Potpourri, Sep 14

News Bits

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

"UC Davis Men's Basketball Adds Jay Flores to Coaching Staff"

Back in northern California, Flores is out of Jesuit High, Sonoma State and Chico State as a player plus Cal State East Bay and Montana as a coach

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

WCC Supremacy: "Gaels sign Brennan Blackett the number 2 recruit in Utah. Appears to be a Mantas replacement. He’s 6’7 and from what I hear he plays the 3 and can shooooot itt."

He has committed to come to Moraga, not signed, which first can happen on November 11.

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

St. Mary's Hoops: "Join us in welcoming Jeremy Dent-Smith to Moraga! Dent-Smith, a SoCal native and two time D2 All-American, competed last season at Stanford in the ACC. With the Cardinal, Dent-Smith averaged 8.2 PPG shooting 37.9% from 3-point range."

The 6-foot-1, 200 pounder will certainly add experience to an backcourt in need of it. 6-foot-3 Miles Che has apparently left the squad.

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

Now at Granada High and playing AAU with Team Lillard, 6-foot-2 Jaylen Smith has committed to the University of San Diego. He'll be back in the Bay Area for WCC games against St. Mary's, USF, Santa Clara and Pacific.

A Smith feature: "Commanding the Court: How Jaylen Smith (’26) Sets the Pace for Amador Valley"

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

"Alexander Birsan’s Long Rise Leads to San José State Commitment"

and

"A Sunday Read: With family roots in Bucharest and Belgrade, and a deep love of Euro-hoops in his soul, Centennial’s Grade 12 big man Alex Birsan turns versatility into 35 points-per-game!"

and

"SPARTANS ADD WAKE FOREST TRANSFER MEKHI MASON"

Mason is a 6-foot-4 guard with three-point shooting ability.

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

College of the Sequoias Men's Basketball:"Please welcome Romello Bruhn to the GIANTS family! Romello comes to COS from Weston Ranch HS. Mello averaged 27.8 PPG and scored over 3,000 points in his HS career. He was named league MVP and first team all-state. Bright future ahead for an outstanding young man!"

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

Modesto Junior College Men's Basketball: "Excited to welcome 7’ C Lazar Smolović from Podgorica, Montenegro to the Pirate Family! A true 7-footer with size, mobility & upside."

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

"Senior guard (GJ Hill-Thomas) bags Pro-West Camp honors" Frank Burlison

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

Verbal Commits: "2028 Basha (AZ) G Lleyton Leonard has received an offer from Sacramento State."

He stands 6-foot-4 and has about 10 other offers to date including one from California.

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

"Pleasanton Preps: Reflections in aftermath of Amador Valley basketball scandal"

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

Skyline Basketball: "Another member of our #SkylineMBBFam signs overseas. Colby Vazquez (Mills HS) was a two-time All-Conference selection before signing a scholarship to Jamestown University, where he appeared in the Sweet 16. Another LOCAL player who achieved #SkylineSuccess."

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

AMHS Mens Basketball: "Congratulations to Brady Clugage on his commitment to play basketball at Chapman University next year!"

Clugage is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard.

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

AMHS Basketball: "Congratulations to Nicholas Gklaros-Stavropoulos on picking up offers from Air Force Academy and Seattle University."

He's a 7-footer.

"Nicholas Gklaros-Stavropoulos’ Greatness Begins with Culture"

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

Verbal Commits: "Montana State and UC Davis offered 2028 De La Salle (CA) G Parks Weaver."

The 6-foot-4 guard has 12 offers to date including one from California and another via Fresno State

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

6-foot-4 former Long Beach State sophomore Gavin (Modesto Christian High) Sykes has already settled in at his new college address, Texas Christian University. TCU is on a summer tour of Costa Rica and Sykes led the Horned Frogs with a team-leading 20 points (five treys) in the opening game victory and game two found him providing another 20 points (three treys) as TCU notched another win.

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

Verbal Commits: "2029 Archbishop Riordan (CA) G Judah Van Ewijk has received an offer from Oregon State"

He's a 6-foot-1 point.

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

Cañada Colts Mens Basketball: "The Cañada Basketball family mourns the loss of Coach Michael “Mike” Legarza.

Coach Legarza left an incredible legacy at Cañada College, leading the Colts from 1989-2000 and compiling a record of 259-59, winning 3 Coast Conference titles and making a Final Four appearance in 1998. His Colt program produced 11 All-Americans and 59 of his 60 players graduated and transferred to 4 year institutions.

His accomplishments earned him induction into the Cañada College Athletic Department Hall of Fame, class of 2013.

Coach Legarza’s impact extended far beyond the Cañada gym. In 1989, he started Legarza Basketball Camp with just 13 campers—an idea that would eventually introduce more than 500,000 young people to the game.

