Potpourri, Apr 30

News Bits

Andrej Stojaković:

Would love to know what factor(s) led in his decision to play for the Coach Brad Underwood and the Iliini. Illinois is usually nationally competitive (fell off a bit this season) and maybe that played big in his decision. Also,he shouldn't have to carry so much of the load on offense.

Former basketballer Drake (Rio Americano High/Cal Poly) U'u is Ross' agent so, if you are an Illini fan, you love the Drake. Conversely, you hate the Drake if you root for the Bears.

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"Is there a path forward for Cal MBB? What roster building strategy can work for Cal and Mark Madsen in the current NIL landscape?"

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Jon Rothstein: "UConn transfer Aidan Mahaney tells me that he has committed to UC Santa Barbara."

Good choice but a bit lower level than expected. He needed to get this right since he'll be a senior next season. Starting shooting guard Cole Anderson is graduating as is fellow starting guard, leading scorer and top assist talent Stephan Swenson. Coach Joe Pasternack will utilize Mahaney appropriately.

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PortalUpdates: "Mississippi State transfer Adrien Myers has committed to San Jose Staté. The 6’6” redshirt sophomore guard did not suit up for the Bulldogs this season, and will have 3 years of eligibility remaining."

He's a backcourt big un as he combines his height with 210 pounds. Coach Tim Miles likes larger backcourters but it seems likely he'll play some wing. Myers redshirted this season after playing very little as a freshman. He's out of Virginia.

AND

The Portal Scoop: "Ryan Richardson point guard from Missouri State West Plains has heard from the following programs:

• UTEP
• Saint Peter’s
• San Jose State
• New Orleans
• Mercer
• Marist
• SIUE
• Omaha
• Marshall
• +More"

AND

Austin Mick: "6’3 Junior Sacramento State G Julian_Vaughns has heard from:

• New Mexico State
• Campbell
• USC
• UIC
• San José State
• Hawaii
• Houston Christian
• Denver

The lanky smooth Scoring Guard can score it from all 3 levels with craft. Very clean mechanics on his jumper, one motion release with a beautiful ball path. Really smart ghost screener and can read the closeout situations he creates well. Shoots off the catch and dribble: spots/relocations, side and step back 3’s, hang 3’s, dribble move pickup 3’s, snatches, under , pins, walk in, ghost pop and flare 3’s, pullback 3’s on ball screens, and is very good shooting off handoffs. Plays off the catch as a recipient a lot and is very good at it. Has the ability to create in space off a live dribble with a smooth handle with some hang to it, more compact with it. Good playing out of triple threat with jabs and jab crosses. Has rondo turnaround fade finishes and running floats touch or off glass. Veer bumps to create contact on ground. Loves the hurdle euro in lane to split gaps. Has the slow step finish. Has the stride stop swivel spin which he can shoot the mid off of. Can read ball screens/handoffs/off ball screens and has good rescreen cadence. Good at curling and hitting pockets, curling to get to floats, straight cutting for dribble 3’s, or bump fading for 3’s or rips baseline for mids or lays. Knows how to read screens as the screener slipping and as the one coming off the screen.

10.9 PPG | 40 FG% | 35 3FG%"

Vaughns is out of St. Joseph Notre Dame High, CCSF and University of Alberta.

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PortalUpdates: "Portland transfer Vukasin Masic has committed to San Francisco. The 6’5” senior guard appeared in 27 games, averaging 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Masic shot 36% from 3, knocking down 46 3-pointers this season."

Malik Thomas remains in the portal and this signing looks like his replacement. Masic is another biggie at 210 pounds. Out of Serbia, he prepped in New Jersey. This season, he started 15 of 27 games, shooting 42% overall, grabbing 3.2 boards per game. Masic finished the season with 89 assists to 39 turnovers.

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PortalUpdates: "Washington State transfer Marcus Wilson has committed to UC Davis. The 6’3” freshman guard appeared in 4 games for the Cougars before suffering a season ending injury. Will have 4 years of eligibility remaining."

Guard U also has two high school guards coming to town for next season. Not much to find on this young man but he did lead his Arizona prep school in assists as a senior, his sole year there.

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PortalUpdates: "Saint Mary’s transfer Jordan Ross has committed to Georgia. The 6’3” sophomore guard started all 35 games for the Gaels, averaging 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Scored 15 against Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA tournament."

Georgia Coach Mike White must have been impressed and still had NIL $$$ to spend. Thought Ross might head back to his home state of Utah.

