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Noah Thomas to Aid Chabot Cause

Noah Thomas likely feels he is residing in a dream, and he certainly has no desire to awaken. Coming off a heralded football and basketball tenure at Pleasant Valley High in Chico, he chose to head to Oregon Tech, an NAIA school, on a 22-23 hoops scholarship. As a freshman, Thomas played in 24 of 29 games, at 10 minutes a contest, scoring 4.4 points an outing while shooting 44%, 36% and 68% respectively.

Not satisfied with his role at OT—"I didn't have the season I expected"—Thomas decided to transfer in order "to find a better fit." He recalled being recruited earlier by Chabot College Coach Keenan McMiller. The two soon met up and becoming a Gladiator was next in line for Thomas.

After performing at the point in the mid-July All American JUCO Showcase in Atlanta, including playing in the Top 20 All Star game, Thomas' recruitment by four-year colleges and universities took off exponentially. As Jordan Davidsen and Cody Hopkins wrote, "Dual sport HS athlete 6’3 Noah Thomas from Chabot College raised plenty of eyebrows with his shooting ability, but as the weekend went on also displayed the vision and court awareness to also play on the ball. The transfer from Oregon Tech competed as a relatively unknown in the event and made sure that his name was circulating by Sunday’s end." Regarding his four-year-level recruiting, Thomas offered, "I'm pretty open and with the dreams of playing at the highest level."

"Coach McMiller told me early on about the showcase but I didn't know too much about it," Thomas recalled. He sees himself as "a combo guard," someone who can switch off from the point if need be and "a leader but more by example."

What has he been working on since returning from Oregon? "Developing a consistent shot -- I've been over at Butte College (in Chico). But I head to Chabot in about a week." The move will finally provide the opportunity to get to know all of his new teammates although he has met a few who also participated in the All American JUCO Showcase and became acquainted with others at various open gyms. "I like the guys we have and we're hoping to make a little run."

Thomas' parents will enjoy the closer proximity of their son and now be able to make it to most home games plus maybe a few away contests.

He is majoring in business management with a strong interest in fashion and clothing brands.

For now, he'll put his own brand on Chabot's opponents this coming season.

Potpourri, Jul 31

Verbal Commits: "2025 Archbishop Riordan (CA) F/C Nes Emeneke has received an offer from Loyola Marymount."

A native of Cameroon, he's 6-foot-10, 225 and attended Woodside Priory last season. Stanford has expressed interest but no offer as yet. 

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Skyline Basketball: "Congrats to Julius Alcantara (Serra HS), who will be continuing his academic & athletic career at Menlo College. He started every game over his 2 seasons, averaged double-figures in scoring & finished 11th All-Time in career rebounds at Skyline.

PROUD he represents #SkylineMBBFam"

The 6-foot-5, 210 Alcantara averaged 8.4 points alongside 7.1 boards and 2.1 assists this past season as a sophomore.

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John Bynum Jr.: "Joshua Allen (Modesto JC) has committed to Simpson University. Allen averaged 7.9 points and 15.1 rebounds last season for the Pirates. Allen was 1st in the state in offensive rebounds and 2nd in the state in rebounding in his sophomore season."

Allen stands 6-foot-4 and is out of St. Mary's High in Berkeley.

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"Memphis Big Jordan Brown Arrives on Campus"

Brown is out of Woodcreek High and Prolific Prep.This is his fourth college address.

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Chris Haynes: "Full NBA memo sent to all 30 teams regarding rhetoric on trade request made by Damian Lillard and his agent Aaron Goodwin.

“Recent media reports stated that Damian Lillard’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, called multiple NBA teams to warn them against trading for Lillard because Lillard’s only desired trade destination is Miami.  Goodwin also made public comments indicating that Lillard would not fully perform the services called for under his player contract if traded to another team. 

We interviewed Goodwin and Lillard and also spoke with several NBA teams to whom Goodwin spoke.  Goodwin denied stating or indicating to any team that Lillard would refuse to play for them.  Goodwin and Lillard affirmed to us that Lillard would fully perform the services called for under his player contract in any trade scenario.  The relevant teams provided descriptions of their communications with Goodwin that were mostly, though not entirely, consistent with Goodwin’s statements to us. 

We have advised Goodwin and Lillard that any future comments, made privately to teams or publicly, suggesting Lillard will not fully perform the services called for under his player contract in the event of a trade will subject Lillard to discipline by the NBA.  We also have advised the Players Association that any similar comments by players or their agents will be subject to discipline going forward.”

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Sileu Junior Christol: "Blessed to receive a D1 offer from San Jose State University."

He's a 6-foot-10 big out of the Texas high school ranks and the fourth 2024 prep center prospect offered out of the Lone Star State by SJSU.

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Jake Lieberman: "Malick Diallo tells me that he's receiving interest from Mississippi State, Butler, Iowa, Vanderbilt, among others. 

Offers: New Mexico, San Jose State, TCU, Weber State, VCU, Loyola Chicago, Cal, BYU & Utah State

-6'10  -class of '24  -Wasatch Academy, Originally from Mali."

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JUCO Advocate - Brandon Goble: "2023 6’3 PG Vladimir Pavlovic of Hoosac Academy (NY) has committed to University Of California."

Big STRONG PG that is an elite pick and role guard and athlete. Great get for Coach Madsen."

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Jake Lieberman: "Xavion Staten is hearing from. Stanford, Northwestern & UNLV the most. 

Offers: Stanford, Northwestern, UNLV, Fresno St, Washington St, Arizona St, Iowa, Xavier, Creighton, Illinois, UC Irvine & So Utah. 

‘25 7’ center ranked as the #87 player in the class, per @On3sports."

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Jake Lieberman: "Ryan Lafferty is being recruited the hardest by the following, I'm told:

  • Pacific
  • Idaho State
  • Cal Baptist
  • St. Thomas

'24 6'5 PG/SG from Washington"

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Jon Rothstein: "WCC returning scoring by percentage:

  • Saint Mary's 72.9%
  • Pacific 55.4%
  • Pepperdine 45.8%
  • Loyola Marymount 39.8%
  • San Francisco 37.6%
  • Portland 35.4%
  • San Diego 35.1%
  • Gonzaga 30.5%
  • Santa Clara 17.6%
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Potpourri, Jul 28

Pacific is still hauling in prospects, two from South Carolina State University.

Jon Rothstein: "Source: 2023 prospect Ege Tan Yildizoglu has committed to Pacific."

He is a 6-foot-4 point.

and

WCC Basketball Expert: "Pacific has picked up a commitment from Lesown (LJ) Hallums. Hallums played this past year at South Carolina St where he averaged 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and .7 threes a game at 40.5%."

He's a 6-foot-2 guard who played earlier at Mendocino College. 

and

The Portal Report: "South Carolina State (D1) transfer Rakeim Gary has committed to Pacific, he told  The Portal Report. Huge pickup for head coach Leonard Perry and Co. over at PacificMensBB!"

He is a 5-foot-10 guard.

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Verbal Commits: "Former Cal State Northridge F Adam Afifi is transferring to Chico State (DII)."

At 6-foot-9, 225, he played two seasons at West Valley College where he averaged 17.2 points and 8.7 boards as a sophomore and earned the honor of being the 2021-22 Coast South MVP as well as a CCCAA All-State First Team selection.

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Aaron Claytor: "First, I would like to start by saying that nothing I do is possible without my Heavenly Father above and my parents.

With much prayer here are my top 7 schools that I will be considering to take my academic and athletic career to the next level..."

Click here to see Claytor's Top Seven. It's South Carolina Upstate, Radford, Hawaii. The others are UC Davis, Sam Houston, North Carolina A&T and Seattle.

