Potpourri, Sep 28

News Bits

Simply Basketball: "Kellen Hampton has committed to the University of the Pacific!"

The 6-foot-6 Hampton is a solid building block for the new coaching regime at UOP. His signing brings instant Nor Cal credibility to Coach Dave Smart's program as he begins his re-build. Hampton started out at Moreau Catholic High. Projection: Likely will need time to adjust but certainly has the potential to be a starter by his sophomore season.

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Krister Skrinda: "I am 1000000% committed to the Stanford University and the admissions process! Thank you to all my family, Coaches, trainers, Coach Smith, Coach Reveno and the entire SMBB Coaching staff for this opportunity."

Skrinda is a 6-foot-10 2025 Latvian forward currently playing for Rigas Zelli in Latvian-Estonian basketball league. He averaged 17.7 + 10.4 at U18 Euros last summer. He displays excellent three-point shooting prowess plus the ability to dribble and pull up for an open attempt. Projection: has the promise of becoming a starter and soon at the 4 spot.

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Verbal Commits: "2025 Perkiomen (PA) G K.J. Cochran has committed to Santa Clara."

Cochran is a 6-foot-4 point (where he can best use his size) coming off an official visit to check out the Bronco program. He also tripped to Loyola Chicago and received other offers from St. Joseph's, Temple, Rhode Island and Duquesne. He cancelled a trip to Boise State after returning home from Santa Clara. Projection: Looks to be a starter right away.

"4-star point guard KJ Cochran commits to Santa Clara"

"Santa Clara comes calling for Perkiomen School's KJ Cochran"

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Chase Rawlins: "I will be visiting Sac State on October 12th."

The Hornets would be wise to apply a full court press to the 2025 6-foot-6 combo guard attending Folsom High and also on the court with the Rose City Ballers. He'll be in college all four years and improve each season.

"Steve Kerr on his summer of gold medals, politics, and huge changes for the Warriors"

Tim Kawakami goes long form on Steve Kerr

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Marco Pagliariccio: "Jordan Ford in Trento’s L in Gran Canaria:

• 32 pts
• 11/11 2pts (!!!)
• 3/4 3pts
• 1/1 FT
• 2 reb
• 2 ast
• 36 eff

One of the craziest debut in a Euro competitivo I can remember."

Folsom High and St.Mary's Gaels finest.

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"Jonathan Kuminga Discusses Potential Extension, Desire For Starting Role"

Tim Kawakami writes again.

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Gavilan College MBB: "Congratulations to Kashwell Pugh on signing a scholarship with Doane University Men's Basketball to further his education and continue his basketball career! Big time young man right here!"

Pugh stands 6-foot-7 and graduated from Andrew Hill High. Doane University is located in Nebraska.

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"How Atlanta Native, NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown Could Change Sneaker Industry With Launch Of Independent Brand"

Does any NBA talent today sell all that many shoes a la yesteryear?

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Verbal Commits: "2027 Prolific Prep (CA) F/C Obinna Ekezie, Jr. has received an offer from Texas A&M."

He's a 7-footer who also possesses offers from Kentucky, Arizona State, Houston, Stanford and California. He plays AAU ball with Team Lillard.

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Golden State Prep Basketball: "Congrats to our guy Josh Dalton 6’10 2025 on his offer from Washington State University."

Dalton also holds offers from Jacksonville, Tennessee Chattanooga, Pepperdine and Stetson.

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Golden State Prep Basketball: "Congrats to our guy Clayton Mpiana 6’10 2025 on his offer from Fresno State."

He's out of southern California and possesses another offer from UC Riverside.

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Derek Murray: "Michigan was in for ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2025 Winters Grady of Prolific Prep and the Jalen Green Elite. 

The programs checking in are becoming more prominent.

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"Nuggets, Aaron Gordon Optimistic About Possible Extension"

Aaron talks about his late brother Drew in the interview.

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Potpourri, Sep 26

News Bits

"Nor Cal Showcase to be held September 28-29 at San Francisco City -- Event will close out the fall recruiting period"

For those who can't make it in person, hit this link as BallerTV will be live streaming it.

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Merritt College's Rashid Potter is moving on to Northwest University in Washington. A wing, Potter stands 6-foot-6 and graduated from Kimball High in Tracy.

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Abram Potts: "Blessed to say I have received an offer to San Francisco State University!!💜🧡 Thank you coaches Inglima and Kochevar for believing in me!!"

Potts is a 2025 6-foot-3 point attending San Joaquin Memorial High in Fresno and holds other offers from George Fox University, and Eastern Arizona. He has also visited Fresno Pacific and Menlo College.