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PortalUpdates: "Binghamton transfer Dominic Capriotti has committed to Pacific. The 6’3” redshirt sophomore guard appeared in 4 games this season, and has 3 years of eligibility remaining. Capriotti played at Houston Christian as a freshman during the 2023-24 season where he averaged 7.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, and shot 38.5% from 3. Was also named Southland Rookie of The Year."

Seems like a solid pickup for the Tigers.

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Jake Lieberman: "2026 6’6 prospect Alexander Egbuonu from Lawrence Academy (MA) tells me that he’s in recent contact with Texas, Auburn, Marquette, Xavier, Stanford, Penn State, Alabama & Notre Dame. Texas extended an offer yesterday."

That's some competition.

AND

Jake Lieberman: "2026 6’6 guard Eli Jolin out of Fort Erie International Academy & Brookwood Elite tells me that he’s in contact with St. Louis, Princeton, Stanford, Arizona State, Rice, Vermont, Western Michigan & UAlbany. One of the top ‘26 prospects out of Canada."

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Jake Lieberman: "2026 6’6 prospect Ethan Mgbako out of Oak Hill Academy & Team Melo tells me that he’s receiving interest from Ole Miss, Princeton, St. Louis, Cal, South Carolina, Seton Hall, Illinois, +. Offers include West Virginia, Creighton, LSU, Florida State, Mississippi State, +."

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Verbal Commits: "Former Arizona State F Brandon Gardner is transferring to Sacramento State."

He's a 6-foot-8, 215 pound sophomore-to-be out of Georgia who first enrolled and redshirted at USC then enrolled at Arizona State and never played this season.

AND

Zach Anderson: "Blessed to announce my commitment to Sac State University! Thank you Coach Bibby and the staff for this opportunity. SacHornetsMBB! Thank you to my coaches at Scottsdale CC Curtis Millage for everything! Lastly, Thank you God! With that being said, GO HORNETS!!!"

Anderson is a 6-foot-3, 180 pound sophomore shooting guard. In 27 games/starts this season, he led his squad with 11.6 points per game, shooting 39% overall, a solid 39% on three-pointers and 72% at the foul line.

AND

"Sources: Shaquille O'Neal agrees to be Sacramento State's GM"

Shaq's son recently transferred in to play for Coach Henry Bibby.

AND

"UCF Transfer Mikey Williams has committed to Sacramento State "

At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he didn't produce much as a freshman this past season -- shot 37.1% from the field (33-for-89), 28.1% from three-point range (9-for-32) and 80% from the free throw line (16-for-20) -- but was once a so-called phenom. "Williams became the first American high school basketball player to ink a multi-year deal with Puma. At the time, the prep phenom had more than 5 million combined Instagram, TikTok and Twitter followers." Here's an article about an earlier Williams legal situation.

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"Bucks' Damian Lillard to have surgery for torn Achilles tendon"

This is sickening considering he had just returned from a different injury.

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Trey Knight: "COMMITTED."

The 6-foot-1 former point for Moreau Catholic High is headed to a community college located in Alabama. He played this just completed season at Tacoma Community College in Washington.

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Potpourri, Apr 28

News Bits

Travis Branham: "NEWS: UC Riverside is hiring Cal State San Bernardino head coach Gus Argenal as their next head coach, a source tells 247Sports. Had a 71.4% Win Percentage at San Bernardino and went to the D2 Final Four in 2023-24."

Congrats to a wonderful human being and an excellent coach. Justin Argenal, his brother, is the head coach at Dominican University in San Rafael. Both are De La Salle High grads and played udner Frank Allocco. UC Riverside resides in the Big West Conference.

Here's a 2021 feature detaining Gus Argenal's background.

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"Washington's Tyler Harris commits to transfer to Vanderbilt"

Been waiting for him to land. He did so in the SEC, arguably the toughest league currently in college hoops. He'll be NBA bound If he proves himself in that competition.

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Jon Rothstein: "Sources: Cal transfer Andrej (Jesuit High) Stojakovic --- who recently visited Illinois --- is also receiving interest from the following programs. 

• North Carolina
• Florida
• Gonzaga
• USC
• Washington
• Cincinnati"

Then,Jon Rothstein: "Source: Cal transfer Andrej Stojakovic has cut his list to the following programs.

• Illinois
• North Carolina
• Stanford

A final decision is expected this week."

So he will not be returning to Berkeley. Surprised not to see Florida on the list but maybe the NIL offer wasn't interesting enough.

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Weber State Men's Basketball: "Officially a Wildcat! 🏀 Welcome to the family ArDarius!"

The pride of Oakland Tech makes it official. The back-to-back OAL MVP, he's the star that stirred the drink for the victorious Bulldogs.

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David Young: "Extremely blessed to announce I am 100% committed to the University of Hawai’i at Hilo!"

