Nor Cal Basketball Central/Kevin McCarthy

Parks Weaver Ready to Take a Big Step

6-foot-4 Parks Weaver of De La Salle High (Concord) and Team Lillard is a prime time 2028 prospect with 12 offers entering his junior season and BYU, Kentucky and UCLA nibbling. Being a tall point guard equally adept at setting up his teammates as well as putting the ball in the basket, he continues to turn his major potential into desired skills and impressive production.

Coming from a family chock full of athletic prowess, his mother Leanne played soccer at BYU, his father Brent hit the gridiron in high school, his brother James is a running back on the football squad at Davidson, his sister Elle is an outside hitter on the Brown University women's volleyball squad and sister Liv is a high school freshman. This family almost covers the entire sports spectrum!

So why basketball for Parks? "Honestly, I've been playing basketball my whole life. I was playing during recess at pre-school and elementary school and as I got better, it was more fun."

Asked for his best hoops skills, Weaver said, "I shoot the ball very well from three-point range, I'm a good-passing point guard and I defend my position." Add in already being lauded for a tight handle, a plus first step and excellent unselfishness.

Regarding leadership, he explained, "I've grown (in that aspect) each year in high school. As a freshman, I played on varsity and I was the starting point as a sophomore." This taking place at Folsom High prior to his transferring to state basketball power De La Salle High.

Another jewel in his resume is academics. "I take it very seriously, education is important and I have a 3.85 grade point average." He will major in Business at the next level.

Weaver didn't have to think long when asked to name his best basketball moment. "It's making it to the state championship game" with his Folsom High squad last season. "We had a special team. We felt we had a good team in the beginning but didn't start out thinking we had a state championship one." The Bulldogs finished 29-7 overall, 14-0 in the Sierra Foothill League, falling 58-55 to Damien in the D1 championship game held at the Golden One Center in Sacramento. Weaver totaled 16 points, four boards and three assists.

As for influences, Weaver offered, "Payton Pritchard (the former Oregon guard now with the Boston Celtics). I attended an Oregon basketball camp when I was younger and I've taken on his work ethic and mind set." Weaver was succinct in extending his thank-yous, saying "My Dad has sacrificed so much in taking me to games and practices. He's emotionally invested in my basketball."

So what is he looking for in a college basketball program? "Fit and culture" was his precise answer and he added, "a program that can get me better."

With two prep seasons remaining, Weaver is already an attractive recruit and has time, therefore opportunity, to expand his effectiveness even further. With big time basketball schools already tracking him, the odds are in his favor he will display even more during his upperclassmen years. All it takes is one power school offer. The prediction here is there will be multiple Top 20 programs popping the question before his recruitment concludes."

Potpourri, Nov 2

News Bits

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6-foot-1 guard Siincere (Modesto Christian High) Hudson has committed to Idaho State. USF and Pacific, among others, also offered Hudson.

"Four-star guard Siincere Hudson commits to Idaho State"

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"Cortevious Taylor Is Ready to Show Chico State a New Version of Red"

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"Leo Ricketts Expands His Horizons Beyond California With Loyola Men’s Basketball"

Ricketts is out of De La Salle High, Sacramento State and Citrus College.

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The Santa Cruz Warriors 2026-27 roster:

Agbim, Obi Guard Baylor 6'3" 185
Boyd, Nick Guard Wisconsin 6'3" 170 lbs
Burton, TylerForward Richmond 6'7" 215 lbs
Cryer, LJ Guard Houston 6'0" 202 lbs
Gill-Fernandez, Alex Guard California State-San Marcos 6'4"190 lbs (Gunn High)
Ike, Graham Forward/Center Gonzaga 6'10" 245 lbs (currently up with the Golden State Warriors)
Kolly, BJ Forward California-Riverside 6'10" 224 lbs
Kelly, Miles Guard Auburn 6'4" 190 lbs
Lopez, AJ Guard Richmond 6'5" 185 lbs
Leons, Malevy Forward Bradley 6'9" 206 lbs
Moni, Jacksen Center North Dakota State 6-10 235 lbs
McMillian, Chance Guard Texas Tech 6'3" 195 lbs (Jesse Bethel High)
Ralph, Elias Forward Pacific 6'7" 211 lbs
Smith, Deivon Guard St. John's 6'0" 175 lbs
Toohey, Alex Forward Sydney Kings 6'8" 217 lbs
Terry, Dalen Forward Arizona 6'7" 208 lbs

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"Men's Hoops Voted No. 1; Pair of Broncos Named Preseason All-WCC"

Fifth-year Santa Clara senior and starter Elijah (West Valley College) Maji is listed on the 2026-27 official Bronco roster but did not play in the recent loss at Utah State. Maybe he is injured but appears eligible.

