Leo Ricketts Taking His Talents to The East Coast

With three years captaining the De La Salle High (Concord) hoops squad under his belt and coming out of a controlled as well as very successful system of play, Leo Ricketts initially landed 70 miles away at Sacramento State. He played as a freshman for interim Coach Michael Czepil, averaging 4.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.3 minutes an outing, appearing in 16 games with four starts in the 2024-25 season. After a 7-25 record, Czepil wasn't retained and Ricketts then decided to move to a program where he would likely be playing major minutes as a sophomore, with exposure being a critical element, so that he could earn the opportunity of returning to the D1 level.

Ricketts headed south to Citrus College in located Glendora (Los Angeles County), a location that "initially was third on my list" he recalled. City College San Francisco and West Valley College were his other options. One of the reasons he selected Citrus is that Head Coach Brett Lauer is a native of Clayton in Contra Costa County. Another being that Lauer's Citrus teams usually average close to 100 points per game as well as defend with a full court press and Ricketts had yet to experience performing in a high-octane offensive system or a 94-foot defensive style.

The Owls finished the 2025-26 season with a 30-2 record, averaging 102.5 points a game. Citrus topped West Valley 84-54 in the state quarterfinals this year before falling to CCSF 73-71 in the semis. Ricketts earned State Co-Player of the Year honors from the California Community Colleges Men's Basketball Coaches Association after averaging 19.7 points, 3.9 assists and 3.0 rebounds while shooting remarkably well at 49% overall, 48% from three-point range and 83% at the foul line. Add in a 3.93 grade point average and to employ a non-hoops phrase, Ricketts had all the bases covered.

Time For Another Decision

Ricketts' production earned the 6-footer offers from St. Mary's, South Carolina Upstate, California Baptist (headed by Rick Croy, a former Citrus College head basketball coach before he moved over to Arizona State as an associate head coach), Ball State and Loyola University Maryland, located in Baltimore.

After visiting Loyola Maryland, he decided it was time for him to head east. His reasons were multiple. "I wanted to explore beyond California (as his previous experiences covered the upper and lower portions of California). I really liked the coaching staff (head by Josh Loeffler) and the returning players were great. It was easy to visualize myself there." Not mentioned but worth noting is that Iggy the Greyhound, known for his agility, speed, loyalty and intelligence, is the Loyola team mascot and those traits also aptly describe Ricketts.

Ricketts also explained that "Loyola is a Jesuit school where God is a pillar, a common value, and this will provide me the opportunity to grow my faith with Jesus." He also enjoyed this spiritual aspect when he was attending De La Salle High.

He believes going the JC route was beneficial in his case because "I got older, better and more mature." His mantra of advice is twofold: "go where you can play" and "never think of yourself as the victim."

So what does he do best on the court? "I'm a very good shooter, I can pass, I'm a winner and a good leader, having respect for my teammates. My approach is one of day-to-day, getting small wins every day. I like to push the pace but not play out of control. For me, it's the common goal being greater than individual statistics." In describing his leadership style, Ricketts said "there's no such thing as a quiet leader. " He added, "but if you aren't doing what you are saying to teammates, you'll fail." While at Citrus College, "I led with my voice" but now at Loyola Maryland, "I'll pick and choose my vocal moments while earning respect in the first few weeks. Then, I’ll step into a greater vocal leader role.”

Asked where he believes he'll be positioned this coming season, he explained "as a guard and this is the intriguing part -- I'll be playing on and off the ball." That flexibility was another attraction for signing with Loyola Maryland.

Regarding goals for this season, Ricketts quickly said, "the biggest for sure is something I've dreamed about since I was a little boy and that's making it into March Madness. Then, go and win one (game)."

As for a major at Loyola Maryland, Ricketts will be earning his degree in Communications. "But I'm not sure yet what I'll do with it," he added.

Moving from early on to the present stop of his hoops journey, Ricketts offered one of the most gracious and genuine compliments ever spoken about any coach. Besides what they imparted as basketball mentors, he lauded Brock Winter of the North Bay Basketball Academy, De La Salle Head Coach Marcus Schroeder, Citrus College Head Coach Brett Lauer and Loyola Maryland Head Coach Josh Loeffler as "great human beings."

Ricketts is too modest to currently place himself into such a category, but it's coming.

Brandon Bracy, the Busiest Basketball Coach in the Bay Area

How many Brandon Bracys live in the North Bay? No, this is not a trick question but rather is due to a seemingly plethora of Brandon Bracys residing in that area. There is Brandon Bracy, the founder of as well as continuing head coach of the Team Rampage AAU organization, a Brandon Bracy currently working as an assistant coach under Diego Reyes with the Solano College men's basketball program, and also a Brandon Bracy newly employed as the boys basketball head coach at Vallejo High.

But rather than a multitude of Brandon Bracys so staunchly connected to Solano County hoops, there is just one Brandon Bracy repping 707 hoops in those three positions. One.

How is he managing it? The calendar has been extremely helpful. "It's like a rotation," Bracy explained. "I'm not doing all three simultaneously. May is predominately AAU ball, high school summer ball comes up in June and Vallejo High and Solano College ball is scheduled during winter. During winter, Solano practices in the morning and Vallejo High practices after school." He added, 'it requires good time management and don't forget the assistant coaches helping me to make it possible." Plus, "helping kids in need is a self-motivator and seeing them improve creates energy."

Keeping It In The Family

                                                                 Bracy and Sutherland

Bracy is bringing in Joseph Sutherland Sr. as an assistant coach at Vallejo High. "I've known him since high school and he's the creator of the Team Rampage logo."

With experience creating a new hoops organization from the ground up, Bracy will be applying that gained knowledge to his new endeavor at both Vallejo and at Solano College, programs that have endured lean years lately. Coaching up talent is critical but landing players to begin with is step one. It will likely come true that some of Bracy's new Vallejo High players will land spots on his Team Rampage roster as well as eventually at Solano College. One of the better prospects this season will be Joseph Sutherland Jr., a 5-foot-11 combo guard in the 2029 class. "We have good freshman and sophomore classes and the kids are working hard, competing every day and embracing what we are teaching. We won't be super tall but we will push the tempo and be scrappy and aggressive."

