Potpourri, Apr 2

Scores

"Cal Men’s Basketball brings in PG Dai Dai Ames through the portal" Write For California

AND

"Men's Basketball: Cal adds F Milos Ilic via Transfer Portal" Write For California

......................................

Joe Tipton: "San Francisco wing Tyrone Riley completed Zoom meetings with Creighton, Arizona, and Texas yesterday, he told On3sports. The 6-6 freshman averaged 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season. Former 4-star recruit."

Can he nab an NIL of $1,000,000 after his frosh output? Yes, the payouts are that remarkable now.

......................................

Joe Tipton: "NEWS: UConn guard Aidan Mahaney is entering the transfer portal, he told @On3sports. The 6-3 junior averaged 4.5 PPG this season. Began his career at St. Mary’s where he was All-WCC 1st team in his two seasons with the Gaels."

Captrain Obvious nailed this move. The harder one is where he moves to next? It has to be a the right fit in order to earn playing time and likely not a hardass coach. Would Coach Randy Bennett welcome him back? Dunno. Would Mahaney return home (and face 1,001 interviews about why he left and why it didn't work out)? No. Would he dare head to USF or Santa Clara and face St. Mary's twice a season? If not, how about Xavier now under former New Mexico Coach Richard Pitino?

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......................................

Jonathan Givony: "NEWS: Green Bay's Anthony Roy will enter the transfer portal, he told ESPN. Roy was leading the NCAA in scoring at 25.7 points per game, shooting 43% for 3, when he suffered a season-ending injury in December."

The 6-foot-5 Roy is out of Oakland and Dublin High and attended USF as a freshman. He's been at five colleges so far. He also shot 50% overall plus 86% in 33 minutes a game. He was suspended for one game prior to his injury. Read about that here.

......................................

Jon Rothstein: "Washington's Tyler Harris tells me that he will enter the transfer portal."

Out of Granada High and UPortland, the 6-foot-8, 190 Harris remains loaded with potential. What he needs to do to up his game is add strength and some bulk (only 72 free throw attempts in 30 games) plus work on his ballhandling (greater maneuverability) and passing (just 10 assists) so that he can become a greater offensive threat. He did shoot a remarkable 50% on 91 three-point attempts. Can he get greater NIL $$$ than Washington offered or is this an attempt to land on a winning team? The Huskies went 4-16 in Big 10 conference play, 13-18 overall.

......................................

Jon Rothstein: "Stanford’s Oziyah (Modesto Christian High) Sellers tells me that he’s entering the transfer portal."

This move is puzzling as the 6-foot-5 Sellers finally earned consistent backcourt playing time and enjoyed a decent, if inconsistent. season. He shot a talented 45%, 40% and 90% respectively in averaging 13.7 points per game and went 45/38 regarding assists and turnovers (which needs improvement). But there were too many games and stretches of time within games in which he wasn't a plus factor. As a senior at Stanford, the Cardinal would have been his team. But greater NIL $$$ is likely out there  so there is no blame to cast about.

......................................

Jordan Morganstein: "I’m excited to announce I will be furthering my academic and basketball career at Suffolk University! I would like to thank my teammates, family, and coaches for believing in me throughout this process."

He's 6-foot, 165 and out of Dublin High. Suffolk University is located in Boston and plays sports at the D3 level. 

......................................

NCAA Rivals Portal: "Rivals Portal has learned Minnesota guard Mike Mitchell Jr has entered the portal. Over the last two seasons he has averaged 9.95 ppg."

At 6-foot-2, he's out of Archbishop Mitty. Mitchell Jr. first went to play next to the Pacific Ocean at Pepperdine (unless it has been proclaimed The Ocean of America by you-know-who), then transferred to the Land of 10,000 Lakes/University of Minnesota. Will he come home (Santa Clara or USF) in his final season? Might he choose to play next by a river?

......................................

"All-CIF 2025 NorCal boys basketball team by High School On SI: Tounde Yessoufou is Player of the Year"

......................................

Jake Lieberman: "6'6 sophomore transfer Caden Harris from Chico State (D2) has committed to Point Loma. Averaged 11.0 points (37.4% 3PT), 4.7 rebounds & 1.8 assists. In the final 17 games, Harris shot 46.0% 3PT."

Harris redshirted per usual as a freshman and graduated high school in Oregon but lists his hometown as in Washington. Now he is headed further south. His departure is a little surprising considering leading scorer JoJo Murphy is also in the transfer portal and someone(s) will need to fill that role. Harris led the Wildcats with 46 steals. Point Loma is also a D2 school, a member of the PacWest Conference.