Coach Legarza built a foundation at Cañada that continues to impact players, coaches and the basketball community to this day. His legacy lives on through every Colt, every camper and every person he believed in."

Obituary

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

Potpourri, Sep 7

News Bits

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

Dushawn London: "NJ Gray, a three-star point guard in the class of 2027, has committed to Loyola Chicago, 247Sports is told. Gray averaged 25 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while at Branson High School. Held offers from Virginia Tech, Cal, Stanford among others."

The 6-foot-2 guard is now attending Salesian Prep. This is a curious signing.

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

Gavilan College MBB: "Myron Stamps is officially moving on!"

Out of Andrew Hill High, the 6-foot-7, 190 Stamps averaged 9.3 points plus 7.9 rebounds over this past season.

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

Now former LSU women's basketball player Kate Koval has decided to leave her scholarship because she is Ukrainian and the LSU coach just signed a Russian player. Geopolitics, or more graphically, matters of real life and many deaths was the decisonmaker for her.

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

Verbal Commits: "2028 Ridge View (SC) F C.J. Moore has received an offer from Sacramento State."

He's a 6-foot-6 wing. The Hornets are his 10th offer, including one from California.

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

Delly Mouthguard: "Bart Torvick WCC rankings: A lot of moving pieces and projections throughout his data. But Torvick thinks the WCC is one bid league, and Saint Mary's is poised to win their 5th straight (if we can figure out our best players and break in a rookie coach). That sounds right."

Hit this link for the projected finish.

Torvick has the Gaels on top, Santa Clara at #2 (and this came out before Elijah Mahi's return for a fifth year) and Pacific in the #4 spot. USF ia projected to finish ninth.

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

USF has an almost completely new roster for this coming season with the majority of players being freshman. As of September 3, the frosh include 2/3 of the roster possibilities:

• 6-foot guard Mason Magee
• 6-foot guard Yoav Vitlem
• 6-foot-3 guard Wisdom Fode
• 6-foot-4 guard Andrew Hilman (Archbishop Riordan)
• 6-foot-5 guard Dashel Wiley
• 6-foot-5 guard Dylan Bordón
• 6-foot-7 forward Adam Tyson
• 6-foot-8 forward Gustav Knudsen
• 6-foot-9 forward Jaroslavs Pihtovs (Archbishop Riordan)
• 6-foot-11 forward Žiga Daneu

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

Cañada Men’s Basketball

 

"Congratulations to 6-foot-3 sophomore Darius Jackson (Castro Valley HS) on his commitment to the University of Mobile.

Darius was a three year member of the program. After a grayshirt year, he immediately stepped into a starting role as a freshman. This past season, he started 27 games and was 3rd on the team in scoring, 3rd in rebounding and 2nd in assists. He also took on the challenge of guarding the other team’s best perimeter player. His skill set, unselfishness, and locker room presence helped lead the Colts back to the playoffs. 

We are excited for “Captain Jack” to begin his next chapter and grateful for the contributions and sacrifices he made while a part of the program. We are proud he will be representing Cañada Colts MBB next year and beyond!"

and

Cañada College Men’s Basketball: "Congratulations to 6-foot-6 sophomore Jake Skaggs (Los Altos HS) on his commitment to Whitworth University!

Jake walked onto campus over two years ago and immediately established himself as a force for the Colts. Jake was a 2 time first team all Coast-North conference selection. Over his two seasons, he started every game played by the Colts. He led the Colts in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks, free throw percentage and steals as a freshman.

As a sophomore, he led the Colts once again in all of those categories. Jake was a member of the  CCCMBCA 2025 academic all state team and graduated in the spring Magna cum laude with an AA in psychology. He averaged 14.2 points per game.

He epitomizes #thecoltsway. The success of the last two years doesn’t happen without him. We are so thankful to have had him in the program and grateful for the many ways he has impacted this program for the better. Proud he will be representing Cañada MBB next year and beyond!"

and

Cañada College Men’s Basketball: "Congratulations to 6-foot-2 sophomore Justin Moore (Menlo Atherton HS) on his commitment to Stillman College!

Justin was another vital member of last season’s playoff squad. He started 27 games and was second on the team in scoring at 12.2 ppg. He provided big scoring games and baskets when the Colts needed it.

A graduate of San Mateo County’s Menlo Atherton High School, Justin, originally from Alabama, gets to return home to play in front of family, friends, and loved ones.

We are so happy for him and this opportunity. We are proud of the growth and development he made on and off the court during his time in the program. We are grateful to the contributions he made these last two seasons and proud he will be representing Cañada College MBB next year and beyond!"

and

Cañada College Men’s Basketball: "Congratulations to 6-foot-8, 245 pound Omer Sukur (Los Altos HS) on his commitment to the University of Portland of the WCC. Omer’s growth and development in his second year on and off the court was vital to the Colts finishing the season as a regional semifinalist.