The 6-foot-6 wing has played at a JC in Washington state the past two years after graduating from Folsom High.

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CCSF Men's Basketball: "Congrats to State Champ 💍 John Squire on committing to University of New Hampshire. UNH is getting a good one."

The 6-foot-8, 225 pound Squire averaged 8.8 points (shooting 56%) and 6.5 rebounds in 2024-25, is out of St. Ignatius and formerly played at Pepperdine. Time to add major winter weather gear to the wardrobe.

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Mario Williams Jr.: "Blessed to receive another offer from MenloMBB (D2)."

He's a 6-foot-5 guard transfer from Western Oregon University and also has offers from UC Colorado Springs, UC Merced, Cal State Monterey Bay and Arkansas Fort Smith. He prepped at Venture Academy in Stockton. New Menlo Coach Jamison Montgomery makes his first offer.

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

Tuscan Onuoha: "After much thought, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining.Thank you UT-A, and the coaching staff for their support."

SJSU offered the 6-foot-11, 250 Onuoha prior to his decision to move on from Dodge City CC to Texas Arlington. UC Davis expressed interest. One current issue: he missed his second season at DCCC due to injury and it appears that he was sidelined this season at UT Arlington so he hasn't played in a game for two years. Don't know what each injury involved. He's an Aussie who prepped in Massachusetts. Also a lefty and a 4.0 student. As a freshman at DCCC in 10.5 minutes a night, he shot 48% from the floor, no trey attempts and 47% at the foul line, with 12 blocked shots in 33 games. From video: seems mobile, has good hands, isn't afraid of contact but is he still a project at this point or can he earn solid minutes right away in D1?

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Seattle U Men's Basketball: "Welcome to the Redhawk family, Miles Amos."

Amos is 6-foot-2 and a solid 200 pounds out of CCSF and Stuart Hall High. He averaged 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 57%, 37% and 72% respectively and was named North Division Player of the Year. Seattle is joining the West Coast Conference which will have Amos going up this coming season against USF.

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

Verbal Commits: "UMBC G Devan Sapp has entered the transfer portal. Grad transfer."

The 6-foot-4 Sapp prepped at Archbishop Mitty and won a state championship at CCSF.

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

Austin Mick: "6’0 Pg King-Njhsanni Wilhite out of City College of San Francisco JUCO tells me he has heard from:

• Southern Utah
• Portland State
• Chaminade
• Lamar

The 6’0 PG is good athlete with burst. Moves with real bounce and drag to his step. Good at creating contact on the ground for separation to get his finishes off with either hand. Will push and make plays in transition. Can shoot the mid.  Can really shoot it off the catch/relocation, triple threat jabs/eyeballs, handoffs, under and walk in 3’s off a ball screen, and transition pulls. Good touch on his floater. Can really guard the ball and is pesky with his hands.

• 12 PPG | 47 FG% | 41 3FG% (56-137 on year) | 82 FT%
• 2x First Team All conference
• 1x All Freshman Team
• State Champion 24-25 (32-1)"

He prepped at Archbishop Riordan.

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Paul Brecht: "NEWS: Former Chico State G Isaiah Kerr has announced his commitment to #HawaiiMBB on Saturday, becoming the third portal addition of the week for UH. Kerr was All-CCAA 1st-team last year, shooting 35% from 3PT range & averaging 13.2pts & 4.1reb across 29 starts for the Wildcats."

Kerr is out of St. Francis High and Montana.

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Potpourri, Apr 25

News Bits

Travis Branham: "NEWS: 2025 four-star PF Trent MacLean, the son of UCLA legend Don MacLean, has committed to Saint Mary’s, he tells 247Sports. Former West Virginia signee."

I am being mean and to a degree unfair here but coming out of southern California, planning first to go to college in the state of West Virginia and now heading to Moraga has to be akin to walking on the beach, then stepping on a rusty nail only to find just below that nail is a pot o' gold. MacLean is 6-foot-9, 200 and the prototypical Gael in that he will continue to develop and be a solid NBA prospect by the time he is a senior, NIL $$$ notwithstanding. Apparently, God is indeed a Gael.

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Verbal Commits: "Former Iowa F Chris Tadjo is transferring to Santa Clara."

With Montreal as his hometown but originally from Africa, the 6-foot-8, 240 pound Tadjo is a sophomore-to-be who played very little to date.

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"Cal men's basketball lands Syracuse wing Chris Bell in the transfer portal" -- Write For California

Bell is coming home, being a De La Salle High graduate.

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Tobias Bass: "NEWS: UC Davis guard TY Johnson plans to enter the transfer, he tells TheAthleticCBB. He averaged of 21.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game."