......................................

Verbal Commits: "2026 AZ Compass Prep (AZ) G Kalek House has received an offer from Sacramento State."

AND

Jake Lieberman: "6'3 combo guard transfer Paxton Warden out of Lewis University (D2) tells me that he's receiving interest from Iona, Belmont, Marist, Niagara, Indiana State, Sacramento State, Buffalo & Wisconsin Parkside.

Just officially visited Iona.  14 points  5 rebounds  3 assists"

AND

Recruits Zone/Blake Smith: "INFO: UNLV transfer Jeremiah Cherry tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:

  • Boise St
  • Utah St
  • USC
  • UCLA
  • TCU
  • Baylor
  • Radford
  • Sac State
  • Washington St
  • Mississippi St

Averaged 9.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG, & shot 63% from the field this year."

Coach Bibby is in with a few 'big boys' with Cherry.

......................................

Jake Lieberman: "6’9 transfer forward Landon (Will C. Wood High) Seaman out of Menlo College (D2) is gaining interest from the Big Sky, Big West, WAC & WCC conferences.

Holds a Cal State Fullerton offer and is visiting tomorrow.  19.8 points  7.2 rebounds  2.0 assists"

......................................

Jake Lieberman: "2026 6'4 guard Jacob Spurlock out of Boyd County HS (KY) & Indiana 3SSB tells me that he's receiving interest from High Point, Cincinatti, Marshall, Miami (OH), WKU, Santa Clara, UIC, Indiana State, West Virginia, Morehead State, Belmont, Akron, +.

Spurlock holds four offers."

AND

Sam Kayser/24/7 High School Hoops: "Louisville transfer Koren Johnson has heard from these schools since going portaling, he told LeagueRD:

  • USC
  • Oregon
  • Virginia
  • Memphis
  • Santa Clara
  • Boise State
  • UNLV

He averaged 11.1PPG, 2.7APG and 2.5RPG in 23-24. Played in only two games this season."

......................................

Verbal Commits D2: "Dominican (CA) G Omari Davis has entered the transfer portal."

Davis is a 6-foot-2 junior point out of Vanden High.

......................................

Modesto Junior College Men's Basketball: "Kobe Nunes has received an offer from Mid-America Nazarene, Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)"

The 6-foot-1 Nunes is out of Gregori High and Columbia College. He averaged 12.8 points per game, shooting 52%, 35% and 81% respectively alongside 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season. He also has an offer from Cal State Stanislaus.

......................................

"College of the Redwoods is pleased to announce a leadership transition in the Athletics Department, effective July 1, 2025. Current Athletic Director Bob Brown will step into an expanded role overseeing campus life and student conduct. In his place, Ryan Bisio—CR’s highly successful Men’s Basketball Coach—will serve as Interim Athletic Director.

Bisio has led the men’s basketball program to four Golden Valley Conference championships and has earned recognition as the 2023 California Community College Coach of the Year. His career record at CR stands at an impressive 109-36 (.751).

“I’m incredibly grateful for the elevated responsibility of leading our athletic department,” said Bisio. “Because of the heart and unwavering dedication of Bob Brown, I’m being gifted a department that’s never been in a healthier place. Although now in a different role, the focus of my work will remain the same: supporting our wonderful student athletes and coaches to the best of my ability.”

With Bisio moving into his new role, the men’s basketball program will now be led by longtime Associate Head Coach Justin Claus. Claus, a CR alumnus and one of the program’s Top 25 All-Time scorers, played for the Redwoods from 2014 to 2016 and has been a key part of the coaching staff since 2019.

“Justin has worked tirelessly on behalf of our players and has earned the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program,” said Bisio. “I and all the freshmen returning next season agree that Justin is the best person to capitalize on the continuity he’s helped create and take this program to a higher level.”

Claus shared his excitement for the future: “Coaching alongside Bisio for the past five seasons has been an unforgettable experience, and I can’t overstate how much I’ve learned. This program has become a source of pride for our campus and community, and I take that responsibility seriously.”

......................................

Andrew Pengel: "Blessed to receive an offer from Emporia State University! Thank you to Coach Billeter and the coaching staff!"

Out of Santa Rosa Junior College, the 6-foot-2 Pengel is a sharpshooter, averaging 22.5 points (EIGHTH IN THE STATE) WITH 46%, 40% and 75% accuracy. The Rancho Cotati High graduate also has an offer from Dominican University (down in San Rafael).

......................................

"Boys BB: More State Coaches of Year"

The North takes three of the five top honors.

