not get down when he makes a mistake. Should be a great pick and roll tandem with Kenneth Woodward.

Max Schmidt (Arcata) 2011 ­ Max is a true 6’9, and has some muscle in the post. Though not athletically gifted, Max uses a sweeping hook shot around the basket that is impossible to block. Each year he shows improvement, therefore, Max needs to really improve his body composition, conditioning, and athleticism to be a solid college prospect.

Tyler Imhoff (Napa) 2010 ­ Tyler is a bouncy combo guard that loves to get to the basket. He is strong on his drives and usually takes his defenders with him. However, he needs to improve his shot for the next level and his awareness on how to run a team. If so, he is going to be a tough guard in the SJ section.

Ryan Morris (Ukiah) 2010 ­ Ryan was a man-child over the weekend. Though only a 6’5” power forward, Ryan has a mean-streak to completely dominate his opponent. Also, Ryan has a skill set to match, showcasing a variety of offensive moves to complement his toughness. We can guarantee Ryan will be a first team All-League Player in the North Bay League.

Dominic Davis (Vanden) 2010 ­ Dominic really had a fine weekend, letting it be known he is one of the top guards in the North Bay. His competitive nature and willingness to play defense are some of his best attributes. He worked really hard during the drills sessions and showed a skill set to match just about any guard at the event.

Other players to watch for:

Ronnie Baker (Rodriguez) 2010
LeQuan Gomes (Fairfield) 2011
David Ahern (Marin Catholic) 2010
JaVonte Willis (Fairfield) 2010
Omar McLean (Armijo) 2010
Ryan Richardson (Clear Lake) 2010
Demarqus Wiggins (Redwood) 2010
Rashaad Allen (Rodriguez) 2010
Brian Johnson (Maria Carrillo) 2011
Akintoye Akindele (Hogan) 2010
Patrick Conroy (Marin Catholic) 2013
Elliot Collins (Piner) 2010
John Dunn (Branson) 2011
Tanner Giddings (Windsor) 2012
Joey Odetto (Windsor) 2010

Darius Jones gets his wish

Darius Jones will receive his wish -- to be a De La Salle player:

De La Salle student who died after playing basketball to be buried in Spartan uniform he yearned to wear at his new school
Theresa Harrington
Contra Costa Times
10/17/2009

Darius Jones' dream of wearing a Spartan basketball uniform is coming true.

The 15-year-old De La Salle freshman from Pittsburg who died after playing basketball Oct. 11 yearned to represent his new school on its home court. He had planned to try out for the team in November, but never got the chance.

Moments after doctors told Darius' mother they were unable to save him, Beverly Bradley asked De La Salle head basketball coach Frank Allocco if her son could wear Spartan green when he is laid to rest.

"It was very humbling," Allocco recalled. "I walked into the room and she had just lost her son. We hugged and cried together and she said, 'I want to ask you a favor. I'd like him to be buried in a De La Salle uniform. It would have meant the world for him to play for you.' Of course, I said it would be an honor for us to have that done..."

Go here for the remainder.

E.J. Farris at Utah State?

On the Scout Utah State message board is a post mentioning E.J. Farris being a walk-on basketballer at Utah State in Logan, Utah. Farris is a backcourter who was a senior at Newark Memorial High last season.

Interestingly, E.J.'s Facebook page has Brian Green and Tyler Newbold -- both current USU players -- as friends.

His Myspace page has his mood as :Ustate hooper.

Can anyone confirm?

Jason Groves on the Aggies minus Wendell McKines & Troy Gillenwater

Jason Groves has something today on how New Mexico State will compensate for not having Wendell McKines and Troy Gillenwater available for at least the first semester. Apparently, it's not a lock that either will return for the second semester:

Aggies hope reinforcements step up with McKines, Gillenwater out
Jason Groves
Las Cruces Sun-News
10/18/2009

LAS CRUCES — With the absence of Wendell McKines and Troy Gillenwater for at least the first seven games of the 2009 season, there appears to be a gaping hole in the paint for the New Mexico State men's basketball team.