UC Davis always sports a top guard and Hawaii is Claytor's home state.

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PHH PREP NATIONAL HS: "This is HUGE! Phenom Guard 6’6 2025 Ty Virgil out of Cali is committed to PhhPrep National Squad. Ty holds offers from Wash St, UCSB, UC Riverside and Portland. Ty’s pace and limitless range will make him a nightmare for opposing teams. Happy to have Ty with us."

Virgil has attended Sheldon High, Putnam Science Academy (CT) and Inderkum High.

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Veritas Titans Basketball: "Veritas Titans would like to announce the commitment of 6’6 2024 Zion Wilburn for the 2023-2024 season! Zion hold offers from USF, Santa Clara, CBU, UCSB and many more! Welcome to the Titan Family Zion!!!"

Veritas is located in southern California. Wilburn is departing from Pinole Valley High.

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"Citing burnout from NIL, transfer portal and non-stop recruiting, college basketball coaches make big changes"

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Longtime Bay Area hoops mentor Mike Barton has returned to Menlo College, this time as an assistant coach.

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James Giacomazzi: "Looking to add to my coaching staff. If interested in collegiate coaching in the East Bay Area feel free to inquire."

"PT Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Las Positas College"

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"ADAM TSCHUOR NAMED NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT PACIFIC"

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For those thinking about entering the coaching ranks:

Chris Dugan: "Today I signed my contract to become a Full Time Faculty/Men’s Basketball Coach at Cerro Coso. 11-year journey consisted of:

  • 1 year Unpaid Video Coordinator SJSU
  • 5 years 4k stipend Assistant Coach College of the Sequoias 
  • 5 years Part Time adjunct Men’s HC Cerro Coso

Dugan is now official at Cerro Coso Community College located in the Eastern Sierra region of Southern California. Asked about his favorite meal, he'll likely answer, "Top Ramen."

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Ranger Men's Basketball: "We are excited to welcome Coach Nick Hilton to Ranger College as an assistant coach! Coach Hilton comes to Ranger after being an Assistant Coach at D2 Chadron State and San Mateo JUCO. Coach Hilton played at Bellevue University and Fresno City JUCO."

Ranger College is a community college located in Texas.

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Jake Lieberman: "2025 6'5 PG/SG Dominick Stewart from Team Durant has been invited to the upcoming KD Elite Skills Camp. 

Latest offers: Cal, Creighton, Butler 

Heavy interest: St John's, Florida State, LSU & Xavier. 

Very strong recruitment for Stewart"

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Jake Lieberman: "Kyan Bowman is hearing from Wagner, American U, Bethune Cookman, San Jose State, Central Conneticut State, Towson, Columbia, Niagara, Morgan State, St. Thomas Aquinas, Belmont Abbey, Stevenson & Shepard, i'm told. 

'24 6'3 guard from St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School."

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https://www.reddit.com/r/CollegeBasketball/comments/15as0mw/scott_howard_beacontown_state_university_198586/

A Hair Club For Men overdose?

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Potpourri, Jul 26

Team Lillard Basketball: "Kellen Hampton (2025) has received an offer from Mississippi State."

A 6-foot-7 wing, Hampton transferred from Moreau Catholic to the Southern California Academy a while back. Don't know him or his parents but still cannot see him heading to Starkville, or anywhere else in Mississippi for that matter.

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Chabot Basketball: "Gladiator Basketball is excited about the commitment of 6’8 210 F San Jose State transfer/Dublin HS) Thomas Labat. Thomas is highly skilled can shoot, pass & post up"

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From "4-star Mikey Lewis starts talking visits": "Lewis announced this summer he will transfer to Napa (CA) Prolific Prep for his senior season ... "Illinois, San Diego State, Syracuse, LSU, and St. Mary’s have been on me the hardest, I’d say” ... St. Mary’s: “They’re really close to me and my family. They’ve been one of the longest schools actively recruiting me, and they show up everywhere to see me. They saw me at Peach Jam and at the Top 100”

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Mario Williams Jr.: "Blessed to receive a scholarship offer from Western Oregon University!! Appreciate Coach Wes, and Coach Fisher for taking a chance on me."

Williams is a 6-foot-4, 2024 guard out of Team Arsenal and the Venture Academy High School in Stockton.

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CCCMBCA: "Former De Anza Don (2017-19) Ajay Singh signed with India Rising, bringing together the best Indian-origin players for the TBT. For the first time in history, the world’s best ballers from both the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora have assembled on the same team."

The 6-foot-6 Singh is out of Cupertino High, Notre Dame de Namur and Westmont College.

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The Portal Report: "Nevada (D1) transfer 6-foot-10 Michael Folarin is available in the portal. He told The Portal Report that he has heard from the following programs:

  • California 
  • DePaul
  • Seton Hall
  • North Texas
  • Pacific
  • UC Irvine

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The Portal Report: "Sonoma State (D2) transfer Austin Fadal has heard from the following programs as of late and is still open.

  • Pacific
  • Prairie View A&M
  • Green Bay
  • Texas A&M Corpus Christi

He averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists this past season, shooting 45%, 28% and 78% respectively at Sonoma and played earlier at Eastern Washington and Monte Vista High.

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From "College Coaches Confidential: "Which college coaches are best in game?:"

"A Coach in the Big 12: 'Mark Madsen (Cal). He runs an NBA-type system. He has specific actions for specific players to get them to what they do best."

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Jake Lieberman: "7'3 2024 prospect Trent Burns tells me that he's visiting Tulsa on the 28th.

Offers: Xavier, San Jose St, Ohio State, Stanford, Missouri, Purdue, Texas A&M, Tulsa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Rice, UIW, UTRGV

If he doesn't at least trip to Stanford out of his five officials, the world as we know it will have ended.

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Jake Lieberman: "6'1 2024 combo guard Jeremiah Wilkinson gives me an update:

-Visit scheduled to Cal

-Planning a visit to Georgia St

Offers: Tulsa, UNO, Cal, Butler, St. Louis, Jacksonville St, Murray St, Kennesaw St, Georgia St, Florida, Ole Miss, +.

- Butler & Miss St. official visits: Taken"

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From "Tritons Add Six Standouts to Roster"

A trio come from northern California.

AIDAN BURKE

  • 6-3 Guard, Fr.
  • Los Gatos, CA
  • Archbishop Mitty HS/Exeter Academy
  • West Catholic Athletic League MVP (2021-22)
  • San Francisco Chronicle Peninsula Player of the Year (2021-22)
  • First player in WCAL History to win four varsity boys basketball league titles
  • Made 12 three-pointers in a game (December 2021)
  • Played for BTI and West Coast Elite programs

BILLY HAGGERTY

  • 6-6 Wing, Fr.
  • Lafayette, CA
  • De La Salle HS
  • Second Team All-East Bay Athletic League (2022-23)
  • San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro Team Selection (2022-23)
  • Fourth Team Cal-Hi Sports Open Division All-State
  • Helped De La Salle beat #1 USA Today Ranked team in the country (January 2023)
  • Played for Infinite Gold program

YAQUB MIR

  • 6-2, Guard, Fr.
  • Granite Bay, CA
  • Granite Bay HS
  • Sacramento Bee All-Metro Boys Basketball Player of the Year (2022-23)
  • Named South Placer Boys Athlete of the Year (2022-23)
  • All-time leading scorer at Granite Bay High School
  • Sierra Foothill League MVP (2022-23)
  • All CIF-SJS First Team (2022-23)
  • Led Granite Bay HS to back-to-back CIF-SJS title games
  • Played for Team Lillard program
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Potpourri, Jul 24

Former Montana and UC Davis 6-foot-3 guard Robby (Dublin High) Beasley III will be playing for USF this coming season. He was just added to the official roster of the Dons which lists 15 players, one a walk-on. A Bay Area basketball guru recently told us that Beasley will not be on scholarship this season but instead receive a significant NIL payment.