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Juco Recruiting: "San Jose St has offered 2025 6’7 Trey Brown from Salt Lake CC."

Brown is listed as a backcourter. He played at a Florida JC last season and his stats were, let's say, not impressive. (14 minutes a game, shooting: 49%, 22%, 58%, 4.1 points per game, 2.5 rebounds per game, 1.1 assists per game). Brown is out of Phoenix so it's likely SJSU Assistant Coach Ed Gipson is involved in his recruitment. Maybe it is his potential that has the Spartans biting.

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Clay Sports Scouting Service:"David Iweze (2025)

• Height: 6’9
• POS: PF
• HS: iSchool of Lewisville (TX)
• Grassroots: Texas Impact 4:13 (TX)
• Calling Card: 2 Way Athlete
• Current Offers: James Madison, Saint Louis, Abilene Christian, Charlotte, Utah State, Appalachian State, UTEP, San Francisco, Tulsa, & More

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"Former Warriors Champion Reveals Why Losing Klay Thompson Was Such A Massive Blow"

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"Oscar Robertson Opens Up On The KKK Threatening To Shoot Him For Playing Basketball"

Not Nor Cal-related but a reality that needed re-posting.

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HS Top Recruits: "2025 3⭐️ 7’1 Jackson McVey tells me the following schools have been in to see him recently.

• Georgia
• Florida
• Creighton
• Michigan
• Georgia Tech
• Ole Miss
• Stanford"

and

HS Top Recruits: "2026 4⭐️ Jacob Lanier tells me the following schools have been in to see him recently.

• Arkansas
• Kentucky
• Stanford
• Creighton
• Baylor
• Arizona St
• Oregon
• New Mexico St"

Lanier is a 6-foot-5 wing out of Arkansas.

and

Joe Tipton: "NEWS: 2025 Top-150 recruit Jaylen Petty has committed to New Mexico, he tells On3Recruits. The 6-0 Point Guard chose the Lobos over Washington, Stanford, and Santa Barbara. 

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Brandon Cole: "If he wouldn’t have been hurt the last two aau seasons he would have numerous offers. High academic. High character. Great family. Coachable. Plays for a good high school coach. Everything a coach wants. Keep working aidenman_2026!"

Here is our Rollins feature from last October.

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Kasen Krueger: "High Point #official visit"

6-foot-1 Kasen Krueger is a 2025 sharpshooting talent attending Amador Valley High and playing on the Oakland Soldiers AAU squad.

6-foot-1 Cade Krueger is in the 2026 class at Amador Valley High and is also with the Soldiers.

Each possesses an offer from High Point University of the Big South Conference.

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2LL2TT: "@antt_moore  "6'6" Guard 25'🐾  Columbia University (Visit) Coach Carberry"

It looks like 6-foot-6 2025 Anthony Moore of Stockton's Lincoln High crossed our vast nation to check out NYC's Ivy League member Columbia University. His hoops skills combined with a 4.0 GPA has him enjoying a variety of college options but this one must be special.

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New Modesto Junior College Head Coach Brice Fantazia has five former Modesto Christian players on his roster plus a bevy of local and regional talents. Beating down perennial SoCal power San Diego City College 64-36 in a recent tourney matchup bodes very, very well.

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Matt McAndrews, a 2015 Archbishop Mitty grad, is back playing college ball, this season with San Jose City College. The 6-footer is a wizard with the ball — make it a point to catch him this season. The SJCC roster.

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Derek Murray: "Washington HC Danny Sprinkle was in for ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2025 Winters Grady of Prolific Prep and Jalen Green Elite.

Grady is a 6-foot-7 wing who came out of nowhere over the summer to become a hotly contested recruit.

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Nine years battling pancreatic cancer, amazing! He was beloved and that's the finest thing that can be said about anyone.

Guy Dossi: "He was a great coach, and a better man. Kraig Clifton will be missed by many."

and

Calaveras High School Mourns the Loss of Beloved Head Basketball Coach and Teacher Kraig Clifton, 46

Kraig Clifton was one among Calaveras High School’s most beloved teachers and administrators. The school, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in central California, is in mourning. After a valiant nine years of fighting pancreatic cancer, Kraig, a head basketball coach and devoted educator, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the age of 46. Students, coworkers, athletes, and community members who had been impacted by his kindness, guidance, and unwavering optimism expressed their sorrow and memories in large measure after his passing. A moving social media post that said, “The Calaveras Basketball community mourns the loss of beloved coach and teacher Kraig Clifton after a 9-year battle with pancreatic cancer,” revealed the news of his passing.