Proof of Bracy's 'building' prowess is Team Rampage recently being recognized nationally as one of the best independent travel team programs in the country, which translates into developing a successful program without sponsorship from the likes of Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, PUMA, New Balance, et al.

10-15 years out, one of Bracy's goals is making "enough of an impact to leave a legacy." Harkening back to the past, "I want Vallejo High to be recognized again as a basketball powerhouse." The successful days of DeMarcus Nelson, Tajai Johnson, Kirby Vaughn, Larry Wickett and De'Angelo Mack on the court at Vallejo High are still remembered.

By the way, Bracy is a Vallejo High and Solano College graduate, playing for Duke Brown (328 wins and a 2025 inductee into the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame) and John Nagle (22 years heading the Solano College men's basketball program before recently retiring) respectively. What goes around does come around, especially for Bracy. 

Caleb Asante Makes His Call

Facing his final college recruitment process, 6-foot-5, 210 Caleb Asante's sense tilted heavily towards remaining in California for his upperclassmen years, and that was fine with him, a continuation after four years at Leigh High in San Jose and two attending Saratoga's West Valley College.

But a call from the NCAA D2 Southern Nazarene University (SNU) coaching staff last September after he participated in JUCO showcase, morphed into a visit to SNU in Bethany, Oklahoma (a city of 20,000 and part of the Oklahoma City metro area).

That trip broadened Asante's horizons. "I visited and the people at the school were so nice and welcoming," Asante recalled. "I also got to see the athletic facilities, they told me about their future plans and I saw the city."

Combining that with being told what the coaching staff liked about his game plus what he could add to their program, and Asante was sold. Now he will be part of the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm basketball team this coming school year.

Asante averaged 11.4 points per game in 26 contests/24 starts this past season at West Valley while shooting a team best 57% from the floor, 44% on three-point attempts and 66% at the foul line. He grabbed 4.4 rebounds nightly alongside dishing out 1.4 assists and this production earned him All Coast Conference South honors. He also nabbed that status as a freshman.

Regarding what Asante does best on the basketball court, he explained, "my ability to get to the basket, to create for others, my rebounding and leadership." Regarding the latter, "I lead more by example but I'm working on getting more verbal like pulling teammates aside and giving them tips I learned when I was in their position."

Asked if he had a West Valley College best basketball moment in mind, Asante offered, "I would say winning the NorCal (Regional Final) championship this year (against Yuba College) when we were spraying our coaches with water afterwards in the locker room." It was a 75-58 victory for the Vikings.

Asante as a freshman

What's fascinating is that coming out of high school, Asante initially preferred to attend a community college out of the Bay Area in order to gain a different experience. But once he talked with the West Valley College coaches, he was all in for heading the five miles to Saratoga.

After posting a 3.8 grade point average while at Leigh High and repeating that mark during his two-year tenure at West Valley College, Asante is looking to major in economics at SNU with the idea of possibly entering the real estate field upon graduation.

He expressed gratitude to the multitude of those who have aided his hoops journey thus far. "I want to thank Coach Yosh (WV Head Coach Danny Yoshikawa), (his assistants) Coach Trent, Coach Dustin, Coach Patrick, Coach Jackson and Coach Sean as well as (the West Valley trainers) Gianluca, Steven, and Katie." He also thanked "my parents, my brothers, my (personal) trainers Coach Ameer Shamsud-din (Elite Basketball Performance) and Coach Ant (Anthony Gardner), my teammates and my friends for all their help and support."

Asante back in his Leigh High days

Asante's goals over the remainder of the summer include "getting better by (practicing) shooting a lot, working on my speed and my weight. I've got to get my body into tip top shape because it's going to be a long season. I'm working as hard as I can." His sense is "I’ll still be playing wing/forward but playing more like a 3 guard" and that the opportunity for court time is available to be earned as the team has graduated a number of seniors.

Once he arrives in Oklahoma, it's going to be "I just want to win and be a leader." But also with these challenging additions: "Being named to the conference first team and the most valuable player because our team wins the conference and the national championship."

Team Rampage Is Back and Ready to Battle

Brandon Bracy Solano College Associate Head Coach, Vallejo High boys basketball coach and Team Rampage 17U Elite Head Coach has assembled a new edition of his Team Rampage 17U National Roster. It's a 10 player collective consisting of:

(commentary via Coach Bracy)

• Dom Johnson 5-foot-11 Frontier High (Bakersfield) 2027: "A freak athlete already with a college build, he's great at slashing, getting downhill and playing above the rim as a man-child. Owns a 3.5 GPA."
• Eddie Ramey 6-foot-1 South High (Bakersfield) 2027: "Eddie has played with us since his sophomore year, he's a Gary Payton-type who shoots the three ball pretty well and excels on defense (similar to Donavyn Hernandez). Has a 4.0 grade point average."
• Bryce Busam 6-foot-2 Oakdale High 2027: "He can really shoot it, has a quick release on his shot and shoots well on the move.
• Jonah Jackson 6-foot-1 Antelope High 2027: "Jonah started at Antelope High, then transferred to Fairfield High and is now back at Antelope High. He's a sniper, close to a three-level scorer and one of the top scorers in his area who averaged 25 points per game."
• Bryce Ademayo 6-foot-6 St. Patrick-St. Vincent High 2028: "A great scorer, he was 6-foot-3, 6-foot-4 a year ago and is having a great summer. I'm really high on him. He and Joenathan (Jones) have the most upside."
• Nasir Callahan 6-foot-4 Rodriguez High 2028: "Nasir is in his first year with us and he and Bryce (Ademayo) are major downhill players. He's a decent shooter with wing skills who really runs the court and is best in the open court .He's a long athlete, a late bloomer and we're expecting another growth spurt from him."
• Samson Helsby 6-foot-0 Ben Holt High (Stockton) 2028: "Has a crazy motor and is really physical, a Josh Hart-type with a nose for the basketball. I call him our X factor. You know what effort you will get from him."
• Donavyn Hernandez 5-foot-8 Oakdale High 2028: "He's tough and doesn't back down, a very steady guard.
• Silas Hightower 6-foot-2 St. Patrick-St. Vincent High 2028: "One of our babies, we've had him since the sixth grade. He's a great mid-range scorer and will be playing a prominent role at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High.
• Joenathan Jones 5-foot-10 Jesse Bethel High 2028: " Another one we've worked with since sixth grade, he was a scorer but is now accepting the role of a true point guard, knowing what his team needs from him. Also a good defender, I know what I'm going to get out of him every game."