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Gavin Ripp: "Thankful and honored to say that I have received an offer from San Jose State! Thank you to Coach Miles and the rest of the staff for believing in me."

The 6-foot-8 Ripp is a 2024 recruit attending Archbishop Mitty.

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"All-American JUCO Showcase Recap #2"

"...Dual sport HS athlete 6’3 Noah (Pleasant Valley High) Thomas from Chabot College raised plenty of eyebrows with his shooting ability, but as the weekend went on also displayed the vision & court awareness to also play on the ball.  The transfer from Oregon Tech competed as a relatively unknown in the event and made sure that his name was circulating by Sunday’s end..." 

and

"San Jose City’s Malcolm (James Logan High) Steadman made his mark with his dynamic athleticism and length, which aided him as a high-motor, inside-out defender as well as a high-level rim running threat."

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Travis Branham: "6'6 SG Elijah Mahi of West Valley College has committed to Santa Clara, a source tells @247Sports.

Most recently a member of Canadian U23 National Team."

More.

Mahi averaged 17.5 points plus 6.5 boards this past season, shooting 51%, 40% and 65% respectively. This came out of left field, to mix sports terms -- why is a top California JC talent committing in July for the coming November season? 

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Ryan Pettis: "Blessed to say that I have received a division 1 offer from Pacific Tigers!! Thank you Coach Perry, Coach Levy and the rest of Pacific staff."

Pettis is a 2024 6-foot-4 guard prospect attending Serra High.

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John Bynum Jr.: "Isaiah Victor (Las Positas College) has committed to Union University (Tennessee). Victor averaged 17.2 points and 3.1 rebounds last season. Victor made 89 three pointers last season which was 6th most in the state."

Out of Manteca High, the 6-foot-2 sophomore shot 45%, 39% and 70% respectively.

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Ethan Kassel: "And finally, 6’8 wing Jaeden Hutchins is transferring from Half Moon Bay to Prolific Prep. Hutchins was PAL North co-MVP as a junior and led HMB to a Northern California Division IV Championship."

He's a 2024 talent playing for Team Arsenal this summer.

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Ethan Kassel: "Branden Antiporda, who was backup point guard at Serra as a junior, has transferred to Aragon. His performance at the Skyline College summer tournament drew a bevy of positive reviews."

He stands 5-foot-10 and is a 2024 prospect.

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Verbal Commits: "2026 Highland (UT) G Isaiah Drisdom has received an offer from California."

The 6-foot frosh is a point guard.

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"Stephen Curry is too good to pretend his success is merely down to hard work"

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Here are three new Warriors for William Jessup Coach Mark Darnall

JaMaris Blackmon: "Committed Thankful for the opportunity and ready to get to work! Warriors let’s rock!"

He is a 6-foot-1 transfer from Seattle Pacific University. 

and

Cayden McDaniel: "Excited to announce that I have committed to Jessup MBB Thank you Coach Darnall for believing in me. Lets WORK! "

The 6-foot-3 McDaniel is out of the Tacoma high school ranks.

and

Skyler Schmidt: "Committed!!"

Schmidt is a 6-foot-8 wing/forward out of Portland.

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"The Mountain West (Conference) and San Diego State are finalizing paperwork for an agreement today, Wednesday July 19th, for the school to remain in the conference. The agreement has conditions: San Diego State will pay the Mountain West legal fees and will agree in writing to not retroactively use a controversially worded June 13th letter to invoke a smaller exit fee should it receive an invitation from the Pac-12 or another conference before next year. Gloria Nevarez, the Mountain West commissioner, is scheduled to give a state of the conference address today at football media days in Las Vegas. She is expected to reference and affirm the resolution. San Diego State’s decision to accept the Mountain West terms can be viewed as an admission that a Pac-12 invitation might not be coming anytime soon. While on the topic of the Pac-12, it will not unveil the details of its media rights deal on friday in Las Vegas during its football media day but a deal may still come in the near future. Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff is expected to give an update on Friday and it's possible that new entrants have come in. The media deal is expected to include a linear component and a streaming element. The big-12 made a deal last year that will give its members an annual distribution 31.6 million per school and the Pac-12 is confident it will land in the same ballpark.

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From "3 Storylines Before Illinois Basketball’s Spain Trip":

"... Coleman (Hawkins) struggled with offensive indecisiveness and did not shoot the ball as well as player of his skillset should have..."

The 6-foot-10, 225 Hawkins is out of Antelope High and Prolific Prep.

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Andrew Slater: "6’4” Trent Perry ’24 of VegasEliteBC & HWHoops has been hearing from USC, Oregon, Notre Dame, Louisville & Georgia Tech. Visited Colorado, Vanderbilt, St. Mary’s & USC. Cousin of Sean Marshall (BC). Would like to decide before HS season, if possible."

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Team Lillard Basketball: "Zion Wilburn (2024) has received an offer from Samford University."

He is a 6-foot-6, 2024 guard/wing at Pinole Valley High. Samford is located in Alabama.

and

Team Lillard Basketball: "Only the beginning…..A player that fits in with any team and making winning plays & will run through a wall for his team."

Gibson's first offer is from Fresno Pacific. He's 6-foot-5, in the 2024 class and at Monterey Trail High.

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"Defense: ‘Team chemistry’ fanned runaway sex abuse allegations against ‘good and dedicated’ San Jose State trainer"

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Mateen Rafiq Rising Quickly

5-foot-11 Mateen Rafiq is carrying on a family tradition of successful basketball while simultaneously changing positions from shooting guard to the point but neither responsibility is restricting him from continued accomplishments.

The family's hoops lineage begins with Mateen's father, Mamo, who played two years at Idaho State before transferring to UC Davis in order to be closer to home. But a car accident, followed by a pair of hip surgeries, concluded his playing days. In 2007, he became the head coach of the Afghanistan National Basketball Team and a short three years later, Afghanistan won the 2010 11th Annual South Asian Games, the Gold Medal being the first ever for Afghanistan Team Sports. "I got to see the awarding of the gold medal," Mateen recalled. He also has a 6-foot cousin Illyaas Rafiq who played at Yuba College and will be playing at Cal Maritime.

Production of Late

In a total of 12 games at a July national tournament in Atlanta and another in Las Vegas, Rafiq averaged 21.9 points per contest, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds. He enjoyed a high game of 41 points.

Brandon White, co-founder of the Rose City Ballers (Rafiq's travel team), offered, "Mateen’s consistently played well all spring/summer and has generated a lot of attention from college coaches. It will be interesting to see where he lands. He is a high character individual and we absolutely love having him and his family in our program. His best basketball is in front of him."

After three years at El Camino High in Sacramento, Rafiq will be attending Weston Ranch High in Stockton as a senior. Also a valued member of the Rose City Ballers travel team, he continues his transition from primarily a shooter to a facilitator and scorer. "For the longest time, I was known as a shooter and a catch-and-shoot guy." In his last go-around at El Camino, he averaged 26.9 points per game, 7.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists, earning a Second Team All State selection by CalHiSports, while finishing with 271 made threes.

"I talked to Dad and we decided my role needed to change because there are a lot of 6-foot guards out there. I'm learning to be a true point guard, with the  ball in my hands. I take this as a challenge to communicate and lead the team, while separating myself from other guys my size."