Saw this: "Mahi became eligible due to the recent Colorado class-action lawsuit and plans to make his return to Santa Clara. The 6-foot-7 forward was a star for the Broncos in 2025, averaging 14.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game across 35 contests."

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6-foot-2 Montana guard Jalen (Modesto Christian High) Brown tallied a team-leading 20 points in the Griz 84-78 exhibition game win over Cal State Bakersfield. 6-foot-4 senior Jaden (St. Patrick-St. Vincent) Alexander led CSB with 24 points.

6-foot-5 Courtney (Dublin High) Anderson Jr. has returned to the Montana squad for his senior season as has 6-foot-6 junior Tyler (Vanden High) Thompson. 6-foot-6 senior Garret (Placer High/Sierra College) Dutro has joined the team.

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Speaking of Montana, 6-foot-4 senior Money (Oakland Tech) Williams scored six points (four shot attempts and dished out a team-leading five assists while grabbing five boards in 22 minutes for Boston College in a 90-45 victory versus MIT. 6-foot-2 freshman Steele (St. Ignatius Ciollege Prep) Labagh started and scored five points for the brainiacs. His major: Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics. 6-foot-1 freshman teammate Aidan (Dublin High) Li went 8-10 at the foul line to finish with eight points. His major: Finance and Computer Science.

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Paulius Marauskas led with 31 points (7-10 on treys) plus nine rebounds (playing 37.11) and Dillon Shaw totaled 22 points plus seven boards in 40 minutes for Coach Randy Bennett and Arizona State in a 91-86 win over New Mexico in The Pit.

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Idaho State routed Montana Western 101-51 with 6-foot-10 sophomore Malachi (Inderkum High/Cal State Stanislaus) Johnson providing 24 points (in 25 minutes) plus seven rebounds and 6-foot-9 sophomore Kenyon (CCSF) DeMuynck finished with nine points, five boards and three blocked shots in 26 minutes, ISU went on a 30-0 run inthe last nine and a half minutes.

“Malachi can score it in a lot of different ways,” Looney said. “He’s the type of player that has a lot of success in the Big Sky. The teams that are very, very good usually are good at the point guard and the four-man position, and we feel good about Malachi at that spot.”

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"Miles Byrd Named One Of 20 Players To Watch List For Jerry West Award)

Out of Lincoln High, Byrd has transferred to Providence from San Diego State for his final college season.

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"STANFORD MEN'S BASKETBALL: INSIDE THE MIND WITH KYLE SMITH | NERDBALL EDITION"

and

Verbal Commits: "2028 St. Pius X - St. Matthias (CA) F Jakobi Oware has received an offer from Stanford."

He's a 6-foot-7 wing.

and

"Stanford men’s basketball transfer Nick Townsend looks ahead to regular season"

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"Zyon Pullin Brings the Timberwolves Main Roster Exactly What They Need - A true throwback point guard, Zyon Pullin showed the Timberwolves exactly why he deserves a spot on the main roster this season."

Pullin is out of College Park High.

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"Andrej Stojakovic Named Erving Award Watch List Candidate"

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"Cal fall in Corvallis, aims to display chemistry in season opener against Adams State"

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"SJSU ASSISTANT COACH ED GIPSON NAMED TO 2026 ROOTS 66 LIST"

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USF Dons Reddit: "6’10” Aussie Commits for Next Year. Harry Neilson. Looks like he played D2 in Oklahoma last year."

Neilson played at D2 Northwestern State and averaged 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 16 total blocks. He shot 64% overall, 25% on four trey attempts and 50% on 62 free throw attempts.

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John Bynum/Signal The Light Basketball offers his pre-season JC top teams in Nor Cal.

"San Francisco claims top spot in Northern California in STLB Preseason rankings"

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"Cabrillo 81, at Redwoods 64: Freshman guard Devin Houston scored 25 points, and the Seahawks pulled away for the win in its season opener in Eureka on Friday. Sophomore forwards Ben Dotten and Garrett Fettinger each scored 16 for the Seahawks (1-0)."

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College of Marin topped Cosumnes River College 80-79 in an early season pairing. Thanx to John Bynum.

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West Valley College handled Mendicino College 98-74. Thanx to John Bynum. box score

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Yuba College took the measure of Butte College 101-76. Thanx to John Bynum.

