Ferd Lewis tweeted: "Asst. UH hoops coach Norm Parrish could be named head coach at D-II Westminster College in Utah as early as this week."
So who replaces Parrish if indeed he move back? Someone with Bay Area connections?
Westminster is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Parrish was hired in May to assist in the islands but has a very solid state of Utah basketball background with both his coaching and most of his school days, including a very successful head coaching stint at Salt Lake Community College.
UPDATE: He got the Westminster job.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Looking back
Love columns like this because they present sports figures in much more of a totality than fans ever experience.
Bernie Miklasz is leaving the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and recently wrote about his interactions and relationships during his time as a columnist. Do read the entire article but here are three excerpts:
TONY LA RUSSA: Most tenacious competitor I've ever covered, or will cover. And probably the best at cultivating a team culture. TLR was relentless, his teams were relentless, and don't even think about throwing at one of his players. He couldn't go half speed, couldn't drop his guard, wouldn't give an inch. If there was a competitive advantage — psychological or otherwise — TLR would find it and use it. I have no idea how TLR sustained his intensity and single-minded purpose — the pursuit of victory — over his 33 years of big-league managing. Including the postseason he managed 5,221 games in his Hall of Fame career, and never let down. Never showed up at the ballpark with anything less than 100 percent hunger to win that night's game. He was fearless, across the board. And that includes some of his choices — hitting the pitcher 8th for example — that made so many people goofy with anger. What I learned: The value of preparation, and the benefits of thinking outside of the box. I also learned — and this was important — that baseball postseasons tend to be random in nature and being the best regular-season team means nothing when you enter the playoffs. La Russa, after all, won his first World Series in St. Louis (2006) with the least imposing team he'd taken into the October tournament. I also came to appreciate La Russa's self-deprecating humor; he was much looser than what you saw on TV — that perpetual image of the grim, dark and menacing figure standing in the dugout. TLR was the Last of the Lions among baseball managers. The job has changed dramatically in recent years, with GMs choosing managers that are willing to implement strategy and personnel calls based on advanced metrics supplied by front-office analysts. The days of the all-powerful manager are gone.
and
RICK MAJERUS: I just wish I would have spent more time with the late St. Louis U. basketball coach. We had a lot in common: mood swings, prone to too many emotional highs and lows, the curse of a lifelong battle with obesity, and an ironic personality trait of being harder on ourselves than any strangers could be. We shared a love of politics, film, books, newspapers, world events, music. During our enjoyable dinners the one thing we never talked about much was basketball. But make no mistake, Majerus was a basketball genius. I thought I knew the game until hearing Rick deliver a lecture on the "Triangle and Two" defense. Maybe that's why we had so many deep discussions about the meaning of life, and the daily struggle to find inner peace. If we talked hoops I couldn't hang with him. Rick was an enigma, and I didn't understand why he did certain things — like going out of his way to alienate someone in the media for no good reason, or banning the team's loyal broadcasters from flying on the SLU chartered flights. But I'm also an enigma, and perhaps that's why I connected with Majerus so well. If he was your friend, he would do anything for you, 24 hours a day. Just amazingly kind and generous in ways that weren't always visible to the public. There was also a poignant sadness about Rick that could break your heart. When he moved to St. Louis, I was driving him around early one evening, before we feasted at Lo Russo's. I was showing Majerus the various city neighborhoods. As the driving tour was winding down, he asked to see where I lived, so we drove to my home and parked in front. Rick said he didn't want to go inside; he just wanted to take a look. He began talking about the choices he made in his life. He had one brief marriage, and no children, and lived in a hotel. A basketball lifer. But a part of Rick longed for that family life, and wanted to live in the old house on a tree-lined street. So he sat in my SUV, turned and told me that I was very blessed, and that I should always be devoted to my wife, and I should never put my job before family. As we drove away from my home, Majerus said, "I think I'll buy a house like that, this is really a nice neighborhood." And we both knew it would never happen. Rick was a tormented man, but this internal conflict also generated a sensitive soul that wanted to ease another person's pain — even as he tried to find a cure for his own unrest. The term "one of a kind" is overused, but Rick Majerus was definitely one of a kind, and I'll never know anyone like him again. What I learned: Everything, really. More than I can adequately explain.
