Potpourri, Aug 18

News Bits

"Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s set to host four-star combo guard JRob Croy"

The 6-foot-5 son of former Gael assistant coach Rick Croy will be in Moraga on August 21.

AND

St. Mary's Hoops: "Join us in wishing good luck to Luke Barrett, who has signed on to play for ArkaGdyniaKoszin the next phase of his playing career!"

The former Gael walk-on out of Piedmont High is playing professionally in Poland.

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Joven Dulay: "Blessed to receive a D1 offer from Idaho State, thank you to the coaching staff for believing in me!"

Dulay is a 2026 6-foot-6 shooting guard out of Folsom High and the Jaylen Wells Elite AAU program.

AND

Verbal Commits: "2026 San Joaquin Memorial (CA) F Parker Spees has received an offer from Idaho State."

The 2026 Spees stands 6-foot-9 and plays AAU ball with the Jalen Green Elite.

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Brayden Harris: "I want to thank Coach (Justin) Argenal and (Assistant) Coach (Shane) Haley for taking the time to meet this morning and offering me the opportunity to play at Dominican University of California!"

Harris is a 2026 6-foot-8 power forward attending Buchanan High in Fresno and playing AAU ball for the Rose City Ballers.

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"Men's Basketball Roster Catch-Up - Familiarizing ourselves with the new roster and having a sense of optimism"

A Cal Bears hoops writeup.

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According to a post in a string at 24/7 Inside The Spartans, 7-foot-2,240 Anton Bonke, a Providence transfer with three years of eligibility remaining, was headed to San Jose State University as the 15th Spartan on the 2025-26 roster but that was before he changed his mind and selected Charlotte. San Jose still needs a big, especially as a paint defender.

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"SF basketball Pro-Am lives on, bringing back memories of Steph Curry, Jason Kidd, Gary Payton"

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Cole Cummings: "I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a position as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Dominican MBB! Thank you to Coach Argenal for the opportunity. Ready to get to work!🐧🏀"

Here is his bio when was assisting at Sonoma State, where he also played. Cummings is out of the St. Helena area.

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Jaylen Wells Elite: "Congrats to Juremi Ejuwa for receiving an offer from SOURaidersMBB (Southern Oregon University.)

Ejuwa is a 6-foot-6, 230 pound 2026 prospect who attends California High in San Ramon.

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"Maccabi Rishon signs Marcus Williams"

The former USF guard surfaces after departing The Hilltop under mysterious eligibility circumstances.

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"The predatory web of sextortion increasingly ensnares young athletes"

Didn't know anything about this development but it's good to spread the word.

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Potpourri, Aug 11

News Bits

McKae Amundsen: "COMMITTED!! #gobengals"

Out of Clovis North High, 5-foot-10 point guard McKae Amundsen is headed to Idaho State of the Big Sky Conference.

Hit this link for some wonderful photos and video of Amundsen (both younger and current) and his family.

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Jon Rothstein: "2026 prospect Franck Belibi Jr. has committed to University of Pacific, per Envision Sports Group. 4-star recruit."

Belibi is a 6-foot-4, 200 pound shooting guard currently attending Colorado Prep and, according to one report, he averaged 14.4 points for Cameroon in the recent FIBA U19 World Cup. Pacific Coach Dave Smart has landed himself an emerging top talent.

"At just 16 years old, Franck Belibi has emerged as one of the most electrifying prospects in Lausanne. The 6’3 guard, born in 2008, pairs elite athleticism with a smooth outside stroke, knocking down triples with confidence. Through the competition, he’s averaging an impressive 16 points and 4 rebounds per game — all while being the second-youngest player in the entire tournament. His fearless approach and energy have made Cameroon a must-watch team."

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Chase Richardson: "After a great conversation with Coach Mike Bibby, I am excited to announce an offer from Sacramento State University. Thank you to the Hornets coaching staff!"

Richardson is a 6-foot-2 2027 guard out of Texas.

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Tre Mack: "After a great conversation with Coach Ed Gipson I am blessed to receive my first division 1 offer."

Mack is a 5-foot-10 2029 point guard out of Kentucky. Gipson is an assistant at San Jose State University.