In conference games (Coast-North), he ranked top 10 in rebounds (11.3) and field goal percentage (56%). His inside presence will be missed! We are happy and excited for this new opportunity for him. There is no doubt his best basketball is ahead of him.

We are so proud of the growth, improvement, and development he showed on and off the court this year and proud he will be representing Cañada Men’s Basketball next year and beyond!"

and

Cañada College Men’s Basketball: "Congratulations to 6-foot-2 freshman Gavin Cao (Alameda HS) on his commitment to Coker University!

Gavin’s story is one of hard work and perseverance. After gray shirting his first year, he suffered a season ending knee injury in his second year which led to a medical redshirt year. He battled all the way back to be a key member of the program. Gavin’s worth ethic, attitude, and coachability were valued and needed. He was great at helping build the culture and was a phenomenal teammate.

We are happy and excited to see what he will do with his next opportunity. Proud he will be representing Cañada College MBB next year and beyond!

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

"Amador Valley boys’ basketball hit with penalties, put on probation over player ineligibility"

Potpourri, Aug 31

News Bits

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

and

MerrittHoops: "The brothers backcourt moving to the next level. #merritthoops Best of luck to the fellas!"

The Brothers Allison are moving on to Duluth, Minnesota. 6-foot-2 Keith Allison averaged 12 points, three rebounds, three assists while shooting 40% from long distance. 6-foot Kaleb Allison averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds 2.4 assists while earned First Team All Conference status. Both are out of Pinole Valley High.

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

"Yale transfer Nick Townsend commits to Stanford"

A B.A. from Yale, now a grad degree from Stanford. Ivy League Player of the Year, All-Academic, shot 46% on three-pointers and also averaged 4.3 assists a contest alongside 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds.

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

"How much are California’s public universities paying athletes? CalMatters is suing to find out"

This will be fascinating if the suit becomes successful.

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

"What are youth sports really for?

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

"What to Know About Justin Buzzard, 47-Year-Old Pastor Who Joined CFB Team as DE"

So who is going to be the 40-something baller who turns out for a Nor Cal JC hoops squad?

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

"Casey Hill Joins Cal Men’s Basketball As Assistant Coach"

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

6-foot-11, 225 2027 five-star big man Lewis Uvwo has determined his initial four official visits and the initial winners are Baylor, California, Kentucky and Providence. link

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

Djibril Diawara: "I’m blessed to announce my commitment to Cal Poly for the ‘26/‘27 season. I would like to thank Coach DeGeorge and the Cal Poly staff for the opportunity. Go Mustangs!"

He's a 6-foot-3 sophomore-to-be out of France and coming out of the Nebraska JC ranks. He averaged 20.7 points per game alongside 3.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds this past season, shooting 44%, 37% and 87%. Diawara also grabbed 48 steals.

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

Team Arsenal: "Congrats to Malachi Douyon on his commitment to Dominican University."

He's a 6-foot-3 guard who began as a walk-on at Santa Clara back in the 2022-23 season. He played very little for the Broncos, is likely a graduate now and is moving on to earn some playing time. Douyon is out of Santa Cruz.

and

Team Arsenal: "Congrats to Rob Salmon on his commitment to Cal State San Marcos."

Out of Pitman High,the 6-foot-7 Salmon first played at Mendocino College and then UC Merced.

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

Potpourri, Aug 24

News Bits

The Field of 68: "NEWS: Elijah Mahi will RETURN to Santa Clara for his fifth year of eligibility, source told TheFieldOf68. Mahi averaged 14.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 2.6 APG last season for the Broncos."

Excellent news for Bronco Coach Herb Sendek.

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

Steve Hewitt: "Newman & BABC guard Jaylen Hunter-Coleman announced his commitment to San Francisco tonight, rejoining the 2026 class. 2024 MIAA champion with Charlestown HS. 2026 NEPSAC and National Prep champion with Newman. Athletic playmaker, elite defender and ultra competitive winner."

He's a 6-foot lefty.

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

6-foot-2 guard Charlie Kosta is transfering from Cabrillo College to UC Merced. In league play, he averaged 9.8 points with 52 assists versus 20 turnovers. He's a Palma High grad.

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

"A Youth Sports Giant Promised Reforms to Protect Kids From Sexual Abuse. Most Never Happened"

The AAU organization has sickeningly acted like a private corporation in these matters.

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

Coaching Updates: Bryant, Dufault, Nakagawa - Rory Maker August 17, 2026

"The Hornets are hiring John Bryant as an assistant coach, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (via Twitter).