......................................

Verbal Commits: "Arkansas–Pine Bluff G Dante Sawyer is entering the transfer portal."

Out of Salesian Prep, the 6-foot-4 Sawyer shot 50% overall, 27% from long distance and 73% at the foul line in scoring 8.3 points per game.

......................................

Recruits Zone: "INFO: WSSU (D2) transfer Wesley Tubbs III tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:

  • Austin Peay
  • Tarleton State
  • IU-Indy
  • Stony Brook
  • Dallas-Baptist
  • Belmont
  • Stetson
  • Pacific
  • Central Arkansas
  • NC A&T
  • + more"

......................................

Nick Graves earned All Conference Honorable Mention for his play this season at Waldorf University in Iowa. In 24 games, he averaged 12.0 points on 44%, 35% and 81% shooting respectively while grabbing 2.9 boards and dishing out 2.6 assists a contest. The 6-foot-3 guard graduated from Oak Ridge High and American River College. Waldorf is an NAIA affiliate.

......................................

Potpourri, Mar 31

Scores

Sat, Mar 29, NCAA D1 score

Florida 84, Texas Tech 79 box. Darrion (Capital Christian High) Williams led TT with 23 points plus provided five rebounds and three steals. He shot 9-18, 3-8 and 2-3 respectively. Teammate Chance (St. Ptric St. Vincent High/Golden State Prep/Grand Canyon) McMillian didn't start but finished with 14 points on 5-11, 2-5, 2-2 shooting respectively.

The Sunshine Staters won the first half by two points and the second 20 minutes by three but Tech was ahead by nine points,75-66 with less than three minutes remaining. Such a dramatic turnaround is shades of what happened in the Red Raiders previous game when they pulled it out. Missed free throws, the front ends of one and ones, really hurt the Lone Star Staters late plus Williams was errant on a couple of late shot attempts.

...........................................

News Bits

Montana Griz Basketball: "A message from Money Williams..."

Williams keeps it classy in announcing his return to Missoula. Gotta be a lot of disappointed coaches right now.

...........................................

"Giacomazzi Coach Of Year: ‘Role Model, Mentor, Friend’"

...........................................

Jon Chepkevich: "San Francisco’s Tyrone Riley IV will enter the transfer portal, his advisor Paolo Zamorano of Prodigy Sports tells me. Rangy, athletic 6’6” lefty wing who’s drawn the attention of NBA scouts. The All-WCC Freshman Team selection looks poised for a high-major jump."

This one really hurts. You sign an underrated prospect, he plays right away, produces and pffffft, he's gone. But that's college hoops nowadays.

...........................................

But there is this:

"The Week in 1,000 Words: Contrary to popular belief, NIL is not ruining college athletics"

...........................................

Here you go:

Chabot College Youth Basketball Camp
contact: Coach Keenan McMiller / (510) 484-5199

...........................................

Jaylan Virgil: "Blessed to receive a D1 offer from Pepperdine University! Thank you to Coach Ed Schilling and the rest of the staff for believing in me!"

A 2027 prospect, Virgil is a 6-foot-2 point at Laguna High and with the Jalen Green Elite AAU squad. His 6-foot-6 brother Tyler has signed with Peppedine for this coming season.

...........................................

St. Mary's has reached out to James Madison transfer 6-foot-3 shooting guard Bryce Lindsay who has three years of eligibility remaining.

...........................................

The Portal Report: "NAU F Carson Towt has received interest from the following programs, per source:

•  Baylor •  Notre Dame
•  Iowa •  Xavier
•  St. Mary’s •  Cal
•  GCUr •  Washington State
•  UCSB •  Hawaii
•  UCSD •  Boise State
•  San Francisco •  Wyoming
•  UTSA •  Liberty

Nation’s leading rebounder!"

He stands 6-foot-8 and weighs in at 235 pounds.

...........................................

Sam Kayser: "2025 4⭐️ Dante Allen tells LeagueRDY he will take a visit to Miami on April 12th. Allen has also heard from Michigan, BYU and Stanford since he decided to decommit from Villanova. He’s playing his senior season for MVABasketball. #41 in the ESPN100."

...........................................

Sam Kayser: "Temple transfer Dillon Battie has heard from these schools since entering the portal, his agent Daniel Poneman of WEAVE tells LeagueRDY:

  • SMU
  • Washington
  • Stanford
  • Wichita State
  • Tulsa
  • San Jose State
  • Marshall
  • Western Kentucky
  • Louisiana Tech
  • UT Arlington
  • Valparaiso
  • Siena
  • Sam Houston
  • Albany

Battie averaged 3.6PPG this season. Former three-star recruit."