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"Report: Stanford to hire former Nike CEO John Donahoe as athletic director"

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Leicester Riders - Basketball: "It’s official. The Leicester Riders have signed 6”10 American forward Johnny O'Neill out of Santa Clara hoops."

O'Neill is a 6-foot-10 power forward who shot 40% on 144 three-point attempts.

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Trey Knight: "After a great conversation with Coach Jordan I am Blessed to receive an offer from Clark Atlanta University!"

Knight is a 6-foot point out of Moreau Catholic High.

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Joven Dulay: "After a great visit I’m blessed to receive an offer from Point Loma! Thank you to the coaching staff for believing in me!"

Dulay is a 6-foot-6 shooting guard attending Folsom High and playing AAU with the Jaylen Wells Elite. Point Loma Nazarene University is located in San Diego.

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Brandon Jenkins: "𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: Three-star guard Elias Obenyah tells 247Sports he has scheduled the following official visits heading into the fall. Obenyah is a winning basketball player with a great motor and displays a great feel for the game."

This is a young man who can do it all on the court, will likely be at least a three-year collegian, and will certainly be a terrific addition to any squad. Why no power 5 offers?  Obenyah didn't pop 23-footers beyond the circle and won't win dunk contests--he's workman-like. Credit San Diego State for getting in on him but I don't think Stanford will allow him to depart Maples Pavilion

CCCMBCA: "Mark Giorgi at American River College is retiring after 19 years. Giorgi led the Beavers to 4 Big-8 conference championships, 5 sweet-sixteen appearances, 2 Elite-Eight appearances, and a 2nd-place finish at the state championship in 2004. Mike Lorente is taking over the program."

Here's Lorente's bio.

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"6’10 Will Stevens Locks In Visits, Trims List"

St. Mary's is on the list and a visit is coming although yet to be set up.

AND

"3MW Top 50 Teams Countdown - #44: Saint Mary's"

Great Gael review and preview.

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"Eddie House and Mike Bibby outline the worst things about AAU basketball: "They don't teach you how to play the game the right way'"

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https://x.com/FastbreakHoops5/status/1951361083920220241

Is this real or AI?

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Plenty of Nor Cal talents on the 2024-25 Cal-Hi Sports Grid-Hoop All-State Team.

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Potpourri, Aug 4

News Bits

"Anthony Haskett Returns to Hilo to Join Vulcans Coaching Staff"

Haskett makes a jump from assisting James Giacomazzi at Las Positas College and now he's back in the islands. He's the pride of Las Lomas High and Diablo Valley College from his playing days.

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Devin Aye: "Proud to announce Jags freshman, Manny Tamarit, has signed his athletic scholarship to Tabor College (Kansas). He is the 6th Jag to sign a scholarship to a University this offseason! Go Jags."

Tamarit is a 6-foot-4 backcourter.

Devin Aye: "Make that 20 scholarships signed."

Kwankwo is a 6-foot-6 sophomore out of Kimball High in Tracy.

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Compton Magic: "6-3 PG Juleeyan Williams #MontereyTrail has picked up an offer from UNLV. Class of 2029"

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Verbal Commits; "2026 JPII (TN) G Trey Pearson has received an offer from Sacramento State."

AND

Verbal Commits: "Sacramento State and Tennessee State offered 2026 Fayetteville Academy (NC) F Justin Caldwell."

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Verbal Commits: "Bowling Green and Saint Mary's offered 2026 Mt. Spokane (WA) F Jaden Ghoreishi."

Ghoreishi stands 6-foot-9 and weighs 210. He currently owns 13 offers.

"After a great zoom call with St. Mary's Coach Bennett, Coach Joe Rahon and Coach Mickey McConnell, I am honored to announce I have received an offer! Thank you Coach and staff for believing in my game and toughness!"

AND

Former St. Mary's guard Augustus Marciulonis has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers meaning he will be going to training camp with the opportunity to earn a roster spot. It's going to be tough.

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"Bouyea conducts camp for youth at MPC"

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Rashawn Inglemon: "Committed."

Out of Monterey Trail High, Inglemon is a 6-foot point, a 2025 talent, has a 3.8 GPA and earned Delta League Player of the Year honors. Anderson U is located in South Carolina.