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"Ohlone Men's Basketball Dominant in Season Opener Over Shasta 100-66"

and

"Ohlone Outlasts Orange Coast College 95-81'

6-foot-4 sophomorw wing Gervas Maeweathers poured in 40 points, including seven treys. He shot 11-15, 7-11 and 11-13 on the night. box score

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Chico State Coach Cevin Meador has assembled his 2026-27 Wildcat squad with over half being from northern California. The members are:

Robel Zemmo Guard 6'2" 190 lbs Senior Oakland, CA Oakland Tech/West Valley College
Xan Meyer-Plettner Forward 6'9" 230 lbs Sophomore Oakland, CA Oakland Technical HS
Michael Wilson - View Profile Guard 6'2" 195 lbs Senior Sacramento, CA Sac State/DominicanU
Will Corbett Guard 6'2" 185 lbs Freshman San Jose, CA Bellarmine College Preparatory
Donjae Lindsey Guard 6'0" 180 lbs Senior Stockton, CA Weston Ranch HS/Stanislaus State
Tommy Williams Guard 6'2" 185 lbs Sophomore Incline Village, NV Incline HS
Donovan Desha Guard 6'3" 190 lbs Junior Lakewood, CA Cantwell Sacred-Heart of Mary
Tyler Jones Guard 6'2" 180 lbs Junior Morgan Hill, CA Archbishop Mitty HS UC Riverside
Amon Andrews Guard 6'0" 175 lbs Sophomore San Diego, CA Cathedral Catholic/Francis Parker School
Braddock Kjellesvig Forward 6'7" 228 lbs Sophomore Gilroy, CA De La Salle HS
Blake Lander Guard/Forward 6'5" 205 lbs Fifth Year Beverly Hills, CA Prolific Prep Southern Miss
Cortevious Taylor Guard/Forward 6'6" 230 lbs Junior San Francisco, CA Granada HS
Isaiah Brewington Forward 6'6" 250 lbs Junior Los Angeles, Calif. Campbell Hall

Chico State fell 78-69 to host Central Washington in the season opener. game report

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William Jessup University Head Coach Mark Darnell has posted his new squad of Warriors. The roster's makeup:

Marc Cherfan Guard 6'7" 210 lbs Freshman Los Angeles, CA Bishop Alemany HS
Tyler Lopez Guard 6'5" 190 lbs Freshman Huntington Beach, CA Los Alamitos HS
Cayden McDaniel Guard 6'4" 200 lbs Junior Tacoma, WA Silas HS
Aleksandar Mitrovic Forward 6'8" 240 lbs Senior Belgrade, Serbia Indian River State College
Murphy Rodgers Guard 6'4" 200 lbs Sophomore Wellington City, New Zealand Wellington College
Amarlie Wilkinson Guard 6'0" 205 lbs Sophomore London, England Barking Abbey Academy
Cody Dixon Guard 5'11" 180 lbs Sophomore College Station, TX AIA Prep
Tom Parsons Forward 6'7" 235 lbs Sophomore Werris Creek, New South Wales, Australia Quirindi HS (named PacWest Conference Freshman of the Year last season)
Curro Segura Guard 6'5" 205 lbs Junior Granada, Spain St. Lawrence College
Brandon Petersmarck Guard 6'3" 195 lbs Sophomore Tucson, AZ Cuesta College
Wyatt Studer Wing 6'7" 195 lbs Junior Corona, CA Eleanor Roosevelt HS
Jeremy Nielsen Guard 5'11" 165 lbs Sophomore Lodi, CA Jim Elliott Christian HS
Adrian Rosario Forward 6'7" 225 lbs Senior Harlem, NY Monroe University
Kendall Connor Jr. Forward 6'8" 225 lbs Sophomore Markham, Ontario, Canada Hargrave Military Academy
Kenechi Onuaguluchi Guard 6'1" 200 lbs Senior Sacramento, CA Butte College
Kenneth Zuniga Guard 6'4" 205 lbs Junior San Jose, CA Foothill College
Mike Brown Forward 6'6" 225 lbs Freshman San Marcos, CA San Marcos HS
Isaiah Koehnke Guard 6'2" 200 lbs Freshman Sublimity, OR Regis HS
Cabrayon Odom Forward 6'7" 250 lbs Junior Antelope, CA Yuba College

Former UC Merced head coach Kevin Pham is now an assistant coach at WJU.

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6-foot-7 former Merritt College forward Aziz Hantous grabbed six rebounds in 12 minutes but Doane University fell 58-57 to host Bellevue University.