and
DICK VERMEIL: The most optimistic and upbeat team leader I've encountered. A source of brightness and positive energy. DV was a refreshing alternative to the standard NFL-coach profile at the time. Unlike just about every other coach in the league, Vermeil wasn't a brooder, wasn't cold, wasn't paranoid and didn't think anyone outside his inner circle was an enemy, never to be trusted. DV is a happy warrior who truly loves people, and he showed that every day at work at Rams Park. When he won the Super Bowl as coach of the unforgettable 1999 Rams, DV was genuinely more happy for others than he was for himself. What I learned: Good guys can finish first, and thank God for that. And when you make it a priority to see the best in people — instead of obsessing on their worst traits — you give them confidence, inspire them, and draw out their finest qualities. And that will help them succeed. And your team will be better for it.
Bernie Miklasz is leaving the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and recently wrote about his interactions and relationships during his time as a columnist. Do read the entire article but here are three excerpts:
TONY LA RUSSA: Most tenacious competitor I've ever covered, or will cover. And probably the best at cultivating a team culture. TLR was relentless, his teams were relentless, and don't even think about throwing at one of his players. He couldn't go half speed, couldn't drop his guard, wouldn't give an inch. If there was a competitive advantage — psychological or otherwise — TLR would find it and use it. I have no idea how TLR sustained his intensity and single-minded purpose — the pursuit of victory — over his 33 years of big-league managing. Including the postseason he managed 5,221 games in his Hall of Fame career, and never let down. Never showed up at the ballpark with anything less than 100 percent hunger to win that night's game. He was fearless, across the board. And that includes some of his choices — hitting the pitcher 8th for example — that made so many people goofy with anger. What I learned: The value of preparation, and the benefits of thinking outside of the box. I also learned — and this was important — that baseball postseasons tend to be random in nature and being the best regular-season team means nothing when you enter the playoffs. La Russa, after all, won his first World Series in St. Louis (2006) with the least imposing team he'd taken into the October tournament. I also came to appreciate La Russa's self-deprecating humor; he was much looser than what you saw on TV — that perpetual image of the grim, dark and menacing figure standing in the dugout. TLR was the Last of the Lions among baseball managers. The job has changed dramatically in recent years, with GMs choosing managers that are willing to implement strategy and personnel calls based on advanced metrics supplied by front-office analysts. The days of the all-powerful manager are gone.
and
RICK MAJERUS: I just wish I would have spent more time with the late St. Louis U. basketball coach. We had a lot in common: mood swings, prone to too many emotional highs and lows, the curse of a lifelong battle with obesity, and an ironic personality trait of being harder on ourselves than any strangers could be. We shared a love of politics, film, books, newspapers, world events, music. During our enjoyable dinners the one thing we never talked about much was basketball. But make no mistake, Majerus was a basketball genius. I thought I knew the game until hearing Rick deliver a lecture on the "Triangle and Two" defense. Maybe that's why we had so many deep discussions about the meaning of life, and the daily struggle to find inner peace. If we talked hoops I couldn't hang with him. Rick was an enigma, and I didn't understand why he did certain things — like going out of his way to alienate someone in the media for no good reason, or banning the team's loyal broadcasters from flying on the SLU chartered flights. But I'm also an enigma, and perhaps that's why I connected with Majerus so well. If he was your friend, he would do anything for you, 24 hours a day. Just amazingly kind and generous in ways that weren't always visible to the public. There was also a poignant sadness about Rick that could break your heart. When he moved to St. Louis, I was driving him around early one evening, before we feasted at Lo Russo's. I was showing Majerus the various city neighborhoods. As the driving tour was winding down, he asked to see where I lived, so we drove to my home and parked in front. Rick said he didn't want to go inside; he just wanted to take a look. He began talking about the choices he made in his life. He had one brief marriage, and no children, and lived in a hotel. A basketball lifer. But a part of Rick longed for that family life, and wanted to live in the old house on a tree-lined street. So he sat in my SUV, turned and told me that I was very blessed, and that I should always be devoted to my wife, and I should never put my job before family. As we drove away from my home, Majerus said, "I think I'll buy a house like that, this is really a nice neighborhood." And we both knew it would never happen. Rick was a tormented man, but this internal conflict also generated a sensitive soul that wanted to ease another person's pain — even as he tried to find a cure for his own unrest. The term "one of a kind" is overused, but Rick Majerus was definitely one of a kind, and I'll never know anyone like him again. What I learned: Everything, really. More than I can adequately explain.