"My role is going to be more important this year than last year," said redshirt sophomore center Hamidu Rahman. "Troy is not going to be here and (former center) Chris (Gabriel) transferred. I'm going to be the most experienced guy so I'm going to have to step it up more."

Rahman is one of six players who will fill in at the power forward and center positions this year.

In a best case scenario for Aggies fans, Gillenwater and McKines will be eligible after the final day of classes on Dec. 11. McKines — the leading rebounder in the Western Athletic Conference a year ago — and Gillenwater could return to the lineup at UTEP on Dec. 13...

Go here for the remainder.

A UCSB basketball site to bookmark

Coach Bob Williams had loaded up his Santa Barbara roster with a majority of Bay Area players -- The Brews (Will & Chris), Justin Joyner, Orlando Johnson, James Nunnally, Greg Somogyi, Lucas Devenny, Seth Kamphoefner and Jesse Byrd (before he took a medical hardship and left the team).

Gregory Nguyen is providing solid coverage of UCSB men's basketball with his site titled Gaucho Hoops.

Go here for the site and bookmark it to follow our Bay Area talents.

Eli Holman back on the court

photo courtesy of Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press

It seems like eons ago that Eli Holman was at Richmond High and now he finally is returning to the basketball court as a member of the Detroit Titans. Is he really up to 255?

Here's a good story on both Holman and the Detroit program:

Titans eager to prove themselves
Perry Farrell
Detroit Free Press
October 17, 2009

With 15 practices in August and a five-game winning streak in Spain, the Detroit Mercy men's basketball team is expecting big things this season, none bigger than center Eli Holman.

When coach Ray McCallum was hired before last season, Holman transferred from Indiana and had to sit out a season.

Now eligible, Holman, a sophomore, averaged 20 points and 15 rebounds during the trip to Spain. At 6-feet-9 and 255 pounds, Holman can be a beast in the middle, which is what the Titans need...

Go here for the remainder.

Things to think about

This should be read once every few months, by us all:

A little advice from yours truly
Justin Young
October 15, 2009

"Can I ask you for some advice?"

I get asked this question almost daily. Sometimes I feel like Lucy from Charlie Brown. For you kids, that was a cartoon back in the day. And we're not talking The Family Guy. Cartoons, the kind that were meant for kids.

Anyways.

I'm not a great advice giver. I promise. But I'll try.

Here are a couple of things to consider as the season approaches:

- Do you get it? Either you do or you don't. It's that simple. Do you have good grades? Do you honor the rules and guidelines that are given to you by your parents, teachers, coaches, leaders and those that have your best interest at heart? Do you play hard in blowouts? Do you run through a wall in practice? Do you stand up for your teammates? Do you do the right thing? People are watching. They are always watching.

- Are you humble? Guess what, it's okay to say you didn't do something right. It's okay to sit back, take the tongue-lashing from a coach or hear a criticism from someone that knows the game and the recruiting process. Learn from it. Get better from it. You learn the most when you are the most humble. Swallow your pride every once in a while. Part of becoming a man, is taking it like a man...

Go here for the remainder.

Remember Don Barksdale?

This Bay Area name sort of rings a bell but it should produce a symphony:

Basketball's Forgotten Pioneer
Resurrecting Don Barksdale
Dave Zirin
March 6, 2007

Should someone who averaged 11 points and eight rebounds over a four-year NBA career make the Basketball Hall of Fame? I'm not talking about Chris Kaman or the immortal Eddie Lee Wilkins. This is the story of a gentleman named Don Angelo Barksdale and a movement to compel the NBA to do right by their own past. Today, Don Barksdale is sports history's invisible man, a trailblazer who resides in shadows.

