Mateen Rafiq to the Ivy League

"For me to be able to play at the D1 level was my dream and goal," said Mateen Rafiq, "and now also enrolling into the world's best education is unbelievable. I couldn't get a better education for my career." The 6-foot point formerly of El Camino High and now Weston Ranch High recently committed to Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York and one of the eight members of the academically vaunted Ivy League.

Wishing to pursue a legal career, Rafiq has already been accepted into Cornell's Pre Law ILR School. "I want to work in the legal field with athletes. I have a close family friend who does that."

Still, it was a tough decision. "My family could come and see me play if I had chosen one of the California schools recruiting me."

Rafiq and both his parents went on an official visit to Cornell on October 20-21. Head Coach Brian Earl extended an offer while the family was in his office on Saturday, the 21st.  Mateen responded affirmatively -- "I told him I was ready to accept it." A celebration ensued but one caveat, as requested by Rafiq, needed completion before any announcement could be made. That being his notification of the other college coaches pursuing him that he had chosen Cornell as his college of choice. He completed that task, thereby joining the Big Red program. "Those were some tough conversations," Rafiq recalled.

Besides the academics, what also sold Rafiq on Cornell was the camaraderie he witnessed between the players themselves as well as the closeness between the players and coaches, plus his enjoyment while hanging out with the players off the court. Add in his connection with Coach Earl's offensive style. "I saw them play and practice and the fit couldn't be better. They shot a lot of threes and used a bunch of pick-and-rolls."

Rafiq's game is built around a quick release and accurate outside shot plus his ability to penetrate. As posted in an earlier feature: "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." Plus, "In his last go-around at El Camino High (as a junior), 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.

Rafiq issued thanks "ultimately to God as I prayed a lot about my decision, to my parents and my family for their guidance and the coaches and players at Weston Ranch High, El Camino High and the Rose City basketball program for allowing me to be successful as a person and a player and for providing a platform for me to excel." Plus, "Weston Ranch High Head Coach Nic Podesta and Assistant Coach Eddie Menzel for holding us accountable on the court and in the classroom." Finally, "I I want to thank all the coaches who recruited me."

Participating in March Madness is Rafiq's next goal. Only the foolish would count him out.

Here is our July 21 feature on Rafiq.