Johnson played under tremendous pressure all season as the guy who had to score 20+ points per game and take pressure and pressured shots if Davis was to have a chance to win and he was the defensive target of opposing schemes and teams. He shot 38% overall and 29% from long distance but both those numbers will certainly improve if he is playing alongside a scoring center/forward and a good shooting wing/guard teammate. Hate to see him go but he deserves a big NIL payday.

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Jake Lieberman: "UC Merced (D2) guard Aidan Sevilla has entered the transfer portal. Averaged 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds & 3.5 assists. Shot 41.0% 3PT. Conference Defensive Player of the Year."

Out of Dougherty Valley High and Regis University, the 6-foot-2 Sevilla also posted 89 assists to 43 turnovers. Might a D1 team with a couple of points producing guards bring in Sevilla for his defensive prowess alone?

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Sterling Mcclanahan: "After a great visit with my family I am blessed to receive my 1st Offer from UC Merced! Thank you to Coach Pham and the coaching staff!"

He is a 6-foot-3 sophomore out of Vanden High who averaged 14.8 points per game plus 4.2 rebounds for Las Positas College.

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7-foot-1 Mor (Prolific Prep) Seck has moved on from Fresno State to Towson University in Maryland. He was at Hawaii prior to Fresno. Seck didn't play all that much at either previous D1 home and I'm a little surprised he didn't drop down to D2 for the potential of greater playing time but there is a difference in scholarship funding and that likely was a factor in him remaining D1.

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Jake Lieberman: "2025 6'7 wing Marko Radunovic averaged 23.7 points, 10.7 rebounds & 6.3 assists this past weekend in France at the Cholet Mondial tournament. Prospect with lots of upside & versatility."

AND

Jake Lieberman: "Radunovic tels me that he's hearing from the following:

• Oklahoma State
• Tennessee
• Florida
• Arizona State
• Boise State
• Xavier
• Saint Mary's
• +"

Joe Tipton, one of the very few really top of the line recruiting reporters today, predicts Andrej Stojakovic will decide on attending Illinois. First Stanford, then California... but, if so, he would be choosing one of the nationally competitive basketball programs.

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"SPARTANS SIGN FORWARD DOUGLAS “JAMES” LANGFORD"

He's 6-foot-7, 215 and a very bright young man but will need time before being ready to consistently contribute.  SJSU still needs a center even if 7-foot, 200 Adrame Diongue returns to the Spartans from the transfer portal.

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Sam Kayser: "Florida Atlantic forward Baba Miller is hearing from these schools since going portaling, source tells LeagueRD:

• Louisville
• Indiana
• Cincinnatti
• Memphis
• UConn
• Florida State
• Oklahoma State
• Ohio State
• BYU
• Kansas State
• Virginia
• Ole Miss
• California
• UNLV
• Seton Hall
• New Mexico
• South Florida

He averaged 11.3PPG, 7.0RPG and 2.7APG this season."

Coach Mark Madsen is facing major, major competition here.

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Dushawn London: "Old Dominion transfer Sean Durugordon has heard from the following programs per his reps SerosPartners. Averaged 15.7 points and 9.1 rebounds.

• UCF
• Cincinnati
• LMU
• Seton Hall
• Cal
• Stanford
• George Mason
• South Carolina"

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Transfer Portal for Playing Time: "CBB Transfer Portal Spotlight

• Jeremy Dent-Smith
• 6'1" 195
• Guard
• California State-Dominguez Hills
• 2024-25 Stats (33 Games):
• 18.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 43.0 FG%"

Dent-Smith also entered the transfer portal last season but returned to CSDH. He's not Nor Cal-connected but is an intriguing prospect. On the small side for a shooting guard but strong, Dent-Smith was named the CCAA Player of the Year in 2023-24 and this season he shot 43%, 35% and 82% (a very attractive 181 free throw attempts) on his way to scoring 19.0 points per game. Credited with 107 assists versus 92 turnovers, he also grabbed 53 steals. I see him as a second(or third)-on-the-team scorer in D1 where he would need to improve his shooting efficiency and reduce his ballhandling miscues.

But he's a young man who can explode for points and every D1 team in northern California could use his talents. But since he's a homegrown southern Californian, it's likely he'll remain down there either at a D1 school or in a return to Dominguez Hills. Have no clue what his NIL $$$ ask might be, let alone what he could in reality expect.

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

Jake Lieberman: "6’11 UMass transfer Malek Abdelgowad is receiving interest from Pacific, Morehead State, Campbell, Northern Illinois, Incarnate Word & Bowling Green. Averaged 4.6 points & 5.0 rebounds."