and
DICK VERMEIL: The most optimistic and upbeat team leader I've encountered. A source of brightness and positive energy. DV was a refreshing alternative to the standard NFL-coach profile at the time. Unlike just about every other coach in the league, Vermeil wasn't a brooder, wasn't cold, wasn't paranoid and didn't think anyone outside his inner circle was an enemy, never to be trusted. DV is a happy warrior who truly loves people, and he showed that every day at work at Rams Park. When he won the Super Bowl as coach of the unforgettable 1999 Rams, DV was genuinely more happy for others than he was for himself. What I learned: Good guys can finish first, and thank God for that. And when you make it a priority to see the best in people — instead of obsessing on their worst traits — you give them confidence, inspire them, and draw out their finest qualities. And that will help them succeed. And your team will be better for it.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Hoops prospects in the Santa Clara Valley
2016
* Peter Hewitt 6-foot-9 St. Francis High
* James Kelbert 6-foot-2 Leland High
* Ben Kone, 6-foot-8, Archbishop Mitty High (Oregon State commit)
* Noah Stapes 6-foot-5 St. Francis High
* Jase Wickliffe 6-foot-6 Wilcox High
2017
* Angelo Athens 6-foot-3 Bellarmine College Preparatory
* Youssef Eshra 5-foot-9 Oakmont High
* Sebastian Much 6-foot-5 Archbishop Mitty High
* Kyle Peterson 6-foot-4 Archbishop Mitty High
2018
* Dylan Belquist 6-foot-4 Los Gatos High
* Riley Grigsby 6-foot-4 Archbishop Mitty High
So who's missing?
Hoops eyes on Manteca
2016 6-foot-9 center Anand Hundal enjoyed a coming out party of sorts in averaging 13.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and an amazing 5.5 blocked shots per game.
6-foot-7 Tydus Verhoeven, a 2017 prospect, provided 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists a contest.
6-foot-8 Kenny Wooten sat out the season due to an eligibility ruling but the 2016 talent came on like gangbusters during spring and summer play especially with rebounding and blocked shots. He will take to the court sporting a Manteca jersey come this November.
Verhoeven led the team in assists and the Buffaloes were credited with 12.1 per game but expect both numbers to rise dramatically.
Whoever is the starting point at Manteca is going to enjoy one of the best harmonic convergences of timing and opportunity witnessed in a long time. Shooting guard too as collapsing defenses should generate a multitude of open looks outside.
Simpson back to Israel
Simpson played earlier in Israel and now has returned.
For a relatively unheralded recruit, he certainly showed well in his time as a St. Mary's Gael. Try 12.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest overall and standing in first place as the all-time rebounder (1130), shot blocker (239), steals (174) and free throws made and attempted (470/777 at 60.5%). That is quite the legacy.
RJones back to Greece
The guard/forward spent the season between the Philippines (Nlex Road Warriors) and Puerto Rico (Brujos de Guayama). Jones has played in Greece with Panelefsiniakos."
Lauding Brian Katz
John Blomster has produced a biography as well as a tribute to Sacramento State Coach Brian Katz.