"My Dad has done a lot of training and (area high school) coaching and been a big help to me with his knowledge of the game. Nobody can push me like he does. His critiquing never stops, happening in the car after games and continuing when we get home."

Rafiq is not a big NBA viewer -- "I don't like to watch NBA games"—preferring to focus on well known college coaches such as Rick Pitino, John Calipari and Coach K and how they employ their talent. He also likes "the comaradarie involved with college ball and how collegians play more as a team."

Praise for His Mother

His mother is also a critical cog in his development. "My Mom is the biggest piece of all this, with all the sacrifices that are necessary and putting my needs before hers."

Rafiq also excels in the classroom with a 3.9 grade point average or above. "It really helps in case I want to go to a high academic college and in getting a job later."

He offered his best basketball moment as "my junior year at El Camino. There was a lot of doubt about us because we lost a couple of transfers but we still made the playoffs. Me and a teammate, Ivan Soto (now at American River College), both finished with over 1,000 career points. We've been best friends since we were little so it was a lot of fun."

Regarding recruiting, Rafiq offered "I'm wide open. I will be thankful wherever I end up whether it be D1, D2, D3, NAIA or junior college." Whatever his new destination, he'll continue to carry the family hoops banner while providing winning point guard and scoring talents. 

Potpourri, Jul 21

"Recruitment Update: 2024 Jase Butler"

and

Jase Butler: "Grateful to receive an offer from Grand Canyon University! Thank you to the coaching staff for believing in me."

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Aaron Claytor: "A week from today I will be narrowing down my top 5-7 schools. I am still praying, studying, and listening. Thank you!"

Claytor is a 6-foot-3 2024 point at Salesian Prep.

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Ryan Pettis: "Blessed to say that I have received a division 1 offer from Louisiana Tech !! Thank you Coach McClellan and the rest of Louisiana Tech staff."

He's a 2024 6-foot-4 combo guard.

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Jordy Mckenzie: "Blessed to receive my first Division 1 offer from Eastern Washington University! Thanks to Coach Riley and the rest of the coaching staff for believing in me and my abilities!"

Mckenzie is a 6-foot-4, 2024 guard at Archbishop Riordan.

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Bay City Warriors: "Congratulations to 2024 G Cole Boake on committing to Claremont Mudd Scripps! Cole had a big time junior season for SF University HS and has been one of the top players on our 17u Gauntlet team this spring/summer..."

Boake is a 6-foot-3 point.

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From "7 Mid-Majors Running It Back in 2023"

UC Davis

2022-23 Record: 18-14 (11-8)

2022-23 Kenpom Rankings: Offense - 183rd Defense - 145th Total - 159th

Returning Rotation Players: Elijah Pepper (s), Ty Johnson (s), Ade Adebayo (s), Robby Beasley (s), Kane Milling, Leo DeBruhl, Sione Losé , Niko Rocak

Summary: Meet Elijah Pepper, one of the best players in college that you probably know nothing about. The 6'4 guard averaged 22.5 points, 5.9 boards, 3.4 dimes, and 1.6 steals in 1,100 minutes for the Aggies on his way to 1st team All-Big West honors in 2023. The homegrown Pepper, already at 105 games played for UC Davis over 4 seasons, decided to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and come back for another tour of duty under longtime head coach Jim Les. This dude is just, quite frankly, a whole-ass bucket. Pepper ended last season on a 12-game consecutive run of scoring 20 or more points, with most of those games coming against the Big West's best. It's a massive deal for a team on the upswing like UC Davis to bring a player of that caliber back instead of losing him to the portal. His running mate Ty Johnson will be returning to the Aggies as well for this upcoming season. Ty himself averaged 14.5 points a contest last season and can hopefully improve his efficiency to take this offense to the next level. The Aggies will be best at getting to the charity stripe as a team, as they were 3rd in the nation in FTAs per game last season. While one of their volume foul-drawers (Christian Anigwe) won't be on the team for this upcoming season, Elijah and Ty shot 388 free throws between the two of them last year. The rest of the rotation rounds out nicely with a solid mix of outside shooting and rebounding. UC Davis does a nice job of putting their players in position to make plays, whether off of handoffs, staggered screens, back cuts, or in spread PnR. Defensively, they can force some turnovers and have enough size to be switchable 1-4 as well. The Big West will be daunting as always, but don't be surprised if Jim Les nets his first 20+ win season at UC Davis since 2017 thanks to a veteran nucleus of highly capable players."

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Jerry (Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep) Brown has joined the Eastern Washington coaching staff as an assistant.

"Jerry Brown

Brown was an assistant coach with the Denver Pioneers in 2022-23 after time as an assistant at the University of San Diego. Denver went 15-17 and had four matchups (2-2 record) against Big Sky opponents, including wins over Idaho and Idaho State. The Pioneers ranked first in the Summit League in field goal percentage (48.7) and rebound margin, and second in effective field goal percentage (52.9) and fastbreak points per game (9.09).

"Jerry brings a wealth of basketball knowledge to our team and his approach to coaching aligns with what we are about in our program," Riley noted.

Prior to Denver, Brown served three seasons as an assistant at the University of San Diego (2019-22). He also boasts stints as Director of Player Development at Stanford (2019), Director of Scouting and Game Preparation at UTEP (2018-19), video coordinator for the NBA's Detroit Pistons (2017-18) and operations manager for Team Esface Basketball Academy in Redwood City, Calif. (2016-17).

Originally from Richmond, Calif, Brown played three seasons at Fresno State (2009-13) and one at Santa Clara (2013-14). He was Santa Clara's leading rebounder and ranked second in blocks and free throw attempts. At Fresno, he earned the team's Defender of the Year Award in 2013 and was named All-WAC Fourth Team by College Sports Madness in 2011-12.

He went on to play professionally overseas for BCGO in France (2014-15) and the Iserlohn Kangaroos in Germany (2015-16).

Brown earned his bachelor's degree from Fresno State in 2013 and master's degree from Santa Clara in 2015."

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Ace Glass: "Blessed to received my 4th PAC-12 offer from the University of California Berkeley. Thank you for Coach Morgan and the entire staff for believing in me."

Gotta love both his names but it's too bad he not a center or a power forward working the boards. Instead he's a 6-foot-3 2025 guard out of southern California.

and

Verbal Commits: "2025 Putnam Science (CT) F/C Erhunmwunse Oswin has received an offer from California."

He stands 6-foot-10 and is a native of Nigeria.

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Verbal Commits: "2024 Mount Carmel (IL) G Angelo Ciaravino has received an offer from Stanford."

He's a 6-foot-6 shooting guard out of Chicago.

It being 'The Farm' campus, a Stanford education offer and the multitude of contacts you'll make in four years -- sign me up. I might never leave.

and

Verbal Commits: "2024 Legacy Early College (SC) G Elijah Crawford has received an offer from Stanford."

He's a 6-foot-2, 2024 point out of Georgia.

--------------------

William Jessup University (NAIA) has gained the approval to move up to DII and join the PacWest Conference in 2024! They will compete their last season in NAIA this upcoming year. 

--------------------

Transfer Portal For Playing Time: "News: Momentum is building in college basketball to shrink the Transfer Portal window from 60 to 30 days. The date that is being discussed to begin portal entries moving forward is the Monday after the end of the Elite Eight before the Final Four starts, per source.

If approved, this would be April 1, 2024 and close at midnight on May 1, 2024."

--------------------

"Chima Moneke reportedly joining Baskonia"

The 6-foot-6 frontcourter enjoyed a stellar tenure at UC Davis.