AND

Sam Kayser: "Marshall transfer Dezayne Mingo has heard from these schools since going portaling, he told LeagueRD:

• St. John’s
• Georgetown
• Texas
• Texas A&M
• Ole Miss
• Ohio State
• Pitt
• Georgia
• Georgia Tech
• Seton Hall
• Vanderbilt
• George Washington
• New Mexico State
• Ball State
• Old Dominion
• Pacific
• FIU
• Charlotte

Mingo averaged 12.6PPG, 5.2APG and 4.7RPG this season for the Thundering Herd."

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Sam Kayser: "Kansas State transfer CJ Jones has heard from these schools since going portaling, a source told LeagueRDY:

• Indiana
• USC
• UNLV
• Mississippi State
• Seton Hall
• Virginia Tech
• DePaul
• Memphis
• New Mexico State
• Missouri State
• Sam Houston
• Pacific
• Sacramento State
• Georgia Tech
• South Florida

The 6-5 point guard averaged 5.7PPG, 1.7RPG and 1.5APG this season."

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365 Recruits: "Michigan G Jace Howard has entered the transfer portal. After playing in 10 games this season he medically redshirted. He has heard from the following schools:

• UMass
• Fordham
• Arizona State
• La Salle
• Sacramento State"

Howard's measurements are 6-foot-7, 215 pounds. He is the son of Juwan Howard.

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Gus Morris: "Rancho Cotate High has parted ways with head basketball coach Mike Washington after 8 seasons. Cougars had one of their winningest seasons in decades at 21-5 last year and Washington was named NBL-Redwood Coach of the Year. Surprising move to say the least."

Morris also reports that former Sonoma State assistant coach James Slade is taking over. Slade also played at Sonoma State, College of the Redwoods and Ferndale High.

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Austin Mick: "6’6 Sophomore Indiana St wing Jahni Summers tells me he has heard from:

• UC Davis
• Louisiana Tech
• Montana St
• Austin Peay
• Niagara University
• Hofstra
• Texas A&M Corpus Christi
• William & Mary University
• Abilene Christian University
• Bellarmine
• SEMO
• South Dakota St
• Ball St
• Texas St
• WKU
• Nicholls University
• Sacramento State
• Arkansas St
• UAlbany
• St. Peter
• Stonehill
• UT Martin
• Winthrop

The 6’6 athletic Wing can really shoot the ball and has fluent and smooth mechanics. Makes spot/relication 3’s off the catch, pins/staggers, handoffs, pop backs on splits, shot fake side steps, and transition run ins. Good using his shot fake and attacking closeouts. Knows how to play without the ball and cuts very well. Will hit the get and chase and play off action or cut. Good in transition as well. Can guard in space and cuts guys down.

39 3FG% shooter!"

AND

Austin Mick: "The former Indiana State wing Jahni Summers tells me he will be visiting:&nbps; Arkansas st 25-26th, and  Sacramento St 27th-29th"

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"The $10 million club: College basketball's portal recruiting hits unthinkable levels of financial chaos"

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Potpourri, Apr 23

News Bits

Sam Kayser: "NEWS: Saint Mary’s guard Jordan Ross is entering the transfer portal, he told LeagueRDY. Ross is a former four-star recruit who has played the last two seasons for the Gaels. Native of Pleasant Grove, Utah. He averaged 8.3PPG, 3.1RPG and 2.6APG this season."

Why now? Gael fans have to be both shocked and crestfallen as Ross was going to be the man this coming season. Will he find a landing spot that is better for him (not likely) or is this an NIL situation driven by the enormous figures floating around of late? Does this pave the way for the return of Aidan Mahaney? Lots o' questions.

Just in -- Sam Kayser: "Saint Mary’s transfer Jordan Ross has heard from these schools since hitting the portal, he told LeagueRDY:

• Washington
• Mississippi State
• Clemson
• Gonzaga
• Iowa
• Vanderbilt
• Kansas State
• St John’s
• Washington State
• UNLV
• Seton Hall"

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

Travis Branham: "Andrej Stojakovic has completed a Zoom with USC and has been in steady contact with Kentucky, a source told 247Sports. Others showing interest include North Carolina, Florida, Clemson, LSU, Cincinnati, UConn and more. A return to California is also still in consideration."

Branham also indicated that the Jesuit High grad was visiting Illinois on Monday."

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

"Michigan State transfer guard commits to Santa Clara following two years in East Lansing"

Playing time is available over at 500 El Camino Real plus Coach Herb Sendek and his staff have a great rep for getting guys to the next level.