According to Bracy, "we're not tall but have a lot of guards who are physical." He added, "I really appreciate the parental support me and my staff receive. We're now playing in the Recruit/Look Boys Basketball Circuit which focuses on events in Midwest cities." Team Rampage just finished participating "Nashville Summer Live" which ran from July 9-12.

Meet Noah Kirsch-Lopez

In the 2028 class and attending St. Ignatius, 6-foot-6, 210 pound Noah Kirsch-Lopez is a unique player and person on and off the basketball court. Why so? Because in addition to his plus rebounding and scoring contributions on the hardwood, he is constantly studying with an unyielding focus what's taking place in front of him on the court, analyzing and processing what he is seeing and learning what offensive and defensive techniques work, when and why. Even when he is taking a breather on the bench during a game, he continues to study the action and dissect what is happening. Secondly, might he find himself in the stands at a game or watching one on the television, be it college or the NBA, it's always another opportunity for studying and learning, adding to his repertoire of knowledge. Add in his perusing game film and that completes the triad of his continuing construction of basketball knowledge.

Kirsch-Lopez is already making noise as he was recently named to The San Francisco Chronicle 2025-26 All-Metro Honorable Mention squad as a sophomore. To a query about his best hoops skills, Kirsch-Lopez quickly offered, "What I hope makes me special is my basketball IQ, rebounding and shooting." Note what he lists first in his response.

Also, Kirsch-Lopez currently plays AAU ball on the Adidas 3SSB circuit with the Sin City Select out of Las Vegas..

Leadership

Later in our conversation, the subject of leadership was broached and in particular his includes quite a telling achievement. Besides being on his school's Student Council, as well as the Service Club and Block Club. In middle school, Kirsch-Lopez won the school's Changemaker Award after landing a grant to financially help with fulfilling the needs of underprivileged kids. What an amazing achievement for anyone at that age or older considering most of us were achieving very little beyond surviving in middle school.

Regarding his presence on his St. Ignatius squad, he said, "I think of myself as a leader. How hard I play shows," giving him the credibility necessary in interacting with his teammates. "I'm always work to be a better teammate and I'll see what the team needs and try and fill in the gap. I also work to pick up teammates if they are down or something has gone wrong."

Minus any previous family treading the hoops path, Kirsch-Lopez participated in baseball, soccer and basketball when he was younger but watching Steph Curry and Draymond Green drew him to focus on the latter. That and the enticing back and forth speed of the game.

One event early on solidified with him that he was on the right road.

Early Recognition

"What has always stuck with me is early on (fifth/sixth grade) attending a (Golden State) Warriors camp featuring 300 players. At the end-of-the-week awards ceremony, I was named Hustle Player of the Week and was given different kinds of Warriors paraphernalia." Then, a few minutes later it was also announced, "I earned Player of the Week award and received gear autographed by Steph Curry. I was super happy." If his family has a home safe, then it's likely the Curry-signed apparel is residing there.

Kirsch-Lopez sports a 3.8 grade point average which will make him attractive to a broad academic range of college suitors, including high academic colleges. He's unsure of a major as yet, but is leaning towards "the business/finance sector". At the D1 level, he sees himself "likely as a guard or an undersized wing."

He thanked his parents for "all their time involved and the money they have spent on traveling" thus far in facilitating his basketball journey, "all my coaches who believed in me" and 'my longtime trainer Kenny Hatch," who also played at St. Ignatius as well as Cañada College and Texas A&M International.

Trainer Kenny Hatch on Kirsch-Lopez

Here's Hatch on his protege: "Noah has been great to work with - we started when he was in the 7th grade. He's been a competitor since the first session we had. He goes hard in every drill, takes the coaching that I give him, etc. You can tell he wants to play this game at a high level and that he has a passion for it."

"I told him to use me as a resource to navigate the basketball world - as it's not easy. Same with his parents. I've told them to always reach out if they had questions about schools, basketball, etc."

"I'm excited to see him develop in the next few years. He's definitely a division 1 player - as I have already received messages about him from Division 1 coaches asking me about him, his game, family, etc. so I know he's not far from his goal of playing Division 1 basketball."

With two remaining seasons of high school eligibility, Kirsch-Lopez will undoubtedly emerge from Honorable Mention to a higher status as he continues to gobble up basketball information like an AI algorithm and apply it accordingly.

Mykel Morse Taking Over at West Valley College

Hoopdirt: "I can now confirm that Cal State Northridge DBO Mykel Morse will take over at West Valley College. Morse has spent the past two seasons at CSUN, and was an assistant at West Valley before that. He will most likely have the title of “interim” head coach for now. An official announcement is expected shortly."

Morse's Northridge bio: "Mykel Morse enters his second season as director of basketball operations to the CSUN Men's Basketball team in 2025-26.

Morse's first season at CSUN would be an historic one in Matador history with the team tying a school record with 22 victories. CSUN also set a new program record with 14 conference wins, finishing third in the Big West while the team also played in the National Invitation Tournament for the first time in team history.

Morse joined the Matadors after completing three outstanding seasons at West Valley College as a member of the program's men's basketball coaching staff. After beginning his tenure as an assistant coach, Morse was elevated to associate head coach where he helped the Vikings post a perfect 33-0 record and win the 3C2A championship in 2023-24. With Morse on the sidelines, WVC earned three consecutive 3C2A championship tournament berths as well as two championship game appearances. The Vikings would post an exceptional 87-9 record in his three seasons with the program.