In the Calaveras community, Kraig Clifton was much more than just a coach or instructor; he was a man whose generosity and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone who came into contact with him. Kraig’s contagious smile, boundless energy, and sincere concern for others were evident in both the classroom and on the basketball court. Beyond basketball mechanics and academics, his love for coaching and teaching extended to life teachings that would serve his players and students well beyond graduation. Future generations will continue to be impacted by Kraig’s impact on Calaveras High School and the larger community.

The Adventures of an Enduring Athlete and Coach

Kraig was born in 1978 and had a deep passion for basketball growing up. His unwavering quest of athletic greatness during his formative years would come to define him as a coach and athlete. Those who had the privilege of playing with Kraig when he was younger remember a talented player who also had a natural leadership style. By the time he graduated from high school, he had established himself as a formidable team player due to his apparent persistence, focus, and collaboration.

During his tenure as a student-athlete, Kraig’s basketball career took off. He immediately established a reputation for his hard ethic and competitive attitude as a standout player at Calaveras High School. His determination and self-control made him stand out, and he was looked up to by his classmates. Coaches and players respected Kraig for his ability to remain composed under duress and his willingness to put the needs of the team before his own. It was obvious that Kraig was supposed to inspire people more than merely be a successful player.

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Melchi Egbeyemi: "After a great conversation with Coach Les. I am truly blessed to receive a scholarship offer from UC Davis!"

Egbeyemi is a 6-foot-2, 2025 point out of Layton Christian Academy (UT). He's British (Barking Abbey/London), arrived in this country in August and also owns offers from Weber State and Cal State Northridge.

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Mario Gomez, City College San Francisco and the NorCal Jamboree

And to think the world of basketball could have lost Mario Gomez to the direction of the wild outdoors. Yes, the results of a career aptitude test in high school indicated that Gomez should become an athletic director/basketball coach or a park ranger. "Coming out of high school, I didn't know what I wanted to do," Gomez recalled. "I think I was more interested in football then but college showed me what I was good at and (CCSF Basketball Coach) Justin (Labagh) helped shape me."

In possession of a Master's degree in Physical Education and an assistant coach/operations and CASAS testing proctor at City College San Francisco now for 14 years, Gomez currently is busy aiding in the preparation of the Nor Cal Jamboree to be held September 28 and 29 at CCSF. Some of the top teams participating include the host squad, Cabrillo College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Yuba College, San Jose City College, Las Positas College and Lane Community College out of Oregon. It's 22 squads in all. Play begins at 9:40 each morning and ends late in the afternoon. It's an annual event and Baller TV will be streaming the games.

"I work up the packets that are available for purchase (as an add-on to the admission ticket to the event) to the four-year coaches who will be attending and evaluating players," Gomez explained. The packets include roster information on each team including contact information for each player, an element that aids recruiting contacts.

He also sends out invitations to these four-year coaches, seeking confirmations of attendance. "I reach out to all the California schools--schools in the West Coast Conference, Mountain West Conference, Big West Conference, Big Sky Conference, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, three NAIA conferences and more."

Plus, one element stands out. "We take credit cards," said Gomez, noting that most other hoops events do not. "We are more advanced and it makes it easier for everyone involved." He also personally brings in water and Gatorade for sale to thirsty fans and stock up on pens for coaches wanting to make notes. He prepares by thinking ahead about what is absent yet may be needed.

During the season and school year, Gomez works on social media and conducts film exchanges with the head coaches of other teams. He also posts game film on Synergy, a company specializing in basketball analytics designed for scouting, player development, and even just entertainment purposes so the CCSF players can be viewed and hopefully generate four-year recruiting interest.

Gomez also has a role in academics as an unofficial class advisor, "aiding players in getting registered and enrolled and also pointing out financial aid possibilities."

His game day operations are separated by whether CCSF is playing at home or on the road. because "for away games, I need to carry extra basketball uniforms in case they are needed."

Gomez is also in charge of a critical ritual item which appears prior to contests: game day gum. Ice Breaker Ice Cubes is the choice of the Rams. "I give Justin a case and he cracks it open." Maybe CCSF can work out a sponsorship agreement with the Hershey Company.

Whether it's the upcoming tournament or during the season, Gomez desires to refine what is in front of him. "I'm always looking at what can I do better even if it's improving small things." He also really enjoys and benefits from networking with coaches and other basketball figures and is always willing to help out whenever and wherever he can.