AND

Workin It Hoops: "NEWS: 6-foot-7 Jacob Dar is visiting Memphis today & Santa Clara tomorrow, per source. Long, athletic, sharpshooting wing who really came on during conference play for Rice. Had some HUGE games this season including 24 PTS/6 REB/2 BLK vs. UAB, 21 PTS/4 BLK/2 STL vs. Tulane, & 17 PTS/8 REB/3 BLK vs. Memphis."

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

6-foot-8 Isaiah (Tracy High/USF) Hawthorne entered the transfer portal on Monday thereby breaking many a heart in and around Greeley Colorado. He enjoyed a breakout season for Northern Colorado Coach Steve Smiley with 17.7 points and 5.5 rebounds. Smiley also lost his top backcourter. Hawthorne was mostly consistent but did experience some games in which he wasn't a factor. This will be his first chance a good NIL $$$ so who can blame him. However, he will require an NCAA waiver for an additional year of eligibility.

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

6-foot-9, 215 pound Nikolaos Chitikoudis, out of North Carolina A&T, recently tripped to Pacific. He would be a solid 'get' as he averaged 10.8 points and 9.3 rebounds in his sophomore season. Chitikoudis shot 54% overall but a worrisome 44% at the foul line. He also blocked 40 shots.

But much more importantly: Jeff Goodman: "Pacific junior point guard Lamar Washington has entered the portal, he told TheFieldOf68. Washington averaged 13.5 points, 5.8 assists and 5.1 boards this past season. Should be pursued by several high-major programs."

This one hurts deep as Washington was the backcourt leader and it will be really difficult to replace his production.

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Jon Rothstein: "UConn transfer Aidan Mahaney tells me that he will visit both Florida State and Florida Atlantic this weekend."

Mahaney cancelled his FSU visit but that was to take place soon after the recent campus shootings at Florida State.

Hey, how about California now that Andrej Stojakovic has portaled? Or...

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

"University of California, Merced junior guard Cameron (Bishop O'Dowd) Brown was named to the Second Team Academic All-America men's basketball team selected by College Sports Communicators..."

Brown sports a 3.58 grade point average and is majoring in business and management economics.

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

"Daily Journal Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year: San Mateo’s Zidane Auzarang"

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

"Nevada men's basketball adds assistant coach Lo Leath, previously at Utah"

"During his decade-long tenure with the (Oakland) Soldiers (AAU team), Leath served as coach (2012-16) and vice president (2016-22)..."

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

It appears that Senque Carey is no longer assisting at Pacific as his bio and email address have disappeared although his photo and phone number remain. Here is Bubbles Hawkins IV on Carey's hire last August.

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

Daniel Ortiz: "Excited to announce my commitment to further my education and play basketball at Dominican University. Thank you to all my coaches for getting me where I am today and thank you to the Dominican staff for the opportunity."

Ortiz is a 6-foot-3 guard out of Oxnard College and twice earned All Western State Conference honors. He averaged 13.0 points a game this season.

AND

Oxnard College Men's Basketball: "Congratulations to 6’7 F Luke Ortiz @lukeortiz_44 on Committing to Dominican University! In year one he was an All-WSC first team selection and helped guide us to a 15-9 season."

A frontcourter, he averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 boards per game. They both attended the same high school so I'm guessing they are brothers even with the four inch high difference. Dominican Coach Justin Argenal gets a double pickup from the same school.

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

Dylan Harms: "100% Committed!"

Committing to Simpson University, he's a 6-foot-5, 195 pound wing out of Yuba College and Bella Vista High. He averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists this season, shooting 48% overall and 41% from three-point range.

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

Yuba Mens Hoops: "Congrats to Yuba College forward TJ Maveety who has accepted a scholarship to U of British Columbia in Vancouver! One of the top academic institutions in the world and a Canadian basketball power!"

He's 6-foot-6 and prepped at Granite Bay High.

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

Verbal Commits: "2025 Citrus College (CA) G Tyler (San Ramon Valley High/Golden State Prep Basketball) Isaak has committed to Montana."

The 6-foot-4 sharpshooting Isaak earned all-state status this past season and should fit in well with Montana's offense. He scored 18.6 points per game on 56% and 41% shooting from the floor plus grabbed 5.8 rebounds alongside 2.3 assists.

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

Joe Tipton: "Cornell transfer forward AK (Clovis North High) Okereke has committed to Vanderbilt, he tells On3sports. The 6-7 junior averaged 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season."

Was hoping Stanford might pursue him but have no idea if such a desire was a reality.

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

Potpourri, Apr 21

News Bits

With a new coach out of Canadian hoops circles, transfer portal Canadians are hitting Stockton in 2025:

Joe Moussa: "6’11 Dayton transfer Isaac Jack commits to Pacific. HC Dave Smart lands yet another Canadian recruit."