While at WVC, Morse also served as the team's director of scouting and defensive coordinator. He helped the Vikings finish No. 1 in the state in fewest points per game allowed (60.5) in 2023-24.

Prior to West Valley, Morse spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M. He would serve as the head coach of the development team and an assistant coach for the university's varsity. While at USW, Morse helped the team earn their highest conference seed in program history with a No. 3 seed in the 2019-20 season.

Originally from Parker, Colo., Morse played collegiate football at Scottsdale Community College before transferring to play at the University of Northern Colorado in the Big Sky Conference. Morse played two seasons at defensive back for UNC, recording 84 tackles total including 49 as a senior. In high school, Morse was a standout basketball and football player at Chaparral High School where he earned all-conference honors in both sports.

Morse earned his degree in Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Northern Colorado. He went on to receive a master's degree in Sports Management."

Randy Bennett Heading to Arizona State

"Randy Bennett hired as Sun Devil Men’s Basketball Head Coach"

The deal is done.

So why? Not being an official Bennett family member (as much as I have shed tears over this glaring error at Ancestry.com), one can only speculate. Possibly he believes his only chance of competing for a national championship comes with moving to Tempe.

That makes sense.

Randy Bennett can certainly recruit internationally, especially for the top Aussie prospects. What will need to change with the casting of his recruiting net is getting Arizona State in contention for national prospects and top level Cali and other West Coast kids and, sooner-rather-than-later, the landing of such. Greater athletic ability than what is currently witnessed on the Gael roster will be a requirement.

UA owns most of the state in college sports. I do know that Arizona basketball (and its fans) scoff at any actual Tucson-Tempe hoops tivalry. Arizona's annual basketball goal is competing for the national title (at least that is the pre-season hopes and likely prayers) while Arizona State isn't even currently conference competitive.

Plus do remember that Arizona State currently resides in the Big 12 Conference alongside Arizona, Baylor, BYU, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Tech—all current national basketball competitors. Plus, members Cincinnati and Kansas State are bringing in new basketball head coaches at salaries that will bring much higher conference and national expectations.

As for Bennett's new contract: "Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro adds it’s a five-year deal with a first year north of $3 million and that Bennett was ASU’s top choice after 20 candidates were whittled down to three finalists. The buyout for Bennett at Saint Mary’s was less than $200,000."

As for Bennett's replacement: "Saint Mary’s has already tabbed associate head coach Mickey McConnell to replace Bennett," according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.

New: "Saint Mary’s Announces Mickey McConnell As Head Men’s Basketball Coach"

Tempe will soon be witnessing a great basketball coach.

Mr. Double-Double Kiratraj Sanghera

Dennis Rodman is a member of the NBA Hall of Fame. At 6-foot-6, he earned that status because of his prominent rebounding prowess and defensive ability, not for scoring since he averaged 7.3 points per game in his career. Ohlone College's Kiratraj Sanghera is not Dennis Rodman and any comparison between a heralded NBA player and a community college player is silly but each demonstrates similar skills.

Sanghera's Impressive Production

On his own, the redshirt sophomore is producing remarkable rebounding and defensive statistics. Try 12.5 boards a game to date, an outstanding 127 offensive and as well as 149 defensive, plus a terrific 64 blocked shots, all in 22 games. Sanghera's personal high of a 36-inch vertical leap is obviously put to good advantage. Add in 14.8 points and 2.2 assists a contest.

In addition to his impressive statistics, Sanghera said, "I am a leader on our team. I see that as making sure the team chemistry and the energy are good and that I'm being a good teammate. I can't say I'm the loudest [talker on the team] but my leadership is a combination of speaking and demonstrating."

Top Skills

But in asking what his best basketball skills are, Sanghera first offered, "I am really coachable. I go out and do the right play and make the right read." Regarding his impressive works on the boards, "in my opinion, it's not size or athleticism, it is effort, it's fighting for the rebounds."

What's interesting is the two basketball talents he cites a influences are recognized by fans for other characteristics other then rebounding. "It's Kobe and LeBron." The reason behind his selections are "their great mindsets." It's the combination of determining what is best to do when and giving your top effort on the court that impresses Sanghera the most.

Asked for his best basketball moments, he recalled "going back to my senior year at American High (Fremont), we were not known for having a great school record and came in as a #14 seed versus #3 Redwood High." American won that matchup in overtime 61-58, with Sanghera tallying 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots. His other fond memory is 'scoring 25 points and grabbing 21 rebounds last December against Los Medanos College." He modestly omitted blocking four shots in that game.

Excellent academics

Despite all the time and attention required by his basketball participation, Sanghera still sports a 4.0 grade point average and that plays into his recruiting goal. That being, "I want to play for a UC or an Ivy League program." Determining what position hebwill play is next to impossible to determine since college rosters are nowhere near set for next season but "I assume it will be as four or a five."

As for assistance provided to him on his basketball journey, he served up "I thank my family -- especially my parents -- since I wouldn't be playing basketball without them, my uncle who pushed me, my cousins and all my coaches and teammates.

In his next step academically, Sanghera will major in Business Administration with a focus on accounting. "I want to be a CPA (Certified Public Accountant)," he explained. If he grabs deductions like he does rebounds and swats away IRS inquiries like basketballs, then he'll definitely be extremely successful.

MIT, Get Ready For Aiden Li

6-foot-1 Dublin High senior point Aiden Li is extraordinarily wise beyond his tender years. Sure, he posted a 4.71 grade point average last semester, with a 4.4 cumulative so his classroom intelligence is easily discernible. And yes, he leads his high school hoops teammates from the most critical position on the court utilizing interpersonal insights and knowledge that would make many older adults envious. By the way, he also plays football as an All-League cornerback for Dublin High as if his schedule features too much down time.

Talk with him for even a short period of time and what emerges is a grounded young adult with an obvious desire to learn more about this world, especially regarding his academic passions, as well as someone continuing to hone how to make his interactions with fellow players, coaches, teachers and others even more two-way productive.

Now, he will be heading in the Fall to the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) located in Cambridge across the Charles River from Boston.