The San Ramon Valley High (Danville) graduate from way back when noted, "my job is actually very fulfilling." Following in the footsteps of his sister, he eventually arrived at CCSF and began as a student manager at CCSF after answering an flyer seeking a student manager placed by Coach Labagh. It's appropriate to give Gomez some degree of credit for CCSF's hoops stature, a power reputation developed by posting so many more wins than losses every season.

Potpourri, Sep 20

News Bits

Melvin Bell: "Cali wassup 🌴 #committed #gospartans"

Playing at a prominent prep school in Indiana this year, 6-foot-4, 175 Melvin Bell visited Brown University on September 5 so he has academic chops. He hit San Jose State University on September 13 and committed on the 17th. Pending trips to Murray State and Ball State are cancelled. A trip to DePaul in late June didn't produce a love match. Bell was offered on July 16 by the Spartans.

His recruiting timeline in interesting. Stanford offered in February 2023 (academics again). Bell went on unofficial visits to Illinois, Michigan and Missouri in 2022 prior to his leg woes and received offers but matters apparently cooled post injury as those level of schools don't wait around, they simply move on to other prospects. Bell's NIL prospects also likely diminished.

From his signing article: "...Before I went on the visit to San Jose I started to build a relationship with Coach [Tim] Miles and Coach [Ed] Gipson,” Bell said. “But then when I got on campus everything just felt genuine. The coaches kept it real with me and when I watched practice and film I saw that I’ll fit in perfectly. Plus it was just a good opportunity...”

From an earlier article: "...They said they love my game and how I play with a chip on my shoulder since coming back from my injury. They think I can be a good fit and factor to their team.”

Bell shattered his tibia and ruptured his patellar tendon during 15u AAU ball in the spring.

“I was out for like a year,” Bell said. “I’m feeling real good now..."

"...At Peach Jam, Bell averaged 14.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game to help Meanstreets to a 6-2 record in the PIT. The guard also shot 61.9% from the floor and 50% from 3-point range. “I’m a dog,” Bell said of his game. “I pick up full court. I can get downhill, shoot the ball a little bit. And I help my teammates make a play...”

“...Melvin has been one the staples of our programs for the last few years,” Meanstreets 17u head coach Jerel McNeal said. “He is one of the best and most underrated two-way players in the country. Has great positional size, good athlete, and skill set. Off the court he’s a really smart kid, hard working and loyal!...”

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Derek Murray: "Oregon is in tonight for ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2025 Winters Grady of Prolific Prep."

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Derek Murray: "2026 Caeden Hutcherson (6’4 G) of Archbishop Mitty & Team Lillard has earned an offer from California."

and

Derek Murray: "2026 Caeden Hutcherson (6’4 G) of Archbishop Mitty & Team Lillard has earned an offer from UNLV."

Does he want to stay home (SJSU) or very near home (Cal) or go for the bright lights on the Vegas Strip? The Spartans have a chance if SJSU Coach Tim Miles can get the Spartan program stabilized and successful but Cal and Coach Mark Madsen in the ACC will be a mighty mountain to climb. Bet on Hutcherson heading to Berkeley.

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"Why On3 is higher than the industry with 2027 C Obinna Ekezie"

Ekezie is with Prolific Prep and Team Lillard.

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Derek Murray: "2026 Elias Obenyah (6’4 G) of Salesian Prep (CA) & Team Lillard has earned an offer from California."

Hallelujah, the great Nor Cal drought is over! Obenyah now has an offer from from an ACC squad that plays just up 80 for about 45 miles. This one makes it nine offers for Obenyah.

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DePaul Prep Men's Basketball: "Congratulations to Rykan Woo who was offered by UC Davis HC Coach Jim Les this morning."

Woo is a 6-foot-1 point out of Illinois and GuardU seem like a match.

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Rose City Ballers: "UC Davis, Sac St and Jessup (D2) checking out 2025 Chase Rawlins."

Who will break the ice first on the 6-foot-5 guard and possibly gain an advantage?

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Derek Murray: "St. Mary’s (HC) & UC San Diego (HC +1) are in for 2025 Trent MacLean today SoCal Academy."

Gael Coach Randy Bennett has interest in the son of former UCLA big Don MacLean.

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Jalen Stokes: "Montana wtw?!🐻 #officialvisit #GoGrizz."

Former Dublin High guard Jalen Stokes (now at Dougherty Valley High) tripped to Montana recently. The Grizz nabbed backcourter Money Williams out of Oakland High last year and he performed superbly as a freshman. Will that impress Stokes or make him feel Montana is set at shooting guard for two more seasons after he arrives?