Everybody knows Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color line in 1947. Fewer will know the NFL was desegregated by Robinson's UCLA teammate Kenny Washington and future Hollywood actor Woody Strode. The more serious sports fan will also will tell you that Nate "Sweetwater" Clifton was the first African American to sign a contract with an NBA team and Earl Lloyd the first to actually get off the bench and log some playing time. More will know the immortal Bill Russell was the first black basketball head coach.

But I challenge even the most die-hard hoops junkie - someone who mainlines Allen Iverson youtube videos in their lunch hour - to name the first black NCAA All American. I challenge you to name the first African American to make the U.S. Olympic team. I challenge you to name the first black man to play in the NBA All-Star game. Go on, ask your most hoops-fiending friend and I promise you'll get that "Bush in the headlights" look. The answer to all these questions is Don Barksdale. Barksdale died in 1993 of throat cancer at the age of 69, and there is a push simmering to make sure the history he represents doesn't die with him...

Go here for the remainder.

Damian Lilliard receives a pre-season honor

Former Oakland High prepster Damian Lilliard enjoyed a very good freshman season at Weber State and that undoubtedly made an impression on various basketball folks. Rush The Court has Lilliard on its pre-season Big Sky Conference First Team here:

All-Conference First Team:

* Anthony Johnson, Montana
* Damian Lilliard, Weber State
* Steve Panos, Weber State
* Phil Nelson, Portland State
* Bobby Howard, Montana State

Jones and Moor/Moor and Jones

An Idaho based blogger recently handed out some love to a couple of former Bay Area prepsters:

The WAC’s Best Freshmen
Travis Mason-Bushman
Vandal Nation
October 13, 2009

Rounding out our preseason class rundowns, we’ve got our selections for the Western Athletic Conference’s best freshmen.

Again, picks are based positionally. We’ve selected only a first team and honorable mentions as it’s tough to judge the freshmen below that threshold. Players are judged on the basis of overall performance and potential team impact.

First team:

G: Chris Jones, San Jose State

In what is a fairly thin freshman guard crop in the WAC this year, the Spartans have found two of the best. Jones, a Rivals two-star selection, originally committed to Fresno State but spent a year at a prep academy to boost his academics. The Bulldogs went elsewhere — their loss is San Jose’s gain. A defensive specialist, the Spartans can well put Jones’ talents to use, as they were one of the conference’s worst outfits on the defensive end last year.

G: Aalim Moor, San Jose State

Nominated for CalHiSports’ All-State team, Moor (another Rivals two-star selection) led St. Mary’s High to the California Division IV title game in his junior year. As a prepster, Moor played mainly as a pure point guard, but the recruiting rap says he has serious offensive potential as well. He may not see much playing time behind the Spartans’ starting point guard, Justin Graham, but depth at the 1 spot is never a bad thing to have. Given San Jose State’s turnover woes, having another soft-touch ball-handler will make coach George Nessman happy, too.

Go here for the full article.

A Josh Ritchart commit article

It's no longer news but established fact regarding Josh Ritchart's commit to UC Davis. Here's a good article fleshing that out a bit more.

Forest Lake's Ritchart commits to play basketball for UC Davis
Brian Hamilton, Sports Editor
The Union
October 13, 2009

Seven schools offered scholarships and several more wanted to see what his senior year had to offer, but Forest Lake Christian's Josh Ritchart has already made up his mind.

The 6-foot, 8-inch, 220-pound Falcon has made a verbal commitment to play basketball for the UC Davis Aggies.

“I always had it in mind that I wanted to sign early,” said Ritchart, who as a junior averaged 26.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.0 blocks per game while leading FLC to a second straight appearance in the Division V section title game. “I had a lot of Pac-10 schools who wanted to wait and see my senior year in high school, but I decided that I wanted to sign early so I could focus on the school and my senior season...

Go here for the remainder.

Rob Jones to St. Mary's

Let's go for an oxymoron: in the world's worst kept secret, former Riordan High star Rob Jones is transferring to St. Mary's, per Jeff Goodman. It's a good fit but, more importantly, he will certainly be much closer to his ailing father. Jones will have to sit out this season.