Two of many highlights:
"There should come a point, home or away, where every person in that crowd goes, 'Man, I'd love to be a part of that team.'”
and
"The big key is: Are they really a Hornet?" Katz says. "Do they really want to be here? Do they want the structure and discipline we're going to provide in the classroom? Do they want to go through the stands after the game and thank everyone for coming to the game? Do they take pride in being a part of the student body and a member of the classroom, and not putting themselves above anyone?"
"That's the right kind of guy: Team first, unselfish, wants lifetime relationships with staff members, teammates, and classmates."
In general, most have no idea what Katz, his staff and his players have accomplished. It's easy to talk about developing a certain culture but so much harder to actually attain it and this was achieved minus a modern basketball facility, a large recruiting budget and any sense of successful Hornet basketball history. Recruitment at this level is so much more difficult yet the Sacramento State coaching staff has really worked wonders.
Two of many highlights:
"There should come a point, home or away, where every person in that crowd goes, 'Man, I'd love to be a part of that team.'”
and
"The big key is: Are they really a Hornet?" Katz says. "Do they really want to be here? Do they want the structure and discipline we're going to provide in the classroom? Do they want to go through the stands after the game and thank everyone for coming to the game? Do they take pride in being a part of the student body and a member of the classroom, and not putting themselves above anyone?"
"That's the right kind of guy: Team first, unselfish, wants lifetime relationships with staff members, teammates, and classmates."
In general, most have no idea what Katz, his staff and his players have accomplished. It's easy to talk about developing a certain culture but so much harder to actually attain it and this was achieved minus a modern basketball facility, a large recruiting budget and any sense of successful Hornet basketball history. Recruitment at this level is so much more difficult yet the Sacramento State coaching staff has really worked wonders.
Sweetwyne to the Lone Star State
2014-15 Chabot forward Kellen Sweetwyne has committed to NAIA powerhouse Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Tx. OLLU has earned a trip to the NAIA Sweet 16 the past two seasons! Kellen earned his AA Degree along with a 3.4 gpa this year! We are proud to see Kellen move on to a great program at the next level. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4692415/highlights/259261376/v2"
Sweetwyne averaged 9.8 points plus 8.1 rebounds as a sophomore, starting 24 of 28 games and shooting 49%, 47% and 84% respectively. A transfer from Las Positas College, he's out of Hayward High and IMPACT Academy.
Wooten on display this spring and summer
Manteca High's Kenny Wooten got back on the court this spring and summer:
"We" and "family" are inappropriately used
Coach Bob Walsh posted a telling point offered by Jeff Van Gundy: "I'm not a big fan of all of this 'family' stuff. Tell me the last time you traded or cut someone from your family?"
Another big to Prolific Prep
Here's more on Brown from Johnny Carthens: "Has a very bright future playing this game. I can already tell he’s spent a season battling the most talented front line in the state at Quality Education. Contact doesn’t faze him nearly as much as other players his age. Already has a desire to protect the paint. Look forward to seeing his further development this season."
And more: "Brown is the definition of “prospect.” The 6’10” power forward has really long arms and a great frame to add strength which he will need to do. He is raw offensively, but shows potential. Brown is a mobile post that is extremely active. Running the floor is an area he excels at. Brown is already an elite rebounder with a high motor and feel for where the ball is coming off the glass. Defensively he blocks anything and everything that comes in the lane with timing and anticipation."
Too early to call it a trend
Via Dave Southern: "I'd been told, had OSU offer not come, Grier would've come to Boise State as a volunteer this season."
That's Bill Grier, the former San Diego head coach.
Former Nevada Coach David Carter is listed at the St, Mary's athletics site as an assistant coach but there was chatter earlier that he would be volunteering.
So at least a couple of college basketball head coaches let go with time remaining on their contracts considered/decided becoming a volunteer. Has this happened before?
That's Bill Grier, the former San Diego head coach.
Former Nevada Coach David Carter is listed at the St, Mary's athletics site as an assistant coach but there was chatter earlier that he would be volunteering.
So at least a couple of college basketball head coaches let go with time remaining on their contracts considered/decided becoming a volunteer. Has this happened before?
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