A biggun all the way around at 6-foot-11, 250 pounds, he scored just 3.2 points as a junior but did shoot a remarkable 82%, 31-38.

AND

6-foot-1 Canadian junior point Jaden Clayton out of University of Maine with 150 assists versus 58 turnovers plus throw in 59 steals.

AND

6-foot-8 Augustas Brazdeikis out of Carleton College in Canada. He can pop from outside and also work his way in the paint. It appears he has two years remaining but that's not definite.

AND

6-foot-1 shooting guard Alex Marmolejos out of Lamar University has a year of remaining eligibility. He'll be a starter. No Canadian passport here.

Pacific still has roster openings and first year Coach Dave Smart still needs additional talent. More signings are ahead.

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

Austin Mick: "6’2 JR Guard out of Chico State D2 JoJo (Piedmont High) Murphy tells me he is hearing from WCC and Big West Schools. Smooth handle with great use off hand swipe on attack. ELITE shooter off bounce and catch. Great feel. Very good midrange turnaround middie fade and crafty 2 foot finishes. Crafty around rim with finishes. D2 West Regional player of year.

20.7 PPG | 4.0 APG | 4.7 RPG | 47 FG% | 38 3 FG%."

As for the West Coast Conference, Seattle is a 2025 addition and Murphy has tripped to the Northwest. Haven't seen anything connecting Murphy to Santa Clara, USF or St. Mary's.

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6-foot-8 Tyler (Granada High) Harris transferred out of Portland to play at Washington this season and then jumped back into the transfer portal. Haven't seen his name mentioned by the multitude of scouts and whatnot dotting the internet despite his attractiveness as a player. Strange.

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Robel Zemmo: "100% COMMITTED!!"

He isn't going far just up to Chico State. The 6-foot-2 guard is out of West Valley College and Oakland Tech. Chico Coach Cevin Meador has lost a ton of talent to the transfer portal so playing time will be available to be earned.

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Aidan James Braccia: "Home sweet home! Go Dons!"

The 6-foot-2 point has returned to the Bay Area from Belmont U (he graduated from Sacred Heart Prep). He appears to be a walk-on to the USF program. Good to have Aiden back.

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Skyline College Men's Basketball: "Congrats to Nick Corbett on his full scholarship with Concordia. Nick spent 33 weeks in our workouts & practice- totally transforming his body & game. The result is a full ride, to a prestigious university in Newport Beach. Excited for his future!

The 6-foot-7, 235 pound Corbett is out of Bellarmine College Prep and averaged a double-double with 16.5 points and 11.9 rebounds alongside 2.7 assists per game. He shot 68% overall. Concordia University Irvine is a D2 program.

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Austin Mick: "6’4 CG Isaiah (Eastside College Prep/Cal State East Bay/Chabot College/San Jose City College) Sams-Hoy, an Alaska Fairbanks D2 transfer, tells me he has heard from: Portland St, Howard, U of Vermont, NSU, West Georgia, Liberty, Bowling Green, Old Dominion, Montana, NDSU, Eastern Illinois, Le Moyne, Cal Poly, Fresno State, Mercyhurst, Stetson, UTEP, Chattanooga."

It would also be nice to have him back in the Bay Area but multiple around-the-bay players have done well at Montana so...

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Austin Mick: "6’4 Sacred Heart CG (Amiri Stewart) tells me he has heard from: Cal St Fullerton, WKU, George Mason, Toledo, Hofstra, NC A&T, Maryland Eastern Shore, Sam Houston St, UT Arlington, San Jose St, La Tech, USF. The athletic explosive combo has a great burst off a rip or live dribble. Good playing out of triple threat or off a shot fake. Has a nice spin when cut off. Very good contact finisher. Shoots the 3 off under dribble pickups, triple threat, handoffs, and spots. Very good cutter and o rebounder. Elite defender with great length.

13 PPG | 45 FG% | 5 RPG | 3 APG"

Stewart is a grad transfer.

AND

JUCO 4 PLAYING TIME: "JC Latest: Recent Frank Phillips commit 6’5” freshman guard Damarion Vann-Kelly is generating interest from the following, he tells Revocruit

• Nebraska
• Ole Miss
• Memphis
• UNLV
• Arkansas State
• San Jose State
• La Salle
• Weber State
• Omaha
• +More"

He is out of Monterey Trail High.

However, on April 10, JUCO 4 PLAYING TIME posted: "JC Latest: 6’5” freshman guard Damarion Vann-Kelly tells Revocruit that he is returning to JUCO for his sophomore year..."