Why the choice of MIT? "I'm grateful for everything," Li explained. "It was a clear cut decision because MIT offers the highest caliber academics and a great basketball program." He sent film to MIT Coach Larry Anderson who was impressed, attended an elite camp in August at MIT "and played well" and was invited for a visit at the end of October. "I loved it there, the campus and the people were nice and I could sense there was positive peer pressure (to work very hard to reach your potential)," he recalled. "MIT was my dream school, a far-fetched goal I've had all my life."

What made the interaction a little tricky for Li was that Coach Anderson retired and B.J. Dunne succeeded him in August. But Li's film was passed on to Dunne, who moved over from the same position at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Dunne was more than intrigued by Aiden's tenacity and playmaking.

Li will major in Finance and also learn Technical AI involving math and data science, looking to eventually work in the field of markets and quantitative finance. Basketball tournaments have taken him across the United States and now the Boston area beckons. Li is also eyeing New York City and maintaining interest in exploring international employment possibilities upon graduation. But returning to the Bay Area certainly isn't out of the question.

Asked what he does best on the court, Li offered, "I'm a natural born leader. I came up to the varsity level as a sophomore but I played little and as a role player." Not playing much initially isn't what any player desires "but it made me grind harder and become a better leader." That's more of that learning Li is so proficient at—mastering the technical skills of basketball while simultaneously developing the understanding of what else is required to earn major minutes. All that alongside understanding what are the psychological components involved in becoming the best teammate. "I talk a lot with my teammates on the court but I also demonstrate. A leader needs to be a role model and I definitely believe in serving the people I lead."

Also in detailing his best skills, Li said, "my basketball IQ and my playmaking - I'm crafty and shifty -and I get to my spots and dish the ball really well. My shooting is also a key attribute and I'm a top rebounder on my high school team and playing cornerback on the football team has helped me become a better defender." That combination earned him an All tournament player honor at the 2025 Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament which featured powerhouse teams from Salesian Prep, Modesto Christian High, Folsom High, Clovis North High, The Branson School and more.

One of his favorite memories through basketball was this past December, where his team played in the Gridley Invitational Tournament, staying with host families. Staying with a couple teammates in a rural area was a new experience he thoroughly enjoyed. Not only that, he was proud of his team for playing exceptional, earning third place honors, and also himself for his All-Tournament team selection.

Li was immersed early in sports, starting up with basketball when he was five. Offering his appreciation, he said, "I want to thank my Mom and Dad. My Mom is always there for me, supporting all of my ventures and instilling toughness in me. Dad taught me the game and helped me with my first shot. Both have spent countless hours of sacrifice on me, and it is something I greatly appreciate."

Li thanked Coach Tom Costello (Dublin) for the belief and trust in him to operate the team and the great culture he has instilled. Li played AAU ball with Coach Joey Fuca's Lakeshow squad and Coach Alex Krueger's Jalen Green Elite team this past summer. In addition to these, he issued thank yous to all his coaches, from CYO to youth AAU for what he learned and experienced during those seasons. "I also want to thank all my teammates and friends for being there to pick me up, encouraging me, and making basketball so fun."

Keegan Ladines is Heading to Hoops Heaven

The game of 5-foot-11 Keegan Ladines spans the position spectrum. As a point, the senior can score when needed (see his most recent game winner versus Woodcreek High) but much more prefers setting up his teammates (100 assists in 15 games last season). But the Granite Bay High student and Rose City Baller alum recently had to keep himself foremost in his mind. That's because Ladines was involved in selecting his college as well as a fit that provided the sense of comfort he was seeking.

He went with Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, in a county bordering Ohio and a town containing 35,000 or so residents. "It's in the middle of nowhere," Ladines recounted. Sounds good for focusing on academics and hoops.

Why the choice? "Because the coach really believed in me. We talked a lot," Ladines explained. "When I visited, I met the team and hung out with them, saw a practice and then a practice game." When you are told in so many words that 'we are trying to find the right guy and you're it' then it makes the decision so much easier.

How Ladines even became aware of Earlham is due to a connection Rose City Baller Coach Brandon White had with the coaching staff. Otherwise, it's unlikely he would he heading to the state of Indiana come September.

So what does he do best on the court? "With basketball changing and becoming positionless, I'm one of the rare point guards who focuses on making the right pass at the right time to get buckets. I like to get downhill and begin my playmaking." Note than he averaged per game last season, 10 points, plus 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. 

Regarding leadership, he offered, "I might be a natural born leader as I'm not one to bite my tongue. I try my best to lead by example but what's next is communication. Some players need to hear and others need to see it. It's important that I know my personnel, how they take in information and how they react."

Click to Play

November 27, 2025

Ladine's Game Winning Shot Against Woodcreek High

Ladines' best basketball moment (or at least his most recent) took place in a recent matchup with #10 ranked Woodcreek High, a pairing that some expected to be a blowout for host Woodcreek which featured 6-foot-9 Max VanLaningham who has signed to play next season at Long Beach State. Granite Bay was down by one when Ladines received a frontcourt inbounds pass with 4.2 second on the clock, he immediately went to the hoop and netted a layup for the game winner, 62-61. Ladines finished with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

His runner up memory is his first game eligible last season (he transferred in from Folsom High) where he tallied a double double consisting of 11 assists and 10 points against Oakridge High.

Click to Play

November 4, 2025

Ladine's Top Assists of the Season

Ladines thanked his parents for "always being supportive no matter what, and my sisters. Nobody in my family will hold back if something needs to be said. Also my brother in-law Marcus who trained me, Rose City Baller Coach Brandon White, Coach (Jason) Sitterud," (the Granite Bay boys basketball coach) and Coach (Derrick) Pringle (Jr.)."

Sporting a 3.75 grade point average in his two years at Granite Bay High, a challenging academic entity, Ladines will be majoring in Sports Exercise Science, aka kinesiology, and Business. His dream job is becoming a trainer with an NBA or college basketball team.

Maybe Ladines will be generating a Cali-infused version of "Hoosier Hysteria" in Indiana before too long.