--------------------

Vallejo Times-Herald: "Cal Maritime Athletics seeks nominations for inaugural Hall of Fame class"

Brandon Cole: "If Coach Brian Rooney isn’t an unanimous selection I’d be SHOCKED!"

--------------------

Transfer Portal For Playing Time: "2022-23 CBB Transfer Portal Stats

As of today, of all the athletes that have committed to a new program, 1 out of 11 players who transferred this year went up in the portal, the rest have either transferred lateral or down. 

If rosters were finalized today, 44% of players who entered the portal this year would not play NCAA basketball in the upcoming 2023-24 season."

--------------------

6-foot-10 Joey (Petaluma High/College of Marin/Oregon State) Potts completed his senior season at Oregon Tech averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 boards and a team high 65 blocked shots. Potts shot 60%, 44% and 66% (a team high 108 attempts) respectively.

--------------------

Kevin Sweeney: "Will Wade’s McNeese State team will play against a school called “Mississippi University for Women” which, surprisingly, also has men!"

Other highlights include Champion Christian (which lost to five D1 teams by 50+ points last season) and “College of Biblical Studies."

Imagine a guy explaining his graduation from Mississippi College for Women at a job interview. The flow might get sidetracked just a bit.

--------------------

Chabot's David Ogunleye Earns Ride to South Florida

David Ogunleye is young in age yet already wise in his decision-making. He knows what he wants and the values he embraces lead to inserting himself into positive opportunities. Two years ago after completing high school, he made the choice to leave his hometown of Houston and come west to play for Chabot College Coach Keenan McMiller. Now he is moving on to the Tampa area to play for University of South Florida Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, the brother of former Cal Bear great and 13-year NBA veteran Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Ogunleye started every game for the Gladiators this season and averaged 8.6 points (shooting 62%), 6.5 rebounds (196 total, 78 offensive) and 1.6 blocked shots in just under 24 minutes a game as Chabot finished 21-9 overall, 13-1 in the Coast-North Conference.

Going Up Against the National Champion

So what sold him on South Florida, a member of the American Athletic Conference alongside national champion Connecticut, Southern Methodist, Cincinnati, Temple and others?

"It was the same factors offered by (Chabot Coach) Keenan McMiller -- a culture based on building character, not just as basketball players but also as young men, plus the development of individuals into a cohesive team."

Of Ogunleye, McMiller said, "I am very humbled and appreciative of David and his family for taking a chance and in trusting us here at Chabot College. David arrived at Chabot at 260 pounds and is now at 225. Since Day One, David has always been coachable and now has developed a consistent quality work ethic by living in the weight room and developing his skills on the court.

David completed his academic load here at Chabot in two years with a 3.3 grade point average and  a Liberal Arts A.A. Degree. During the recruiting process, David was courted by over 30 different four-year universities and colleges. As far as Division 1 programs on his list  David was recruited by Montana State, CSU Bakersfield, Lamar, Jacksonville State, Tulsa, Fairfield, Bryant, Idaho, Bethune Cookman and Grambling State.

Coach Amir is getting a great young man with tremendous potential and a humble, great attitude. David is hungry to be the best he can be at South Florida University. The Chabot College community will be supporting and rooting for David!"

Ogunleye officially visited South Florida in the beginning of June. He prepared by talking with former players. One question he posed to all was asking who Abdur-Rahim is as a person. "I learned he is building a family here and that he is a great coach." During a breakfast get-together, Ogunleye and Abdur-Rahim became so involved in their mutual conversation that the actual offering of Ogunleye needed to be made fully tangible. "I thought it had been implied but not spoken," Ogunleye said, "so Coach made it clear by telling me, 'we would like you here.'"

In the confluence of thanking those for their help along the way and naming his hoops influencers, he offered, "My parents are #1 because my happiness has always been their top priority and I never felt any pressure." Plus, "my younger brother Job" (who will play at Chabot this season). "In high school, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep playing but meeting Keenan and his offering the chance to move to a new state to play college ball got my interest back. Keenan was always willing to help out with anything. I enjoy the game on a different level and jumped at the chance to be part of a new basketball family."

What's fascinating in Ogunleye's case is he didn't grow up flattered by offers, calls, texts and the like. "I didn't realize I could land a scholarship until my senior year. My high school coach didn't push it."

He added, "I'll play as a five but I'm not a typical or traditional five. I'm keyed in on improving as a player by enhancing my shooting and ballhandling skills."

Regarding leadership, "I lead by example with my actions. Leadership is a matter of getting to know one another, trusting each other and developing a bond."

 Ogunleye will major in business and finance.

Anyone who makes good choices in life is likely to be successful in life. The odds favor it. So keep checking on David Ogunleye.

Potpourri, Jul 19

Gavin Ripp: "Grateful and honored to say that I have received an offer from UCSD! Thank you to Coach Olen and the rest of the staff for believing in me."

and

Gavin Ripp: "Thankful and honored to say that I have received an offer from Cal Poly! Thank you to Coach Smith and the rest of the staff for believing in me."

and

Gavin Ripp: "Thankful and honored to say that I have received an offer from UC Davis! Thank you to Coach Les and Coach Nosek for believing in me."

Ripp is a 6-foot-7 2024 talent at Archbishop Mitty. He's piling up offers with many more to come.

--------------------

Semetri Carr: "Thankful to receive an offer from USD! Thank you to the entire coaching staff for believing in me."

Carr is a 2025 6-foot point attending The Branson School.

--------------------

Chase Nelson: "After a great conversation with Coach Hays, i’m blessed to say I have received my first D1 offer from Sacramento State!"

Nelson is a 2024 6-foot guard out of Dallas, Texas. 

--------------------

Kasen Krueger: "Thank you to Coach Flynn and the High Point staff for believing in me happy to receive a Division 1 offer from High Point University"

Krueger is a 6-foot 2025 point attending Monte Vista High.

--------------------

Adam Claytor: "Excited to say that I have been re-offered a division 1 scholarship to North Carolina A&T, thank you to coach Jeff and staff for believing in me and my talents!"

Claytor is a 6-foot-3 2024 point attending Salesian Prep.

--------------------

Connor Amundsen: "After a great talk with Coach Boucher, I am blessed and excited to have received a full-ride scholarship offer from Westmont College! Thank you to the staff for believing in me."

Amundsen is a 2024 5-foot-11 prospect out of Clovis West High. 

--------------------

6-foot-1 Cabrillo College guard Joe Rush III is headed to Marian University in Indiana, his home state.

--------------------

Rex Walters Jr.: "Happy to announce that I have accepted the Varsity Basketball Head Coach position at Wilbraham & Monson. I want to thank Coach Mannix for the opportunity! Ready to get the ball rolling!"

W & M is a prep school in Massachusetts.

--------------------

"The NBA’s coming Kobe generation  2023 draft picks Kobe Bufkin, Kobe Brown are the first NBA players named after Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant"

--------------------

Ed Nuanez: "Former Montana AD: "NDSU and SDSU are actively trying to get into the Mountain West"

Not sure what positives these schools would bring but the MWC may get desperate sooner rather than later.

--------------------

"Montana Basketball Staff Update"

"DJ Broome and Anderson Clarke have been promoted to assistant coaching positions...

... Clarke has spent five seasons with the program, serving as the Director of Operations for the previous two. He spent his first three seasons at Montana as a graduate manager. Montana has posted a winning record every season with Clarke on staff.

He played collegiately for Concordia University Irvine before joining Montana. Coaching runs in the family of the native of Tasmania, Australia. His father, Marty, formerly served as the associate head coach for St. Mary's...