He's a 6-foot-8 210 freshman.

...........................................

"Cal Men’s Basketball secures first transfer commit of the offseason in Campbell Guard Nolan Dorsey" Write For California

Verbal Commits: "2026 Matanzas (FL) F Alexander Davis has received an offer from California."

He's 6-foot-9, 235 with three other in-state offers, not Florida, FSU or Miami.

and

Verbal Commits: "2025 Snow College (UT) F Isaac Garrett has received an offer from California."

His own label: "6-foot-9, 210, a stretch four" Garrett has something like 18 or 19 offers so the competition may get fierce.

and

Sam Kayser: "NEWS: 2026 5⭐️ Toni Bryant is taking an unofficial visit to SMU and Andy Enfield this weekend, a source told LeagueRDY. Bryant has taken official visits to Boston College and Cal so far. One of the top players in 2026."

Bryant is a 6-foot-9 national recruit and would be a major get.

and

365 Recruits: "South Carolina G, Zachary Davis has entered the transfer portal. He averaged 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season.

He has heard from the following schools:

  • USC Trojans  
  • UGA
  • Cal
  • Oklahoma
  • Murray State
  • LSU
  • Florida
  • UCF"

There's some big time competition for this young man.

and

Jake Lieberman: "6'2 Bowling Green transfer guard Javontae Campbell is receiving interest from TCU, Oklahoma, Cal, Iowa State, Duquesne, Murray State, +, I'm told. Averaged 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds & 3.1 assists."

and

Sam Kayser: "South Florida transfer Jayden Reid tells LeagueRDY he’s heard from these schools since going portaling:

  • Creighton
  • Arizona State
  • Cincinnati
  • Cal
  • Seton Hall
  • Pitt
  • Utah
  • Loyola Chicago
  • Northwestern

Reid averaged 12.7PPG, 3.6APG and 2.6RPG this season at South Florida."

He's a 5-foot-10 junior-to-be guard.

and

The Portal Report: "Clemson transfer Del Jones recruitment update, per Larry Hall of @HofSportsGroup.

Visits:

  • Vanderbilt (today)
  • Virginia Tech (date TBD)

Interest:

  • SMU
  • Memphis
  • Cal
  • Seton Hall"

Jones is a 6-foot-2 sophomore-to-be backcourter.

and

Jeff Goodman: "D-2 transfer Cameron McDowell has a ton of high-major interest. McDowell is a 6-5 wing from Northwest Oklahoma. He has interest from Mississippi State, Cal, UNM, Rutgers, Georgia Tech, SMU, Seton Hall, Cincinnati, Colorado State and UAB, his agent Evan Pobuta from Vienna Talent told TheFieldOf68."

...........................................

Jake Lieberman: "2026 6’7 combo guard Caleb Sanders out of North Tampa Christian HS (FL) & Nightrydas Elite tells me that he’s receiving interest from Stanford & Yale. Offers include Louisiana, Boston College, Cal, Florida International, CSUN, East Carolina, among others."

...........................................

Recruit Zone (Blake Smith): "INFO: Virginia Tech transfer Ryan Jones Jr. tells me that he has heard from the following schools since entering the portal:

  • Purdue
  • Texas Tech
  • Marshall
  • UC Davis
  • Northern Illinois
  • Holy Cross
  • Queens
  • Washington State
  • Liberty

Former 4 🌟 prospect."

He's a 6-foot-8, 240 pound freshman.

...........................................

Jake Lieberman: "6'7 guard Trey Harris out of Chadron State (D2) tells me that he's heard from Central Michigan, Buffalo, Hawaii, Chicago State, Le Moyne, Samford, St. Peter's, UAlbany, Sacramento State, Idaho State, UTRGV, New Hampshire, U Tamp & Nova Southeastern."

Wonder who Hornet Coach Henry Bibby will hire as assistants and who is helping him right now in identifying prospects?

................................................

Jake Lieberman: "6'5 transfer sophomore Amaree Brown from Oklahoma Panhandle State (NAIA) is receiving interest from Fresno St, Academy of Art, Lincoln Memorial, Missouri St, Southern U, Southern Indiana, St. Joe's, +."

...........................................

The Portal Report: "Campbell transfer Colby Duggan has received interest from the following programs, he tells TPR:

  • Butler
  • Providence
  • Ohio State
  • Seton Hall
  • Richmond
  • Loyola Chicago
  • ECU
  • San Francisco
  • College of Charleston

The 6-foot-7 Duggan averaged 15.7 points and 3.3 rebounds last season!"