Jeremy Silver Makes His Call

Call 6-foot-3 combo guard Jeremy Silver's hoops life one driven by hard work and intentionality, alongside dashes of serendipity. Yes, he established a specific goal, put in extra effort to achieve it and now he is headed to Doane University in Nebraska to study and play college hoops. But it's not a just a question of why the choice of Doane but how did he end up at his chosen school/basketball program and what role did his own promotional efforts pave such a path?

After earning honors at various exposure camps, Silver sent out video of his hoops highlights to a number of schools that piqued his interest. Doane was one of his selected group. Among others, the Doane coaching staff responded positively to what they witnessed and Silver followed up with an unofficial visit. It might as well been an official since its thoroughness included meeting the coaching staff and learning about the program plus touring the campus and the school.

Driven by enchantment, Silver committed two weeks later. "I loved the school and the atmosphere of the basketball program and its player development component. It was all what I've worked for my whole life."

Silver will be playing his senior season at Monte Vista Christian High in Watsonville, having transferred over from Palma High in Salinas. His top on-the-court attributes are "I shoot the ball really well and create for others. I make things happen but, best of all, I play the right way." For him, that means practicing hard, playing hard, taking no shortcuts and displaying zero selfishness. Asked for any goals in his initial season in Nebraska, Silver offered, "I want to contribute to winning."

Asked for his best basketball moments, Silver said, "I had a lot of good ones, like a 30-point game when we were down by 15 and came back to win but what I remember the most is just being in the gym, practicing with my teammates." Words spoken by someone who appreciates the game as well as the camaraderie and resulting relationships that often come with it.

Besides his basketball plaudits, Silver sports a 4.3 grade point average, meaning he has earned only A's during his high school education which includes AP honors classes. This achievement is an example of his making it happen because his impressive GPA both grabs the attention of college coaches and immediately assures them that there will be no academic/eligibility issues once Silver is in college.

To the next to impossible to fully answer query of who he would like to thank for assistance on his basketball journey, he said, "my Mom and Dad. My Mom drove me to so many practices and games and my Dad, who played at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, taught me to shoot a basketball. We would shoot in parks and under streetlights, anywhere there was a hoop." Silver also offered thanks to Joseph Lampkin, Monte Viste Christian's first-year boys basketball who is coming over from Oakwood School in Morgan Hill. "He'll open the gym at 6:00 a.m.when I want to get in extra pratice."

Silver will be a business administration major but isn't sure what direction he will take within that spectrum.

So why basketball for Silver, who participated in most sports as a youth? "I loved basketball but honestly didn't know why." It eventually came to him. "This is where I am happiest."

Cal Poly's Sam Walters

Cal Poly Assistant Coach Sam Walters was likely predestined to become a basketball coach at some level. That thought being predicated on the fact that his father Stu coached hoops for decades at Soquel High (Santa Cruz County), is currently the Soquel High athletic director (since 2009) and is a local sports icon. Overall, Stu Walters has mentored prep basketball players for over 40 years.

Another nourishing factor is Walters was strongly invested especially in college basketball, making positive impressions playing at UC Santa Barbara and Colorado Mesa. The latter turned out to be a key transfer move in his post-playing career direction.

But there was no come to Jesus 'I know what I want to do with my life and it's coaching' moment for the youthful Walters. He progressed step-by-step before coming to that conclusion.

"Growing up, my family valued coaches and coaching and I watched my Dad be impactful in changing lives as a coach," Walters explained. "But I didn't think I'd become a college coach." After twice being named a Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Co-Most Valuable Player (at Soquel High), "I went on to play for Bob Williams at UC Santa Barbara (Williams began his coaching career in Santa Cruz County) and then Mike DeGeorge at Colorado Mesa (DeGeorge is the current head coach at Cal Poly). I was thinking about other careers even though I always knew that coaching was personally rewarding."

With a master's degree in Sports Management in hand after finishing at Colorado Mesa in 2019, Walters returned home with coaching still a optional lure yet not a fully concrete one. He landed a position assisting Ron DuBois at UC Santa Cruz in 2019, a D3 program. (DuBois is now also currently on DeGeorge's staff, after they first paired up when DuBois assisted DeGeorge at Rhodes College in Memphis back in 2010). Walters stayed at UCSC through the 2022 season while also serving as the interim head coach for a six-month span in 2021.

He then moved on to work under the well-regarded Danny Yoshikawa at West Valley College  (Yoshikawa assisted successful college basketball programs at St. Mary's, USF and UC Santa Barbara). WVC is a community college located nearby in Saratoga and, with Walters aboard, the Vikings finished 33-0 in the 2023-24 season, capturing the state championship.

Joining Up With Cal Poly

Walters moved south for the 2024-25 season, rejoining DeGeorge as an assistant coach. Not coincidentally, Cal Poly moved from a 4-28 pre-DeGeorge season to 16-19 in just one season, averaging 18.4 points better than the previous one while burying 11.5 three-pointers per game and scoring 82.1 points an outing. The mid-major Mustangs enjoyed the greatest improvement of any team in the country last season in the KenPom rankings (345 to 182).

One extremely remarkable item about DeGeorge is just one player has ever transferred from his programs. The reasons why are multiple (individual player development and learning to play multiple positions in order to make the jump to professional status much more likely being foremost), and elements Walters wants to emulate once he is heading a program.

Earning a promotion

This year, Walters earned a promotion to recruiting director. As DeGeorge offered in an earlier article: “Sam has done a remarkable job helping our international student-athletes navigate the process...His intelligence and attention to detail have made it clear he’s ready to coordinate our recruiting efforts.”

The recruitment of student athletes from outside the United State usually require much greater documentation during the admissions and visa proceedings and involve working with educational and government entities. However as Walters explained, "We value international players because of their experiences and commitment to the game, but we are committed to recruiting the players in our backyard as well." Eight members of this year's Cal Poly team are international student-athletes.