...He played collegiately for Humboldt State, appearing in four NCAA Regional Tournaments while finishing his career with a 90-32 overall record..."

Broome is out of Castro Valley High and Clarke is out of Campolindo High.

--------------------

6-foot-2 David Rico is out of Kerman High, Fresno City College and Colorado Mesa and recently signed with Culiacan in Mexico.

--------------------

John Bynum Jr.: "Jack Reardon (Mendocino) has committed to St. Anselm College (NH). Reardon averaged 18.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season for the Eagles while shooting 50% from downtown on 73 makes."

Reardon is a 6-foot-3 sophomore combo guard.

--------------------

Jordahn Johnson: "Do to unfortunate circumstances unrelated to basketball, I am reopening my recruitment.:"

Johnson is 6-foot-8 and averaged a double-double at Las Positas College this season. He was headed to University of Texas Permian Basin.

--------------------

"College Coaches Confidential: 'Which coach do you fear the most on the recruiting trail?'"  

--------------------

"What to expect in trial of Scott Shaw, trainer accused of sexual abuse of San Jose State athletes"

--------------------

Potpourri, Jul 17

Verbal Commits: "San Francisco and UC Davis offered 2024 Cheney (WA) G/F Evan Stinson."

Stinson is a 6-foot-7 2024 talent out of Washington.

--------------------

Bay City Warriors: "Congratulations to 2024 G Cole Boake on committing to Claremont Mudd Scripps Basketball! Cole had a big time Junior season for SF University HS and has been one of the top players on our 17u Gauntlet team this spring/summer..."

--------------------

John Bynum Jr.: "Aurrion Harris (Columbia College) has committed to Colorado State Pueblo University. Harris averaged 10.5 points and 7.4 rebounds last season for the Claim Jumpers."

The 6-foot-3 sophomore prepped at Golden Valley High (Merced) and earned all state honors this season.

--------------------

Malakai Harris has signed with Chadron State (Nebraska). Out of Marysville High, the 6-foot-6 talent played at Arizona Western College.

--------------------

Verbal Commits: "2024 West Park (CA) F Tallis Toure has received an offer from Sacramento State."

He's 6-foot-9 and West Park High is located in Roseville. 

--------------------

Connor Amundsen: "After a great talk with Coach Cottrell, I am blessed and very excited to say that I have received my first Division 1 offer from Houston Christian University. Thank you to Coach Cottrell, Coach Johnson, and the rest of HCU staff for believing in me!!"

Amundsen is a 5-foot-11, 2024 talent at Clovis West High. He also has an offer from UC San Diego.

--------------------

Cole Epperson: "Extremely excited to announce that I have received a division 1 offer from UC Davis! Thank you Coach Les and Coach Jones for this opportunity!"

Cole Epperson: "Extremely excited to announce that I have received a division 1 offer from Air Force! Thank you Coach Curran, Coach Metz, and Coach Scott for this opportunity!

He's 6-foot-8, in the 2024 class and attends Jesuit High.

--------------------

San Joaquin Memorial Boys Basketball: "Congratulations to Julius Olanrewaju on your offer to Fresno Pacific University..."

He's a 6-foot-4 sophomore shooting guard.

--------------------

"Gabe Vincent explains decision to leave Heat in free agency: ‘It was very difficult’"

--------------------

Ethan Kassel: "2026 G Caeden Hutcherson is transferring from St. Ignatius to Mitty. He was SI’s leading scorer last year."

--------------------

"Pangos Premier 80: 20 Standout Performers"

2026 6’3 Elias Obenyah (Salesian Prep/Richmond CA)

Obenyah is a lengthy and skilled wing/guard that keeps relentless pressure on the defense and has the moves to score in creative ways around size in the paint. Obenyah is coming off a great month of June with his high school team, and that level of play carried over to the Premier 80. Obenyah had 13 points in his opening showcase game before bursting out with one of the top-scoring outputs of 22 points in his 2nd game. Obenyah has solid handles, the moves to get by his defender, does not waste dribbles and gets downhill to attack the defense, and has a variety of moves to score in the paint around and over size, as he uses his footwork and spin moves to shake opponents around the cup. Obenyah uses the long crossover to create separation on the perimeter, is effective with the perimeter shot off the dribble, and has great court vision to find open teammates in tight windows moving off the ball. He does a solid job on the glass, plays with a great motor, and is rising up the ranks of players in the 2026 class and should be a name to know on the national stage.

and

2025 6’2 Jaylen Valdez (Capital Christian/Sacramento CA)

Valdez is a combo guard that scores in volume from 3-levels and has the moves to create his own offense, as well as make plays for others. Valdez keeps the ball on a string, has shifty moves to create separation from his opponent, makes great use of the crossover to get his defender off balance, gets downhill once by his man, and is a creative scorer around the basket. Valdez has the moves to create his own perimeter shots off the dribble, is a 3-level scoring threat, and is fastly rising as one of the better 2025 Norcal prospects. Valdez is a solid on-ball defender, gets into his opponent’s dribbling space, and generates turnovers, which lead to instant offense in the open court. 

--------------------

"Inside how Notre Dame hired Penn State's Micah Shrewsberry to succeed Mike Brey as Irish basketball coach  CBS Sports was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as Notre Dame went from 80 coaching candidates down to one"

Interesting article even if not Nor Cal-connected.

--------------------

Transfer Portal for Playing Time: "News: The NCAA spent time talking about and is considering expanding the college basketball March Madness field to more than 68 teams.

From the NCAA: “The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee spent time talking about a possible expansion of the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship during its three-day meeting this week, though expanding the 68-team field is not imminent.”

Dan Gavitt, NCAA senior vice president of basketball: “The committee and staff will continue studying options and gathering feedback from various constituents. Whether the tournament expands or not remains to be seen.”

--------------------

"NCAA Announces Jessup’s Acceptance into NCAA Division II  Jessup will transition into NCAA Division II immediately and begin competition in the PacWest Conference Fall 2024; The 2023-24 season will be Jessup’s final one in the NAIA and GSAC"

--------------------

Rich Shayewitz: "Sonoma State Basketball welcomes Dillon Iyawe from Consumnes River College. The 6’10”, 255lb center averaged 14.3ppg and pulled down 15.8rpg."

and

Rich Shayewitz: "Sonoma State Basketball welcomes Nick Medeiros from St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School. A point guard, he led his team to a 24-3 record this season and was named Tri-County Athletic League Rock MVP."

and

Rich Shayewitz: "Sonoma State Basketball welcome Pierce Rexford from Folsom Lake Community College. The 6’7” guard/forward averaged 19.8ppg and 9.9rpg last season."

and

Rich Shayewitz: "Sonoma State Basketball welcomes Julian Bryant. The 6’4” guard last competed in the 2019-2020 season at College of Marin where he averaged 10.1ppg, 4rpg, & 2apg."

and

Rich Shayewitz: "Sonoma State Basketball welcomes Damian Ruiz. The shooting guard from Murrieta led his team to a 25-5 record while scoring 24.9ppg. He finished 2nd in CA in 3-pointers made with 133."

--------------------

Menlo Athletics: "NCAA HERE WE COME

As of July 13th Menlo College has been accepted to join the ranks of NCAA Division II athletics!

The Oaks will begin a three-year process that will see Menlo begin to transition to competing in the Pacific West Conference for future conference competition!

--------------------

Three of the Best Coaching Performances

David Patrick of Sacramento State, Mike Magpayo of UC Riverside, and Stan Johnson of Loyola Marymount all have something in common besides being head coaches at Division One colleges. While each is at different steps in the process of building (rebuilding being an inaccurate term), each has either turned around or is in the midst of doing so, a program previously known as long term unsuccessful or "a coach killer" to those more dramatically inclined.