......................................

Sam Kayser: "USC transfer Isaiah Elohim, a former four-star recruit, tells LeagueRDY he’s heard from these schools since hitting the portal:

  • Baylor
  • Missouri
  • Providence
  • Florida State
  • Arizona State
  • Santa Clara
  • FAU
  • Boise State
  • Long Beach State

He averaged 2.1PPG this season in only 5 minutes per game."

He's a 6-foot-5 sophomore-to-be combo guard who followed Coach Eric Musselman out from Arkansas.

...........................................

The Portal Report: "Georgia Southern transfer Adante’ Holiman has received interest from the following programs, per Noah Reisenfeld and Adie Vongontard of YMAPAAsports:

  • Xavier
  • Pacific
  • Western Michigan
  • Miami (FL)
  • +more"

...........................................

Verbal Commits: "Montana G Jeremiah Dargan has entered the transfer portal."

Dargan is 6-foot-4, 190 and out of Clayton Valley Charter High and West Valley College. Don't know if he can request to re-gain his junior year of eligibility so he may have only one year remaining. He may need to drop down a level.

...........................................

Verbal Commits: "Portland C Mezziah Oakman has entered the transfer portal."

Out of Mt. Diablo High, CCSF and UC Santa Barbara, Oakman stands 7-foot, 230 pounds. As a redshirt junior, it appears he has one year of eligibility left.

...........................................

Verbal Commits: "Arkansas–Pine Bluff G Dante Sawyer is entering the transfer portal."

Out of Salesian Prep and North Idaho College, the 6-foot-4 Sawyer appears to have a year remaining of eligibility.

...........................................

Potpourri, Mar 28

Scores

Thu, March 27 NCAA Big Dance score

Texas Tech 85, Arkansas 83 OT box. For Tech, Darrion (Capital Christian High) Williams endured a horrible shooting game (8-26 overall) but, to his credit, buried a three-pointer with nine seconds left to tie the game at 72 apiece and force overtime. Topping that, Williams scored on a layup with seven seconds remaining in OT that proved to be the game difference. Winners comes through even during rough games.

Sharpshooting teammate Chance (Bethel High/Golden State College Prep/Grand Canyon U) McMillian again missed the game, his fourth in a row, due to an oblique injury. Sadly, he was forced to pass on an opportunity to play in front of family and friends in San Francisco tonight.

................................................

News Bits

"CCCMBCA Announces its 2025 All-State Team

Rashaud Bradley, Joe Grahovac Named POY: James Giacomazzi, Perry Webster COY"

................................................

Jailen Daniel-Dalton: "Let’s work!!! Super excited for this next step….Thankful for Coach (Gus) Argenal and Coach Bross for believing in me."

The 6-foot-6 Daniel-Dalton is out of San Francisco State, Gavilan College and Mountain View High. It appears he has one season of eligibility remaining. He's headed to Cal State University San Bernardino. That will be a good spot for him.

................................................

College Basketball Content: "NEWS: San Jose State center Robert Vaihola is entering the transfer portal, per source. Averaged 7.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG & 1.4 BPG. Native of San Mateo, California. Represented by @WEAVE."

He's a 6-foot-8 grad transfer with one year of eligibility remaining out of Archbishop Riordan. Might USF be interested in some beef (270 pounds)?

The Spartans are also losing a frosh guard who redshirted this season. That makes five total transfers, three of them starters. Plus, the other two starters are graduating. Yikes!

and

Here's a down-the-road possible replacement:

John W. Davis: "St. Pius X-St. Matthias 2025 forward Douglas Langford Jr. recruiting update with a commitment to San Jose State basketball."

At 6-foot-7, 215, what's odd is that Langford Jr. originally committed to Harvard back in late December. Who gives that up unless there was some sort of entrance issue? On January 9, LA Times sportswriter Eric Sondheimer tweeted: "Douglas Langford Jr of St. Pius X-St. Matthias is no longer committed to Harvard. He’s open to options for college basketball." Anyway, his father is a former professional basketball player and the son is a former standout player for the Belize U18 national team. Langford Jr. played AAU ball with the Oakland Soldiers despite attending school in the Los Angeles area. He and his family relocated to the U.S. when he was 14. When he selected Harvard, he made that choice versus offers from San Jose St, Sacramento St, Montana, San Francisco, Long Beach St, UC San Diego, Cal State Northridge, Loyola Marymount, UT-Arlington, and UC Riverside.

................................................