After three games at Bellevue University, 6-foot-1 Jermaine (Inderkum High/CCSF) Halliburton is averaging 19.7 points per game.

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"Texas Longhorns basketball lose junior guard to foot injury"

Former St. Mary's backcourter Mikey Lewis is out for an undetermined time but it's not being labeled as season-ending.

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"Tyler Harris Tore His MCL in June. UNLV Expects Him Back for the Start of the Season"

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"The 7-Foot-3 Andrew McKeever Finding His Footing With Iowa Basketball This Summer"

Remember that McKeever, out of Granada High, has transferred to Iowa from St. Mary's.

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Potpourri, Oct 26

News Bits

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"Fullerton Opens Season as CCCMBCA’s Top-Ranked Team"

CCSF is ranked #2 overall, @1 in NorCal.

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6-foot-6 Ohlone College redshirt sophomore Kiratraj "Mr Double-Double" Sanghera is attending UC Irvine but his name isn't appearing on the official Anteater roster. I'll dig further.

Our feature from earlier this year.

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"(Stanford) Men’s basketball comeback unravels in Santa Clara exhibition"

and

Up in Oregon, the Ducks defeated Stanford 85-57. game report

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"Host Utah State Aces Final Preseason Test in 101-79 Win Over Santa Clara"

The score was 41-35 Utah State at the half.

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"Providence's Miles (Lincoln High) Byrd led a dominant defense to an 87-64 win over Pittsburgh. Byrd had 17 points and 7 rebounds but didn’t shoot the ball particularly well. However, it was his defense that was impressive. He finished the game with five steals and two blocks in the blowout win..."

A 6-foot-6 graduate student transfer from San Diego State, Byrd shot 5-16, 4-12, 3-4 overall but led the Friars in rebounding (7), blocked shots (2) and steals (5) plus added three assists with zero turnovers.

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"Eighteen college basketball players will earn more than LeBron James next season"

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"College basketball's NIL arms race, from $5M to $25M+: Breaking down roster values, spending tiers for 2026-27"

"In the least surprising news ever, Duke, Louisville and Kentucky are believed to be the top spenders

However, in an interesting twist, the article claims that Duke actually has a lower payroll than it probably should, as several players have taken a “Duke discount,” banking on the marketing and exposure of the school, rather than just taking the highest offer

Alabama was one of the schools getting the most bang for their buck, with Nate Oats telling CBS “If you think you're an NBA player and want to play in an NBA system, we've done a better job of improving guys' draft stock than anybody in the country.” Not a bad sales pitch

Incredibly, despite spending most of last year in the Top 10, Iowa State is believed to have one of the smallest payrolls in the sport

Maybe the most shocking number was that Purdue is spending in the under-$10 million bracket, the same as the likes of DePaul, Seton Hall and others. Matt Painter is definitely getting bang for his buck"

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"2026 Most Impactful/Influential Mid Major Assistant Coaches" -- Silver Waves Media

Nor Cal inclusions:

Dr. August Mendes - Sacramento State
Brandon Cole - Pacific
Brandon Laird - Idaho
Chris Cobb - St. Mary's
Damari Milstead - LMU
Dan Sheets - St. Mary's
Frankie Ferrari - San Francisco
Garrett Bridges - Pacific
Jason Ludwig - Santa Clara
Jay Duncan - San Francisco
Kyle Vogt - UC Davis,
Lo Leath - Nevada
Mike Kosich - UC Davis
Michael Plank - Oregon State
Rob Jones - St. Mary's.

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"Junior Hamad Mousa finished with a game high 20 points and nine rebounds and sophomore Jess Esso Essis added 17 points Friday morning, but the Cal Poly men’s basketball program – playing its lone exhibition tuneup ahead of the 2026-27 regular season – fell against Westmont inside Mott Athletics Center, 105-93." box score

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"EuroLeague, Zach LeDay and TJ Shorts named co-MVPs of Round 7"

The 5-foot-9 Shorts is out of UC Davis where he earned Big West Conference Player of the Year honors in 2018.

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Aidan Mahaney is listed on this season's UC Santa Barbara roster so it appears the 6-foot-3 guard out of Campolindo High and St. Mary's has been granted a fifth year of eligibility.

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Channel Tree Sports: "Stanford's Nick Townsend, a grad transfer from Yale and former Ivy League Player of the Year, is now eligible for his fifth year thanks to this injunction."

Townsend is 6-foot-7, 240. He'll be a key to success this season.

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