Remarkably, this trio of metamorphoses are taking place without basketball palaces to play in, gleaming practice facilities, a large fan base and unlimited financial support from the school. In fact, chatter and more surrounding the Riverside program is of eliminating Division One athletics entirely but new plans are present to prevent that from taking place.

David Patrick of Sacramento State

Patrick just finished 14-18, 7-11 in Big Sky Conference action with the northern California-based Hornets in his initial season. He did Magpayo a favor, leaving Riverside in 2019-20 with building blocks in place after 17-15, 7-9 overall records. Patrick has nine foreigners on his 2023-24 team including four Aussies, plus much more size. But his is primarily a young team in need of experience. 6-foot-1 senior transfer Brandon Bettson is out of Salesian Prep plus Tulsa and Chicago, and consistency in the backcourt is needed from him. 6-foot-4 Emil Skatta is likely too young to be consistent so returning fellow guards Quadry Adams and Austin (Sonora High) Patterson need to step up their game in-game out production.

Mike Magpayo of UC Riverside

Magpayo has enjoyed the best numerical success to date, building on Patrick's momentum in turning the previously hapless program in southern California into a winning one, going 51-31 in his first three years with the Highlanders, 31-16 in Big West Conference play.

But he lost his best talent in 6-foot-4 Zyon (College Park High) Pullin to transfer (Florida) and the second best player Cameron Flynn looks to have graduated. However, 6-10 Aussie sophomore Lachlan Olbrich returns with his 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. 6-foot-1 JC point recruit Isaiah Moses will need to perform immediately.

Stan Johnson of Loyola Marymount

Johnson took over Loyola Marymount in 2020 and last season concluded with a 19-12 overall record, 9-7 in West Coast Conference outings. Victories over Georgetown, Wake Forest, Gonzaga, BYU and St. Mary's punctuated the 2022-23 schedule. But Johnson will be missing his top talent from last season, Cam Shelton, plus his third-leading scorer Jalin Anderson. This season will be a solid test for Johnson and the Lions. Can the momentum continue?

Do keep in mind the successes achieved by all three also came during the COVID pandemic when recruiting was often limited and truncated so more credit to them.

The coach who wins the national championship should not automatically be deemed as Coach of the year. Possibly but possibly not. Judging who truly deserves the annual honor involves taking many factors into consideration. Any one of these three should have rightfully received votes after this last season.

Potpourri, Jul 14

"MEET THE SPARTANS - DIOGO SEIXAS"

Seixas committed way back in early February but surprisingly wasn't announced as a signee until now. At 6-foot-7, he possesses the potential to help right away at the two and three spots which is where the need is for the Spartans. 

--------------------

Verbal Commits: "Hawaii and Wyoming offered 2024 The Branson School (CA) G Jase Butler."

The 6-foot-4 guard from The Branson School must be at 101 or official 102 offers at this point, or at least more than any other Nor Cal prospect.

--------------------

Aaron Claytor: "After a great zoom call with Coach Les, Coach Jones and staff, I am happy to say I have been offered a division 1 scholarship to UC Davis. Thank you for believing in me and my talents!"

Aaron Claytor: "Excited to say that I have been blessed with a division 1 offer from Sam Houston University! Thank you to HC Chris Mudge for believing in me and my talents!"

Claytor is just behind with 97 or 98 offers. He's a 6-foot-3 2024 point at Salesian Prep.

--------------------

Brandon Davis: "Jase Butler and Aaron Claytor was called big sky guards only when i wanted them to play for my team fast forward both have double digit offers. Both are LOCAL kids. Don’t tell me how kids need to go preps. My role is to help kids go play college I’m not searching for pros."

--------------------

Stockton Soldiers Basketball: "2024 6’2” G Jayden Robinson of Vanden High has picked up his 1st offer from University of Puget Sound. Coach Shelton, you’ve got a gem 💎 here!" 

--------------------

John Bynum Jr.: "Cam Clark (Sequoias) has received an offer from South Carolina State University."

Clark is a 6-foot-10, 200 sophomore who this past season averaged 7.5 points and 7.5 boards on 62% shooting overall and 64% at the foul line alongside 47 blocked shots in 31 games.

--------------------

Jake Lieberman: "Darnez Slater is receiving interest from UCSB, Cornell, UCSD, UCR, CBU, Rice, Iona, UNLV, Colorado, UCD & Drake.

Offers: UTA, Montana, Montana St, SJSU, New Mexico, UCI, Colorado State. 

2024 6'3 prospect from Fresno, California."

--------------------

Steve Becker: "Congrats to Toro legend @YaBoy_Vino2 for signing in Finland top division. TwoTwo was in France this past season."

That's 5-foot-8 Vincent Golson, Jr. out of Skyline High, City College San Francisco and Cal State Dominguez Hills.

--------------------

The Portal Report: "New Hampshire (D1) guard Kyree Brown told The Portal Report that he is going pro. Initially entered the transfer portal, but was recently notified his eligibility is up..."

Out of Berkeley High, City College San Francisco and Seattle, he averaged 10.9 points plus 2.4 rebounds this season while shooting 38%, 31% and 80% respectively. He led NH in assists with 107.

--------------------

"Jamaree Bouyea is playing for the Miami Heat’s Summer League team in Las Vegas, where the point guard is leading the team in assists at 9.0.

The 6-foot-2 playmaker, who had two 10-day stints in the NBA this past season with Miami and the Washington Wizards, rejoined the Heat Summer League team this summer.

In five career NBA games, the former Palma sharpshooter averaged 14.1 minutes and 3.0 points a game, shooting 43 percent from the field.

Undrafted out of USF in 2022, the Palma product is averaging seven points a game in the Summer League, and shares the team lead in blocks at 1.0.

Last season Bouyea spent most of the year with the Heat’s Sioux Falls G-League team, averaging 18.6 points, 6.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals a night.

Bouyea never lost a Gabilan Division basketball game in three seasons at Palma, taking the program to its first CIF State championship appearance in 25 years in 2016."

--------------------

Chabot Basketball: "Gladiator Bball is excited about the commitment of 6’4 PG Noah Thomas (Oregon Tech U Transfer) Noah is a hi level PG. He makes plays at all 3 levels, shoots the 3 @ 40% from the 3  & competes w/ a hi motor on o and d ."

--------------------

"A ‘thrilling development’ as former player joins CR coaching staff"

Zac Claus joins the coaching staff at College of the Redwoods.

--------------------

Drew Gordon: "Thank you basketball for all that you have given me! I have given you my all over the years, I’m retiring on my jersey year. Thank you to all the fans, friends and family that have supported me along my journey!! Next chapter it is! Goodbye 32 hello 33"

--------------------

Mikey Lewis: "Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Washington Thank you to Coach Lee and Coach Hopkins"

Kansas and Mississippi also recently offered Lewis who is 6-foot-3 and a 2024 talent.

Lewis is at Prolific Prep and also plays with the Oakland Soldiers. 

--------------------

Potpourri, Jul 12

"NBA player Gabe Vincent returns to Modesto for Slam-N-Jam Basketball Camp"

--------------------

"Four-Star SF Zion Sensley down to 5 schools"

St. Mary's is one of them.

--------------------

Aaron Claytor: "Excited to say that I have been blessed to receive a division 1 offer to USC Upstate! Big thank you to HC Dave Dickerson for believing in me and my talents!!"

Claytor is a 6-foot-3, 2024 point attending Salesian Prep

--------------------

Players Play: "2026 Corona Centennial Slim Rogers has received an offer from Sacramento State.