Verbal Commits: "Colorado G Courtney Anderson, Jr. has entered the transfer portal."

Saw this coming early on as the 6-foot-5, 190 guard redshirted last season and played just 14 minutes in four games in 2024-25. Might he return to the Bay Area? Santa Clara is in need of backcourters as is USF, Pacific and SJSU. Any NIL ask would seemingly be reasonable if approached at all considering he's two years out of HS with no record to brag on.

................................................

Joven Dulay: "I will be visiting Loyola Marymount on March 27!"

Dulay is a 2026 6-foot-6 shooting guard attending Folsom High and playing AAU with the Jaylen Wells Elite. He has a 3.93 GPA. Certainly like his size.

................................................

Elias Amanor Obenyah: "2024-25 TCAL- Rock MVP"

Plus, he has a year still to play at Salesian Prep. Cal has offered as has UC San Diego and SJSU.

................................................

From Miles Byrd:

................................................

Ben Spencer: "All-American Jojo (Piedmont High) Murphy Yesssssssir!!!

Chico State's JoJo Murphy is #10 on the list

................................................

"In Op-Ed for the San Francisco Chronicle, President Thompson Argues NCAA Rule Changes Will ‘Quietly Hurt Thousands of Student-Athletes’

With the proposed roster limits, President Roger Thompson contends, the NCAA is poised to change the face of college athletics. Without walk-ons, you don't get a Rudy—or a Luke Barrett."

................................................

A trio/pair of Sacramento State backcourters have filed for the transfer portal:

6-foot-3 Julian (St. Joseph Notre Dame High/Chico State/CCSF/U of Alberta) Vaughns who averaged 10.9 points on 40%, 35% and 78% shooting respectively. Verbal Commits

6-foot-4 Emil Skyttä out of Finland who averaged 8.0 points on 48%, 27% and 46% shooting respectively. Verbal Commits

................................................

Verbal Commits: "Long Beach State G Varick Lewis has entered the transfer portal."

The 6-foot-3 Varick will be a junior next season and is out of Monterey Trail High. He averaged 12.0 points per contest while shooting 36%, 31% and 71%.

................................................

Verbal Commits: "San Diego State C Demarshay Johnson, Jr. has entered the transfer portal. Grad transfer."

At 6-foot-9, 210 and out of Salesian Prep, he has been a reserve during his time on the border. Played 4.5 minutes per game in 15 contests this season

................................................

Verbal Commits: "UC Davis F Derek Sangster has entered the transfer portal."

Out of Archbishop Mitty, he stands 6-foot-7, weighs 200 and started out at Princeton for two seasons before coming back to northern California. Sangster participated in eight games for a total of 33 minutes this season. He'll be a junior next season and likely will drop down to DII.

and

Verbal Commits: "UC Davis G Sione Losé has entered the transfer portal."

He stands 6-foot-4, is out of Capital Christian High and will also likely be dropping down to DII.

................................................

California is losing some players:

................................................

Other Nor Cal college departures:

................................................

Colby Giacubeno: "UMass-Lowell freshman PG Martin Somerville entered the portal yesterday & is hearing from a long list of programs. Some of the programs included:

  • Alabama
  • Boston College
  • BYU
  • Cal
  • Louisville
  • Memphis
  • Northwestern
  • Providence
  • Stanford
  • UCF
  • USC
  • Vanderbilt
  • Wake Forest
  • Washington

Averaged 13.6PPG, 3.7APG & 2.9RPG"

San Jose State University offered him when he was finishing prep school a couple of years ago but look at the competition (and the NIL funding) now.

................................................

Lucas Lau Does It All

He was going to be all in or all out, likely no in between. University High (San Francisco) junior Lucas Lau was mighty close to being born dribbling a basketball, as his father Derek is the veteran head coach of the City College San Francisco women's hoops team and his mother Remi is also a basketball coach.

With such an environment, a child generally dives right in (sorry for the mixed sports metaphor) and finds a sporting love or eventually peels away to establish his own identity in another endeavor, sporting or not. Lau, however, is establishing a roundball identity of his own while shooting, dribbling, passing and winning basketball games with his high school squad and his Bay City Warriors AAU team.

Just finishing a season in which he averaged 22.9 points (the second most ever) and 6.2 assists (the second most ever) per contest, the 6-foot-1, 160 pound junior earned 151 free throw opportunities, the most in University history. "But I'm not looking to get fouled when I attack the rim." Lau shot 64%, 36% and 79% respectively, dunked four times during games and earned the honor of Bay Counties League Most Valuable Player.