But five days later, the quality of his suitors piked up considerably. So maybe he is coming out and maybe he isn't. It would be nice to see him playing ball in NorCal. He committed earlier to Florida International but changed his mind and went back out on the market.

AND

Austin Mick: "6’4 USC Upstate junior guard Britain Harris tells me he has heard from:

• UC Santa Barbara
• MSU
• Iowa State
• St. John’s
• San Jose State
• New Mexico State
• Georgia Tech
• Richmond
• Loyola
• UIC
• Pitt
• Southern Utah

The long big guard can really shoot it with range. Hits 3’s off the hang, off catch/relocation, unders and pullbacks in space or off ball screens, handoffs. Plays off a hang and has a nice hesi off it. Extend out and body finishes at the rim. Solid feel and can play off action, knows how to hostage and can shoot a mid on a drop, sees OPPs, dumpoffs and kicks. Has great length defensively.

12 PPG | 49 FG% | 37 3FG% | 2.5 APG."

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Jake Lieberman: "6'1 guard Amir Reaves out of Trinidad State Junior College tells me that he's receiving interest from Fort Hayes State, Rockhurst University, Western Oregon & Cal State East Bay. Chicago State offered earlier today. Averaged 18.5 points, 6.0 rebounds & 3.0 assists."

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Austin Mick: "6’7 Northwest Nazarene D2 F Kye Dickson tells me he’s heard from:

• Toledo
• Jax State
• UMBC
• Fordham
• Florida A&M
• Cal Poly
• Sacramento State
• Texas Corpus Christian
• Gardner Webb
• Duquesne
• Cal Baptist
• FDU
• Bowling Green
• Missouri State
• Niagara
• Stephen F Austin
• Marshall

Versatility on both ends, good athlete and length, Smooth game and handle. Can score in a variety of ways. No brainer D1 Prospect!

18.5 PPG | 47 FG% | 38 3FG% | 8.1 RPG."

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California and Pacific have displayed interest in Lubbock Christian transfer Ethan Duncan. Go here for more from Transfer Portal For Playing Time.

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Austin Mick: "6’3 FR guard KJ Perry out of Citrus JUCO tells me he’s received offers from:

• ASU
• TCU
• Fresno State
• Cal Berkeley

Interest:

• Kansas
• San Diego
• Washington State
• UCSB

The Uber athletic and long PG is as smooth and explosive as they come. Great slow to fast game, Serious wiggle in the lane, slithery driver and uses body very well. Knows angles and change of pace in tight spaces. Solid feel. Very good in the midrange, off hang pickups and stop and pops. Can Barkley and bully. Good vertical contact finisher. Great in open court. Capable 3 ball unders and pullbacks as well.

17.5 PPG | 50 FG% | 34 3FG% | 3 APG"

Perry would be a tremendous addition if he buys what Coach Mark Madsen is offering.

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Austin Mick: "Pacific is the latest to reach out about Kalil Camara. Has a Zoom call scheduled later."

Camara is 6-foot-7 and out of Bethune Cookman. Conference Stats: 10.1 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 1.3 SPG | 46 FG% | 40 3FG%.

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Austin Mick: "6’9 Utah Valley transfer Osiris Grady tells me he has heard from:

• Wofford College
• Indiana State
• Little Rock
• Montana State
• LMU
• Western Carolina
• University Of Montana
• UC Davis 
• East Tennesse State University
• Bradley University

Brings great length and versatility. Lob threat. Provides spacing on the perimeter. Straight line drives it from perimeter. The Vegas native started 25 games in 2024-25 averaging 5.6 PPG | 3 RPG | 47 FG%."

UC Davis needs size.

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Austin Mick: "6’8 West Georgia swing Rickey Ballard tells me he has heard from: OK state, UNF, Jax State, Charlotte, Howard, Ball State, Louisiana Monroe, Penn State, High Point, Santa Clara, FAU, Hofstra, Tennessee State, UT Martin. Brings a ton of versatility defensively and offensively. Smooth wing/forward that shoots it, Attacks closeouts, can play off action. Good in open court, good athlete!

38 3FG% Shooter! 18 points on 7-9 shooting (4-5 3FG), 8 rebounds against Charlotte."

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Verbal Commits: "2027 Lone Peak (UT) F Crew Fotheringham has received an offer from Stanford."

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Caedmon Dickson 2025: "I’m very blessed to receive my first scholarship offer from Stanislaus State University! Thank you to Coach Trevor, Coach Jordan and Coach DC for this opportunity!"

Dickson is a 6-foot-6 wing attending The King's Academy in Sunnyvale.

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