Bryant was an assistant on Billy Donovan‘s staff in Chicago for the past five years. Donovan stepped down as head coach of the Bulls in April, after the 2025/26 season ended.

Bryant, a former professional player, got his coaching start in the G League, spending three seasons with the Bakersfield Jam and two with the Delaware Blue Coats from 2011-2016. He became a player development coach with the Sixers in 2016 and was promoted to an assistant position in 2018 before joining Chicago in 2021."

Bryant played first at Bishop O'Dowd and then at City College San Francisco before moving on to Utah.

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

Verbal Commits: "2029 SoCal Academy (CA) G Jerrell Copeland has received an offer from California."

He's 6-foot-4, 180 with Cal and Creighton tops among his four offers to date.

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

6-foot-1 Austin Ito, out of Woodcreek High and Yuba College, has signed with new Coach Scott Waterman and New Mexico Highlands University. Ito averaged 12.6 points per game this past season.

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

"Free agent forward Keshad Johnson, who has spent the past two years with the Heat after going undrafted in 2024, has continued to workout with the team and is a candidate to return on either a standard deal or a two-way contract, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald."

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

"Mavericks assistant coach Phil Handy plans to leave Dallas to join the Sixers as an assistant under head coach Nick Nurse, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape. Tony Jones of The Athletic confirms the news.

Handy, who was on Nurse’s staff in Toronto when the Raptors won the championship in 2019, is a former professional player who had stints in the Continental Basketball Association, Israel, France, England, Germany, Spain, Italy and Australia, per the National Basketball Coaches Association.

The veteran assistant started his NBA coaching career with the Lakers in 2011 and was hired by Cleveland a couple years later. His five-year stint with the Cavaliers included a 2016 title and three seasons with new 76ers forward LeBron James.

After one year in Toronto, Handy rejoined LeBron and the Lakers in 2019 and was part of a third championship run in 2020. He left Los Angeles last offseason to join Jason Kidd‘s staff in Dallas.

Handy, who turns 55 next week, is close with Kyrie Irving and was initially expected to stay with the Mavericks under new head coach Dusty May. Instead, he’ll once again team up with Nurse and James.

According to Jones, Handy is highly regarded around the NBA and is viewed as one of the top skill development coaches in the league."

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

"Mountain West Newcomer Preview: Mike Mora Brings Proven Shooting to Wyoming"

He's out of Palo Alto High and played at Cal State Monterey Bay.

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

Potpourri, Aug 17

News Bits

St. Mary's is touring this month in Australia and played the Sydney KIngs (featuring Matthew Dellavedova (DNP) and Harry Wessels) on August 14. The outcome: an 85-72 victory for the Gaels. 6-foot-6, 215 sophomore wing Mantas Juzenas paced the Moraga-ites with 16 points as well as eight boards.

Plus on August 16, despite getting 20 points plus seven rebounds and a pair of blocked shots from Vangelis Zougris, Coach Mickey McConnell's crew fell 86-84 to the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Just found this - in the first game of the tour on August 13:

Delly Mouthguard: "Saint Mary’s drops game 1 of the Australian summer tour 95-78. Gaels started Dent, Bivins, Juzenas, Zougris, and Altuntas. Juzenas led Saint Mary’s with 24 points in 25 minutes."

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

Anthony Smith: "Thankful and blessed. Appreciate you WeberStateMBB."

Smith is a 2028 6-foot-4, 180 combo guard attending Clovis High and playing AAU ball with Lakeshow.

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

"Fresno Pacific University and Menlo College Officially Join the CCAA"

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

"The Late Don Nelson Changed the NBA Forever With Four Landmark Innovations"

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

Who would have ever guessed that Idaho State men's basketball would ever have developed a Bengal roster within a roster consisting of Nor Cal talent? Check out who fits that bill on the 2026-27 ISU squad:

• 6-foot-5 redshirt freshman guard Ty Virgil out of Sheldon High
• 6-foot-9 sophomore forward Kenyon DeMuynck out of San Leandro High and City College San Francisco
• 6-foot-6 freshman guard Joven Dulay out of Folsom High
• 6-foot-10 sophomore forward Malachi Johnson out of Inderkum High and Cal State Stanislaus
• 6-foot-11 sophomore forward Malik Johnson out of Inderkum High andCal State Stanislaus
• 5-foot-10 freshman guard McKae Amundsen out of Clovis North High

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

Simply Basketball: "NJ Gray (2027) will be attending Salesian College Prep."

A big time pickup for Coach Bill Mellis. Gray is coming over from The Branson School.

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

"Dusty May just exposed college basketball’s problem no NIL check can fix"

Do coaches still have time to coach?

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

"Hiring coaches among first steps for return of sports at Sonoma State University"

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