On a team which graduated nine seniors after last season, it took a period of personal development and adjustment for all before the Red Devils began putting victories together, finishing 22-12 overall, 9-3 in BCL action. A trio of three-game winning streaks plus a positive five consecutive game run in February paved the way to the eventual successful team record. "We were young, with a whole new team. Initially, we didn't know our roles and had to form our team chemistry. But we won our league tournament on a roll."

Asked to detail his best basketball skills, Lau offered, "my IQ, which enables me to facilitate for my teammates. I developed that ability because of my parents and my uncles and being around basketball games my whole life. I started playing pre-kindergarten in an Asian league and then moved to AAU ball in third grade. I can shoot, run the offense, defend, take charges and I hustle."

The big NBA splash Jeremy Lin made starting in 2011 was also a highlight for Lau. Considering his age, learning about "Linsanity" came from reading about Lin rather than watching him in-person or on TV.

Another skill Lau demonstrates is "I'm definitely see myself as a leader." He is a co-captain at University High. "I lead by example and especially by being vocal on defense. Both impact how people see you. It's great when everyone comes together as a team."

He sees his eventual college position as "just like a guard" not denoting whether that be as a point or as a two backcourter.

"I want to thank my parents and family for providing me with the best platform to be better." Also, "(University High Head) Coach Randy (Bessolo) and assistants) Alex, Bill, Ben and Justin. Alex provides the film we study and also gets on us." Bessolo also heads the Bay City Warriors AAU team.

Potpourri, Mar 26

Scores

Mon, Mar 24, NCAA Purple CBI Quarterfinal score

Incarnate Word 87, Jacksonville 71 box. 6-foot-6 Dylan (Healdsburg High) Hayman shot poorly overall in this one (4-13) but went 3-5 from long distance and finished with 13 points and four rebounds. A name from the past, Kendall Munson, led Jacksonville with 19 points and also finished with eight boards. He shot 8-10 overall. Munson attended Capital Christian High as a freshman and a sophomore.

Tue, Mar 25, NCAA Purple CBI Quarterfinal score

Illinois State 78, Incarnate Word 73 box. In the loss, Dylan (Healdsburg High) Hayman scored 23 points and grabbed five boards. He shot 7-14, 2-3 and 8-10 respectively.

I believe now only Texas Tech remains both playing in any tournament and featuring NorCal talents on its roster.

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News Bits

"Former NBA star Mike Bibby named head coach at Sacramento State"

"SACRAMENTO STATE HIRES MIKE BIBBY AS ITS HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH"

Wow! He has a solid chance, if the Hornet program is funded enough to at least compete in the Big Sky Conference (or a step or two higher). He'll certainly attract talent, at least immediately and the Sacramento area exudes prospects.

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Jake Lieberman: "6’4 combo guard Jake (Las Lomas High) Davis out of West Valley College has committed to Cal Poly, per IG. Davis is a three-level scorer who will be a strong addition for the Mustangs. Held a handful of D1 offers."

Normally I would be concerned with this choice since CP has been a bottomfeeder for a few years at least but a new coach this season and new players for the most part, came together to produce wins over UC Davis and UC Riverside before falling in the Big West Conference tournament semifinals game to UC Irvine. Poly finished out the 2-24-25 season with victories in 10 of its final 15 matchups.

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Deundrae Perteete Jr.: "Thank you, Westmont College – I’m grateful for an amazing year and for being named the 2025 PacWest Freshman of the Year. With 3 years of eligibility left, I am officially in the NCAA Transfer Portal."

Perteete Jr. is 6-5, 200 and out of Salesian Prep. He averaged 10.6 points per game plus 4.7 rebounds, shooting 40%, 37% and 78% respectively.

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Extremely bouncy 6-foot-3, 210 Xavion (Sheldon High) Brown started college hoops with three seasons at Appalachian State (one a redshirt year) before transferring to Dallas Baptist where he has been performing the last two seasons.

Named the Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of Year plus a First Team All Defense and Second Team All League honoree this season, he enjoyed 37 games/starts with 25.4 minutes per outing and scored 7.7 points each night while shooting 60% overall (200 shots taken), 25% from long distance (just four shots taken) and 56% on free throws (77 shots taken).

Brown brought down 5.9 rebounds per game (best on his team) and owned a 148/80 assist to turnover ratio (best on his team). He also pilfered 79 steals and remarkably blocked 44 shots, (again, best on his team).

He also was Lone Star Conference All Academic selection as well as named the conference tourney Most Valuable Player. Brown has one more season of eligibility.