The Cal Poly Secret Sauce

So what does Walters tell prospective Cal Poly recruits, national and international? "We're very honest with players and we provide a clear vision of that player's development program. Our style of play is attractive because it's comparable to the pro game and lends to player development (as players also learn how to be effective at multiple positions). We also get analytics in front of each player. It also helps that I played for Coach DeGeorge (a concrete credibility when answering questions about the head coach and his playing style). We also talk about packing the Mott (the 3,000+ seat Athletics Center) and it being a great environment for basketball."

"We stress Cal Poly and its strong academics and that 95% of our players graduate which is above the student body rate. Also, that San Luis Obispo is a college town and a community that cares about the school. We love to recruit California and are doing that 100% right now."

Getting Foreign Student-Athletes Enrolled

As his team's head recruiter, what does pursuing a talent require? "First, we have to check high school transcripts which are eventually evaluated by Admissions and what prospective major CP candidates can study are determined. It's also critical to check an overseas player's professional status" (as some have been paid but can often still meet NCAA amateur guidelines)."

"It's all about putting in the work and going the extra mile to make it work. (As he offered with a laugh) I have learned a lot about our own government and foreign governments."

Yes, Walters is a coaching newbie but anyone in the profession wants to eventually head his or her own program. "Yes but it's all about fit and each school's situation. I'm glad I have playing and coaching experience at all four levels and that I've had great mentors."

Being an important component on a coaching staff that revives the Cal Poly program into one of annual success would also create a tremendous career boost. Walters is preparing.

Meet UC Irvine-bound Parker Spees

Call Parker Spees 'Mr. Multi-Dimensional' as there isn't anything he cannot do on the court. Shoot, shoot from 3, pass, rebound, defend, run the court, lead and make his teammates more effective headline his multitude of talents. The 6-foot-9 2026 San Joaquin Memorial High (Fresno) talent recently decided on his college and he's headed to UC Irvine in Orange County. Led by Coach Russell Turner, the Anteaters are members of the Big West Conference and were recently picked to win league this coming season.

As longtime scout Paul Hernandez of Central Coast High School Hoops wrote in December 2024 of Spees in his most recent rankings of 2026 players: "Coming in at #2, and moving up two spots from the last round of these player rankings is the lengthy, tall, and skilled wing/forward Parker Spees of San Joaquin Memorial. Spees played with Jalen Green Elite’s 16u 3SSB team this past Spring and Summer, which helped his stock rise beyond California, and put his name on the radar of 4-year coaches, with high-academic programs at all levels in serious contention, as Spees is also a 4.0+ student in the classroom. Spees had a dominant performance at the 4th Annual Central Cali Prospects Junior/Senior Showcase in early October, scoring an event high 39 points in his second showcase game en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Spees impacts both ends of the court, protects the rim in the paint and contests perimeter shots on closeouts, has good hands around the basket, can score the ball from 3-levels, is accurate with the 3-ball especially off the catch and shoot, has the handles to attack from the top of the key, and is playing above the rim more frequently to showcase his athleticism. Good court vision to find open teammates, can push the ball off the glass, and does all the little things to impact winning."

Dinos Trigonis succinctly posted this on June 27 of this year on X: "...6-8 2026 Parker Spees is one of the West's most underrated skilled Fs."

Former San Jose State University player and current coach and trainer Mike Moore offered "Parker Spees went off at Section 7! and Cali Live! A 6’10” unicorn! Does it all, can handle it, facilitate it, blocks shots, elite  Rebounder, great passer, Ambidextrous dunker, and can score and shoot it!"

With his bonafides established, why the choice of the Anteaters for college ball?

"Overall, UC Irvine is the best fit for the player I am. It's a high academic school with a high basketball culture. Coach Turner has a great track record of developing players at my position. He once coached Tim Duncan at Wake Forest (the San Antonio Spur great and NBA Haller-of-Famer)."

The winningest coach in Irvine history, Turner sports a 63% winning percentage (321-187) and has bagged seven regular season conference championships.

Besides the Anteaters, with other offers from Fresno State, Montana, Pepperdine, UC Riverside, Long Beach State, Utah Tech, Northeastern and Boston University, Spees noted a timing to his visits. With a maximum of five official recruiting visits available per the NCAA, "last weekend was my final visit and it was to Irvine. I did that on purpose." He wanted to fresh experience UC Irvine in comparison with his other options. Luckily for Turner and Company, Spees was most impressed with what Irvine had to offer.

In his conversations with the Irvine coaching staff, "they see me as a stretch forward with a lot of ball touches and a quarterback of the team offensively."

Spees' initial hoops goals are "I want to develop early on because I want to shoot for Freshman of the Year honors or as close to that as possible."

Asked to detail what he views as his best basketball attributes, Spees offered "my versatility, like putting the ball on the floor, attacking on the perimeter, my IQ with ball reads and blocking shots." With an eye always on maximizing his potential, he said, "but I always want to get better."

Two other Spees elements are also must mentions. Regarding leadership, he offered, "Yes, I'm definitely a leader on my high school team." Previously a by example leader, "This season, I'm definitely more vocal in guiding my teammates." The other worthy component is his uber excellence in the classroom. "Last semester, I finished with a 4.4 grade point average and I have a cumulative 4.2 grade point average." Not just a one trick pony only as a basketball prospect, Spees demonstrably works just as hard to be his best in the classroom. His life 'mantra" is "how you do anything is how you do everything." Consistency of character is important to him.

By the way, his father stands 6-foot-5, his mother 6-foot-1 and his Dad played volleyball at UC Santa Barbara. Spees participated in basketball, soccer and volleyball growing up, beginning organized hoops "when I was around six years old."

He cited "my parents" as his biggest basketball influences because "they helped me stay the course" and also lauded "the good coaches I had growing up." Spees also offered thanks to "my family, teammates, trainers, those who helped me with my recruitment and to God for helping with my mental state and in staying humble.

Spees selected a fairly recent achievement in detailing his best hoops moment. Ultimately enjoying 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a 62-60 victory, he said "I hit a game-winning three when we were down by two against Sunnyslope (Phoenix)." That's Spees.

He will be a business major in college.