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Verbal Commits: "Samford and UC Davis offered 2026 Holy Innocents' (GA) G Kingston Whitty."

Whitty is a 6-foot-2 point and a top notch athlete.

"After a great conversation with Coach Les, I am blessed to receive a Division 1 offer from UC Davis! Go Aggies!"

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Templeton (Douda) Fountaine V: "After a great conversation with Coach Plank, I’m blessed to receive another Division 1 offer from University of San Francisco. Thank you to the coaching staff for believing in me!"

He's a 6-foot-3 2027 backcourter attending Vanden High.

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Mudville Elite Basketball: "Congratulations to Ross Widemon for committing to Stanislaus State University. It’s OFFICIAL!! MUDVILLE WAY!!! "

Mudville is a program based in Stockton and Widemon is a 6-foot-2 2025 combo guard with a 4.0 GPA who also played as a QB at Turlock High.

AND

Mudville Elite Basketball: "Congratulations to Louie Dill for receiving his first offer from Oberlin College. MUDVILLE WAY!"

Dill stands 6-foot-5 and attends Enochs High in Modesto.

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Sacramento Renegades: "Congrats to Monterey Trail High 2025 Elias Roche on offer."

Roche is a 6-foot-7, 220 pound 2025 talent.

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"CORPORATE MONEY HAS RUINED YOUTH SPORTS"

And the sun rises in the east.

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Simply Basketball: "One of the top 2026s in the country Elias Obenyah ended his AAU career with 20+ offers heading into his senior season!"

Thought some big time programs would get involved so as to have a three or four-year player.

My biased choice is Stanford due to both the education/degree and the playing system for the 6-foot-3 guard out of Salesian Prep.

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Brandon Jenkins: "Three-star forward Max VanLaningham has scheduled two fall official visits, a source tells 247Sports.

• Sept. 5-7: California Baptist
• Sept. 12-14: Montana"

VanLaningham stands 6-foot-7, weighs 205 and attends Woodcreek High.

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"‘The fabric stays true’: Damian Lillard becomes general manager for Weber State basketball"

Is this a one year gig?

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Joe Tipton: "NEWS: 4⭐️ Isaiah “Slim” Rogers has committed to Stanford, he tells Rivals. The 6-2 point guard is ranked as the No. 56 overall player in the 2026 class, per Rivals."

The Cardinal backcourt should be in good shape with Rogers and also Myles Jones (Modesto Christian).

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"UC Davis Men's Basketball Adds Mike Kosich To Staff"

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"Matthew Musselman named Assistant Basketball Coach at UC Riverside"

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Raym: "6’10 PF/C 3 Years of Eligibility Former stops at Univ Alabama & Long Beach St."

Remember him?

Out of East Oakland, 6-foot-10, 240 pound Raymond Hawkins played AAU ball for the Oakland Soldiers, started high school out at Bishop O'Dowd and finished up at Findlay Prep in Las Vegas before attending Alabama, Long Beach State and Westcliff (NAIA school in Irvine). He is now 24 years old.

Here is something posted when he initially arrived at Alabama.

I can't tell if he is looking to transfer to another school but it appears like it. In the 2024-25 season down in southern California, he played in eight games, started four, and was on the court for 14.6 minutes a night.  Hawkins averaged 6.5 points a contest, shooting 60% as well as collecting 2.9 rebounds. He blocked seven shots and enjoyed a season high of 13 points versus D2 Purdue Northwest in mid-November.

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Tyler Bailey Coming Into His Own

6-foot-5 junior Tyler Bailey might not be the sole straw that stirs the drink on Team Rampage but he's a critical talent on a team currently enjoying a very successful spring and summer. That's because he is multi-skilled, equally adept offensively and defensively. Bailey is willing to play whichever role is required at the moment in order for his squad to have the best opportunity to nab a victory. He is also blossoming, having been named as a 'break out candidate' for this summer and the coming school season.