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Joe Tipton: "Nevada transfer forward Nick Davidson has heard from the following schools since entering the portal, per source:

  • North Carolina
  • Kentucky
  • St. John’s
  • Louisville
  • Texas Tech
  • Arizona
  • Cal
  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • Oklahoma State
  • Purdue
  • Stanford
  • USC
  • Washington
  • Xavier
  • New Mexico
  • Vanderbilt
  • San Diego State
  • USF
  • Ohio State"

My uneducated guess is Arizona. They have mucho NIL $$$, the style of play fits and the Wildcats will always make the Big Dance.

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Jake Lieberman: "6'6 guard/wing Antonio Chandler ( from Southern Connecticut State (D2) has heard from the following, he's told me:

  • Siena (Offer)
  • Cal Baptist (Offer)
  • UMass Lowell (Offer)
  • Buffalo
  • Missouri State
  • SJSU
  • Wyoming
  • NKU
  • TSU
  • EMU
  • WKU
  • UMBC
  • UNO
  • NJIT
  • +
  • 17.2 PPG
  • 11.3 RPG"

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Arman Jovic: "Santa Clara’s Christoph Tilly will enter the transfer portal, per JonChep. The 7-0 center from Germany averaged 12.5 PPG, 5 RPG and 2 APG, was finished 2nd Team All-WCC. 7’0 with impressive fluidity, playmaking upside and athleticism."

This hurts the Broncos since bigs are always hard to land. Make that also keep nowadays.

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7-foot-2, 270 Anton (Eastern Arizona College) Bonke received an November 2023 offer from San Jose State University but Bonke decided to enroll early at Providence. Now he is back in the portal. Might he consider the Spartans? Is any interest reciprocal? His stats this season:

  • 16 games/one start/6.5 minutes per contest
  • shot 9-12 on the season
  • grabbed 19 boards but curiously 13 were on the offense end
  • blocked five shots.

He rowed for Vanuatu, an island in the middle of the Pacific, at the world championships. It looks like he has two more seasons to play.

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At this point, Pacific has five players entering the transfer portal:

  • 6-foot-6 starting backcourter Elijah Fisher is the biggest loss because he contributed in all areas: a teamleading 15.7 points, shooting 48%, 30% and 75% respectively plus 4.8 rebounds
  • 6-foot-8 center Solomon Ominu
  • 6-foot-11 center Burke Smith as a graduate transfer
  • 6-foot-1 freshman Amare Campbell
  • 6-foot-4 walk-on guard Carter Benton

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At this point, San Jose State University has three players entering the transfer portal:

6-foot-3 starting guard Will McClendon's loss will hurt because he did a little bit of everything but nothing real well. He continued to shoot poorly (36% overall).

7-foot Adrame Diongue was out injured all season. Previously, he showed remarkable dunking ability but no shot with his back to or facing the basket. He blocked some shots but got overwhelmed by more muscular opponents as he weighs less than 200 pounds (unless he has put on weight during his down time).

6-foot-3 starting guard Latrell Davis improved the most of anyone on the team, moving from his frosh season to his sophomore one. He loves to drive to the basket and is good at drawing fouls but needs work on his foul shooting. Davis also led the squad in three-point shooting at 38.3%. His is the biggest loss.

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It's a bit surprising that 6-foot-11 Dishon Jackson is portaling out of Iowa State since he's finally on a very successful team but maybe it has something to do with how he was utilized, playing 19 minutes per game. Plus he has previously transferred. He should be a prime time NIL attraction.

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Mario Williams Jr.: "Blessed to receive an offer from UCMercedMBB (D2)!"

This would be a wise choice. Merced is coming off a wonderful season and Williams Jr.'s shooting skills would be a solid addition. He's out of the Venture Academy in Stockton and Western Oregon U.

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Verbal Commits: "Cornell F A.K. Okereke has entered the transfer portal. Grad transfer."

At 6-foot-7, 240, he's out of Clovis North High and Golden State Prep. He joined the program as a walkon and as a junior this season scored 13.9 points per game, shooting 60%, 32% and 79% respectively. Okereke grabbed 4.6 rebounds an outing alongside a marvelous 120/55 assist to turnover ratio, 31 steals and 31 blocked shots. USF, Santa ClaraSan Jose State University, even St.Mary's should take a long look as he might prefer to return to the Golden State.

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There have been zero indications thus far but keep watch to see if Montana shooting guard Money (Oakland High) Williams decides to get closer to home since both his parents are now deceased and he may wish to be closer to his Oakland residence. A bountiful NIL amount would certainly help him provide for his siblings.

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