Darin Johnson has a favorite

Garrett Tucker/Future 150 recently posted:

"Despite being in the middle of taking a few visits, 2013 PHPS (CA) combo guard Darin Johnson has had some leaders emerge in his recruitment lately. After a picking up an offer from USC last week, he says the Trojans are his favorite right now.

“The USC visit was amazing,” he began. “But I also like Washington State, Gonzaga, and Colorado.”

Johnson is scheduled to visit Washington State and Gonzaga this week, so there could be some more changes in his premature list.

Nevada, Pepperdine, Utah, Drake, St. Mary’s, Boise State, Santa Clara, and San Jose State are also involved."

Brian Stafford has plans

The latest on Denver's Brian (Las Lomas High) Stafford: "Stafford plans to head to Europe to play professionally, joining the ranks of fellow DU greats Nate Rohnert and Yemi Nicholson. Stafford's performance in the classroom mirrored what he did on the court. Stafford became just the fourth DU men's basketball player to earn Academic All-American, while also winning the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, becoming just the third Pioneer basketball player to do so."

Scott Brook's #1 fan and critic

How many of us know or recall the very humble beginnings of Scott Brooks?

Jeff Latzke has the well-worth-reading story.

More on Damian Lillard

Count Rob Dauster as a paid up member of the Damian Lillard Fan Club.

What's fascinating is that so very few outside of some NBA executives get it that Dame will do whatever he is asked to do, willingly and successfully. Prognosticators can evaluate talent but not head and heart because they don't knows the individuals. Not a knock, just an observation.

Chicago Bulls Confidential on Jared Cunningham

At the Chicago Bulls Confidential site, Jared Cunningham's game and its application to the NBA is analyzed.

Sheldon prevails

Bill Paterson writes about the winner of the Valley-CRC Summer Challenge.

Bill also has an earlier post on the event.

It's good to see some summer coverage of basketball.

Head coach opening at UC Santa Cruz

From the folks at Hoop Dirt: "I can confirm that UC Santa Cruz head coach Gordon Johnson has resigned. He had led the Banana Slugs for the past 10 seasons (71-160). The UC athletic department is planning on doing a national search for the part-time position, but I’ve heard that current assistant James Page has a ton of support for the job. He has been on the staff for the past nine seasons and is a UCSC alum."

Marin County training with Jeremy Russotti

Jeremy Russotti has announced weekday and weekend skill training now available in Marin County, with options for one-on-one to small group training. 1% CLUB Basketball has a facility in Marin County and expectations are that players will be able to show up on committed days.

1% CLUB Basketball is widely considered one of the finest skill development programs in the country.

Training starts next week so email info@1percentclub.org to reserve a spot and to add to the "training email tree." 

Plus, those residing in outside of Marin County who have gym access and are interested in bringing a 1% CLUB Basketball trainer to your area, please email info@1percentclub.org and to work out the details.

Below are videos showcasing some of the types of training 1% CLUB Basketball will perform:





Jeremy Russotti
Green Room Training
1% CLUB Basketball Services
(707) 849-1212

Cervante Burrell nabs a degree

Wanted to post tweet note this from Phillipe Doherty: congrats to Cervante.

Damian Lillard talking at the NBA draft combine

Damian Lillard leads off with the first of three interviews from the NBA draft combine. Jared Cunningham and Orlando Johnson will follow.

Jared Cunningham talking at the NBA draft combine

Jared Cunningham is interviewed during his participation in the NBA draft combine.

Three minutes with Orlando Johnson

Below is Orlando Johnson being interviewed at the NBA Draft Combine:

Allen headed to the border?

Joe Davidson is back with another tweet: "Dakarai Allen of Sheldon-Sac hoops, a 6-6 wing,says he was wowed by phone conversation with SD State coach Steve Fischer. Aztecs his fave now"

Just how did Steve Fisher turn the Aztec program into a consistent power? That's the basis for a great article but someone down there must have written it by now, right?

Praise for D'Erryl Williams

Joe Davidson tweetin' on D'Erryl Williams: "Sac Bee Player of Year D'Erryl Williams resting ham and hand. Hoop offers from Fresno St, UC Davis, UOP, Irvine, Santa Barbara. Smart, tough, skilled"

One more for Pitts

Philippe Doherty just tweeted: "Washington's Lorenzo Romar called and offered @Ejp_22 Elliott Pitts 6'5 2013 Combo Guard from De La Salle HS, CA and the Bay Area Hoosiers"

The entire Pac-12 will be involved before it's over, plus the Ivies, Gonzaga and San Diego State, if they aren't already.