Thank you Coach Patrick, Coach Lo and the rest of the staff for believing in him."

Rogers is a 6-foot-1 point. with other offers from UC Riverside, High Point, UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara.

--------------------

"Remembering Armijo High School Hall of Fame inductee Ron Thompson"

--------------------

Josh Carr: "Committed to Feather River CC 🦅 big thanks to coach_dkjensen"

New Feather River College Coach Derek Jensen lands a 6-foot-7 guard-wing Aussie/Irish recruit.

--------------------

"Brandin Podziemski is latest example of Santa Clara building NBA pipeline"

--------------------

"How transfer portal, NIL reshaping college basketball recruiting has dropped value of high school prospects"

--------------------

Devin Aye: "High level talent, high character and mature young man. Definite D1 prospect to check out @ San Jose City College this coming year! 

💜💛🐆Malcolm Steadman 6’7” shooting guard!" (out of James Logan High)

Any relation to Michael Steadman of James Logan High, CCSF, San Jose State University, Montana and UMass? He played pro ball this past season in Norway.

--------------------

"The Comeback After the Collapse There’s more to Keyontae Johnson’s story than just the moment everyone remembers. “I don’t want to be remembered as just the person that collapsed,” he says."

--------------------

Skyline Basketball: "Congrats to 6-foot Ryan Wilson (Serra HS) on his commitment to UC Santa Cruz. This concludes a great career for Ryan. He started all 57 games over his two seasons & finished 26th All-Time in Career Assists.

Another LOCAL player achieving #SkylineSuccess

PROUD he represents #SkylineMBBFam"

--------------------

"Santa Clara Men's Basketball Finalizes 2023-24 Roster"

If anyone can get the eight newcomers to blend in with the returnees and work smoothly, it's Coach Herb Sendek and his staff.

--------------------

Michael Scotto: "The Orlando Magic are hiring Xavier Thames as a player development / video coordinator assistant, league sources told hoopshype. Thames was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2014 and sent to the Brooklyn Nets in a draft night trade before playing internationally for years."

Thames is out of Pleasant Grove High, Washington State and San Diego State.

--------------------

Inderkum High's Isaiah Chandavong has committed to Dominican University. He's a 6-foot-4 guard who will be playing for Head Coach Justin Argenal and Associate Head Coach Matt Okada

--------------------

6-foot-1 Jayden Teat is on the 2023-24 University of Utah men's basketball roster. He played three years at Jesuit High before transferring to Capital Christian High.

--------------------

Potpourri, Jul 10

Verbal Commits: "2024 Homewood-Flossmoor (IL) G Gianni Cobb has received an offer from UC Davis."

Out of Illinois, he's a 6-foot guard described as "a blur on the court" already with offers from Cal Poly and Radford. 

and

Verbal Commits: "2024 Santa Margarita Catholic (CA) G Cam McNamee has received an offer from UC Davis."

He's a 6-foot-6 shooting guard.

and

Ryan Pettis: "Blessed to say that I have received a division 1 offer from UC Davis!! Thank you Coach Les and the rest of UC Davis staff."

Pettis is a 6-foot-4, 2024 combo guard at Serra High.

and

Cole Epperson: "Extremely excited to announce that I have received a division 1 offer from UC Davis! Thank you Coach Les and Coach Jones for this opportunity!"

Epperson is a 6-foot-8, 2024 wing at Jesuit High.

and

Verbal Commits: "UC Davis offered 6-foot-8 2024 Carlsbad (CA) F Jael Martin."

--------------------

Tounde Yessoufou: "Blessed to receive an offer from the University of California, Berkeley"

He's a 6-foot-6 wing in the 2024 class at St. Joseph High (Santa Maria).

and

Verbal Commits: "2024 Harlan County (KY) G Trent Noah has received an offer from California."

Out of Coal Country, Noah is a 6-foot-7 2024 wing.

--------------------

Jake Lieberman: "Semetri Carr is receiving interest from Gonzaga, UCLA, St Mary’s, Minnesota, Princeton, USD, Marquette, CBU, Colorado State and NAU, he's told me.  

Offers: Sacramento State, Seattle U, Washington, Washington State, UNLV, San Jose State, CSUN & Wichita State.

2025 6' guard."

--------------------

Dinos Trigonis: "2023 Pangos Premier 80 Highlights: 6-9 2024 Kenyon DeMuynck (San Leandro/CA) is a NorCal sleeper oozing with long-term potential."

and

CaliHoop: "2024 6’10 San Leandro HS combo (all) Kenyon DeMuynck highlights from 1 game this weekend. Ridiculous prospect destined for NBA/ high major recruit"

I'm guessing he's the brother of Jourdan DeMuynck.

--------------------

PAGMETER: "Another victory for Ed Madec (Former outstanding Fresno City Rams Mens basketball Coach).

In the appellate court, the judge nails former FCC President Goldsmith and the SCCCD even more than the last judge. Calling them embarrassing & shameful which is spot on..."

Read the entire tweet by clicking on the link above.

--------------------

"UH’s Mor Seck motivated by visit back home to Senegal"

Seck played at Archbishop Riordan and Prolific Prep.

Here's a November 2022 feature on Seck.

--------------------

Ryan Soulis: "Blessed to receive an offer from St. Mary’s College!"

Soulis stands 6-foot-10 and attends school in North Carolina. He is also a member of the Greek National Team. He also has offers from North Carolina Charlotte, Queens University (Charlotte), Wyoming and Stony Brook)

--------------------

Chabot College Basketball: "Gladiator Soph 6’3 PG Noah Thomas Has been selected to the All American Juco Showcase Top 20 Allstar game at 1:45pm today Sunday July 9."

and

The latest Chabot College news from the All American Open JC Showcase in Atlanta:

  • Gladiator 6’5 G Sophomore Nikko Rodriguez
    3rd game
    18 pts 5 rebs
    4-6 from the 3

and

  • Gladiator 6’8 Sophomore DJ Howard
    3rd game
    10 pts 4 rebs
    2 blks
    5 assists

and

  • Gladiator Sophomore Noah Thomas
    2nd game
    25 pts  5-8 from the 3
    4 steals
    5 assists

--------------------

Dante Walls: "The next chapter in my journey. I will be attending Colorado Prep."

Walls is a 6-foot-4 2024 guard now formerly of Laguna Creek High.

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CBB Content: "This is crazy: West Virginia forward Josiah Harris is set to graduate from college after his freshman year. 

He will walk the stage in December of this year. 

All at 19 years old."

Have yet to see any reporting on this in the Morgantown newspaper but will post it if it appears. I want to know how this was achieved. This offers some information.

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"Warriors fans call for reunion with former all-action wing" (Juan Toscano-Anderson)

and

Adrian Wojnarowski: "Free agent F Dario Saric has agreed on a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN. Saric was one of the most sought-after players left on the market."

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For the Alaska Nanooks this season, 5-foot-10 junior Bryan (Milpitas High/San Jose City College) Nguyen averaged 9.3 points on 45%, 44% and 85% shooting respectively, alongside a team high 74 assists and a team best 41 steals.

Teammate and 6-foot-7 junior Jaycson (San Jose City College) Bereal Jr. averaged 10.2 points on 49%, 21% and 69% shooting respectively plus 5.0 rebounds and a tops-on-the-team 27 blocked shots.

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For Appalachian State this season, 6-foot-3 junior Xavion (Sheldon High) Brown averaged 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in 31 games, 13 starts and 21.0 minutes a contest. He totaled 75 assists and 29 steals, both second best on his squad. He shot 57% overall, missed his only three-point attempt and finished at 36% on his free throws.

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