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"Brandin Podziemski speaks to Warriors' underdog mindset"

Potpourri, Sep 17

News Bits

I guess it's time to come clean.  Yes, I've discovered that I am a basketball junkie. But I will not be seeking any respite. If hoops items appear (especially commits and certainly offers) as has recently occurred, yes, I will print them despite my previous claim of taking time off due to a so-called lack of news. Still, I won't be keeping a M - W - F schedule until November. Yours in basketball.

Cal Men's Basketball Secures Second Commitment of 2025 Class in 4-star PG Semetri Carr"

plus

3-star CG Semetri Carr commits to Cal

It will be very interesting to see if Carr breaks open other Nor Cal talents going with Coach Mark Madsen's Bears.

Verbal Commits: "2026 Prolific Prep (CA) G Rajan Roberts has received an offer from California."

Verbal Commits: "2027 Cushing Academy (MA) F Theophilous Edema has received an offer from California."

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Max Feldman: "Key early commitment for Stanford in Top-80 2026 G Myles Jones. Smooth, high IQ combo with big-time shot-making ability."

This was a no brainer to come play for Coach Kyle Smith and also eventually benefit from the Stanford grad network. A solid get, with upside potential.

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Verbal Commits: "2025 Clayton Valley Charter High (CA) G Elijah Perryman has committed to Utah State.

Fellow Mountain West Conference member Utah State comes into Nor Cal and lands a prep point who San Jose State University offered on July 22. USU offered Perryman on July 31. The 6-foot-2 Perryman also passed on earlier offers from USF and Santa Clara. He even said no to 'Beach U' UC Santa Barbara.

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"Hoop Executive : 2024 Pro West Camp Recap"

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"Elias Obenyah comes in at #138 in the new 247sports 2026 Top 150 National rankings!"

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"Kyree Walker, G League hopefuls take their shot at Valley Suns tryouts"

Remember when Walker attended Moreau Catholic?

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"Thank you, Al Attles. Your legacy will live on."

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Ersin Demir: "Recruiting = changing. Too many D1 schools prioritize older players from the portal than develop incoming freshmen. So get rid of the "D1 or nothing" mentality and consider every NAIA, JUCO, D3 or D2 school that's interested. Increasing your NIL value by playing is the way to go."

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Andrew Young Bessed to receive an offer from the university of Utah thanks coach smith and coach leath and the rest of the staff for this opportunity.

Young is a 6-foot-3 2026 combo guard at Archbishop Riordan. Leath worked with the Oakland Soldiers for 10 years followed by two years assisting at Sacramento State.

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Derek Murray: "LSU was in today for... ️2025 Jasir Rencher of Team Lillard AAU."

Is this a first having LSU out here recruiting in the Bay Area/northern California?

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Jake Lieberman: "2026 6'5 guard Josh Powell out of Skyline Prep HS (AZ) tells me that Arizona State, Colorado State, Grand Canyon, Pepperdine, Louisville & Stanford were in to see him. Visiting Arizona State next week & planning a visit to Stanford."

and

Jake Lieberman: "2027 6'7 prospect Javon Bardwell out of Hillcrest Prep AZ had Auburn, UCLA, Louisville, Stanford, Nebraska & Washington in to see him. Offers included Texas Tech, Grand Canyon, Montana, Robert Morris, among others."

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Simply Basketball: "Elliot Conley (2025) stock is rising! The 6’4 do it all wing , known for his high flying dunks showed his full bag! And named 2025 Most outstanding player at the Pro West Camp!"

Conley attends San Ramon Valley High.

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Juan Toscano-Anderson is playing for G League United at the third annual NBA G League Fall Invitational this month. The veteran wing is hoping for another NBA opportunity, he told Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle.

“I want to show teams that if they were to pick me up, I can enhance the team atmosphere as a player but also as a teammate in the locker room,” Toscano-Anderson said.

He appeared in 11 games with the Sacramento Kings last season and spent much of the year playing for the Mexico City Capitanes..."

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"Spurs Waive Jamaree Bouyea"

The Palma High and USF grad will likely drop the NBA dream and head overseas. He'll play big minutes and make good money.

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Derek Murray: "San Jose State was in today at SoCal Academy for ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2025 Jacob Ross & 2026 Jachai Cantave."

Ross is a 6-foot-6 wing out of the LA area but played at Long Island Lutheran last year and has offers from Kansas State, Maryland, Charleston, Fordham, Coastal Carolina, VCU, Old Dominion, Towson, NIU, Sam Houston State, and Radford.

Cantave is a 6-foot-1 point out of Texas. His offers include: Houston, Creighton, Texas A&M and UC Riverside.

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