Is he serious about balling? "Yes, since I was three, basketball caught my eye. I've been training since I was in third grade." His longtime trainer from way back then to now: Marques Smith, originally from Detroit and a former Las Positas College talent.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

Tyler's father Christopher is another major hoops influence. Credited for working out his sons since their toddler days and also later on for taking his male trio to Solano College to work out and play, Tyler offered, "My Dad played basketball and pushes me (to get better) every day even when I'm tired and don't feel like it." Tyler's brother Ryan currently attends Solano College.

Asked to detail his best skills, Bailey was succinct if quite encompassing: "Defense. I'm also a good shooter who can get to the basket and I also pass the ball well setting up my teammates."

About whether he is a leader whether it be with Team Rampage or at Serra High, Bailey said, "Yes, I am. I'm a team player, not always looking for points. I get my teammates involved and I also give talks to pick them up."

Bailey's best basketball moment was more generic than specific but one all sports players and fans can understand and appreciate. "It's coming back to win after being so far down in a game that almost everyone thinks we're going to lose. In those games, I just keep telling my teammates that everything will be okay."

Giving Thanks

To a query regarding who he would like to thank for their efforts during his basketball journey, he responded, "Definitely my Dad, I'm really thankful. Also Marques Smith. I would also like to thank my Mom Shiela Bailey, and my brothers and sisters Jared, Elayne, Ryan, and Kaia, also my Grandparents Gloria and Clifford Ray and Menandro and Remedios Tibayan as they have all had a hand in helping me get to this point."

Academically he sports a 3.2 grade point average and isn't settled on a college major but he is eyeing computer science.

Bailey's recruitment—the texts, calls and zooms—is soon to be constant and fruitful.

Jermaine Washington Is Ready To Lead

6-foot-1 returning San Jose State University sophomore point Jermaine Washington is ready for the season to start now. He foresees San Jose State University having a winning season and, as one of only four Spartan scholarship returnees to date, his take is the team is meshing well despite having to blend in a large number of newcomers.

Even as an underclassman, Washington is also ready to provide leadership to his crew, something he believes has to come from, although is not limited to, the player holding down the point guard position.

Washington's First Season

Out of Riverside County, Washington saw plenty of action in his initial year, playing in 34 games (out of 35) and starting seven while averaging 20 minutes a contest, seventh on the team. Regarding his sole season, he looked back and explained, "I wanted to be a spark defensively, not force anything offensively and get the game to slow down for me."The latter is a term where greater experience generally allows a player to better know what to expect and understand what will and won't occur/work in various situations on the court. He added, "playing the point is the most difficult position and I always want to do better."

Why did he choose SJSU? CalHiSports named Washington to its All-State Underclass Team in 2023 and he then signed a letter-of-intent in mid-November 2023 (his SJSU offer came in mid-July). After a visit along with his family to Spartanville, "I felt like SJSU was a better opportunity."

As a senior, CalHiSports selected Washington to its All-State open division/D1 fourth team in 2024. Despite the distance from a home in Riverside County, "my family has been to a lot of my games in San Jose and the San Diego State game down there."

This Coming Season

As for his role in the upcoming season, Washington sees himself "being more inspirational and a more vocal and emotional leader, getting my teammates to the right spots, and playing my game. When the energy is low, it's my job to pick the guys up by talking and encouraging them."

He noted it's important to find out what works and what doesn't work in connecting with each teammate when he converses.

Asked to detail his skills set, Washington started his analysis with, "always playing hard." Then, "I shoot the ball really well and I'm really good on defense." In getting prepared for the new season, Washington is working on shooting accuracy with an assistant coach until he makes 400 shots, twice a day.

The team is coming off a series of workouts that start with performing drills, then working on offense and defense as again, Coach Tim Miles and his staff are having to introduce unfamiliar systems of play on both sides of the court to seven scholarship newcomers (the eighth is still overseas playing ball but will report soon). Plus three of the returnees are relatively new underclassmen.

Does Washington envision the Spartans having a successful season in 2025-26? "Definitely, we are capable of having a winning season." What may be a little thought of factor vis-à-vis hoops prosperity is Washington's response to a query about who is the funniest Spartan. Possibly diplomatically, he said, "A lot of them, I'm not going to lie. This is a funny group and a really good personality team."

Undecided on a major at this point, Washington is mulling over the directions of business or kinesiology.