The San Jose State University Spartan Recruiting Season

For something new, I attempted to track San Jose State University's 2025 recruiting season, an arduous task and one that admittedly stands incomplete because not every offer appears publicly.

As you'll see, lots of offers were extended, some with the hope of landing a prospect on the rebound from his original school. Some were simply long shots.

New 2025-26 San Jose State University Players

Transfer Portal Signees

• Colby Garwood 6-foot-0 190 junior guard (Longwood University) signed 4-17-25
• Adrien Meyers 6-foot-6, 205 redshirt sophomore (Mississippi State) signed 4-28-25
• JaVaughn Hannah 6-foot-3 200 senior guard (Western Michigan) signed 5-7-25
• Yaphet Moundi 6-foot-8, 205 senior forward (Iona) signed 5-12-25
• Marcus Overstreet 6-foot-9 230 junior forward (Mercer) signed 5-18-25
• Japhet Moupadele 6-foot-8 220 freshman forward (from France) signed 6-12-25
• Jaden Goodall 6-foot-6 175 redshirt freshman forward (Cal-Berkeley) signed 8-30-25 (possibly a walk-on)
• Eren Karakaya 6-foot-10 230 freshman center (from Turkey) signed 8-30-25

Other Signees

• Melvin Bell 6-foot-4 195 freshman guard (Indiana prep school) committed 9-17-24)
• Douglas Langford 6-foot-7 240 freshman (HS, southern California) committed 3-25-25)
• Damase Coley 6-foot-2 171 freshman guard (Dublin High, CA) (likely a walk-on)

Returnees

• Christian Wise 6-foot-6 205 forward redshirt sophomore (possibly still a walk-on)
• Sadraque Nganga 6-foot-10 220 forward senior
• Pasha Goodarzi 6-foot-3 190 guard redshirt sophomore
• Ben Roseborough 6-foot-4 205 redshirt freshman
• Jermaine Washington 6-foot-1 180 sophomore

Transfer Portal Players Pursued Who Signed Elsewhere

• 6-foot-3 190 guard Christian Henry (from Eastern Michigan, signed Fordham 5-3-25)
• 6-foot-8 220 forward Blake Barkley (Northwestern, signed East Tennessee State 4-13-24)
• 6-foot-8 Dillon Battie (Temple, signed Wichita State 4-17-25)
• 7-foot-2 280 center Anton Bonke (Providence, offered by SJSU in 2023, signed Charlotte 4-30-25)
• 6-foot-2 freshman guard Isaac Williams (Texas A&M Corpus Christi, signed Baylor 4-26-25)
• 6-foot-7, 230 sophomore forward Jaden Daughtry (Indiana State, signed with Richmond 4-12-24)
• 6-foot-4 Jomo Goings (D2 Slippery Rock, signed LIU 4-28-25)
• 6-foot-7 Blaise Vespe (Florida Gulf Coast, signed Nova Southeastern University 7-2-25)
• 6-foot-4 Amiri Stewart (Sacred Heart grad transfer, signed with Campbell University 5-21-25)
• 6-foot-10 KC Ibekwe (Washington/Oregon State, signed with Pacific 4-30-25)
• Britain Harris junior 6-foot-4, 170 (USC Upstate, signed with Florida International 5-20-25 after initially committing to Pacific)
• 6-foot-5 Ryan Richardson (Missouri State West Plains, signed with Binghamton 5-20-25)

.......... 2025 ..........

2025 Talents Offered By SJSU But Not Signed (by position)

There are a number of prospects below whose 2025-26 destination could not be determined.

PG

• Jalen St. Clair 5-foot-11 NV (offered July 10, 2023)
• Aaron Glass 6-foot-3 CA (offered Dec. 28, 2022) (signed with Texas A&M, released, signed with Washington State 5-15-25)
• Mason Brown 6-foot-3 NV (offered May 10, 2023)
• Semetri Carr 5-foot-11 CA (offered June 23, 2023) (committed to California 9-14-24)
• Cam Miles 6-foot-2 AZ Compass Prep (offered July 20, 2023) (committed to Temple 9-25-24) (re-opened April 1, 2025) (committed to Florida State 4-17-25)
• Kisean Robinson 6-foot-3 GA (offered September 18, 2023)
• Cameron Carroll 6-foot-3 TX (offered June 24, 2024) (committed to Rice 9-4-24)
• Elijah Perryman 6-foot-2 CA (offered July 22, 2024) (committed to Utah State 9-16-24)
• Jaylen Lawal 6-foot-3 (offered 8/18/24) (committed to Tulsa 9/19/24)
• Adriel 'AD' Nyorha 6-foot-5 NC/Ontario CAN (offered 9/24/24) (committed to Arkansas State 11-1-24)
• 6-foot-3 V'Elijah Miller Chatsworth High (offered)
• 5-foot-10 LJ Rush (signed with Drake 9-5-25)

SG

• Jaden Vance 6-foot-5 AZ (offered June 3, 2024) (committed UC San Diego 4-27-25)
• Dorian Hayes 6-foot-4 TX (offered summer 2023) (committed to Texas San Antonio 10-23-24)
• Gavin Sykes 6-foot-4 CA (offered September 12, 2023) (committed to Long Beach State 10-25-24)
• Cy Merret 6-foot-5 LA (offered May 7, 2024)
• Caleb Versher 6-foot-3 CA (offered July 12, 2024) (committed to UC Riverside 10-22-24)
• Ian Inman 6-foot-5 TX (offered July 18, 2024) (committed to Colorado 9/18/24)
• Kaden Powers 6-foot-5 WA (offered August 21, 2024) (committed to Rutgers 10/11/24)
• David Brown 6-foot-7 Salt Lake City CC (offered 9/19/24) (committed Maryland Eastern Shore 5-22-25)
• Ylan Esso-Essis 6-foot-8, 220 Modesto JC France (offered 2-01-25) (signed UC Davis 5-12-25)

SF

• Damarion Vann-Kelly 6-foot-7 (interest mid-November 2024) (signed Florida CC 5-11-25)
• EJ Vernon 6-foot-7 CA (offered April 18, 2023) (signed with SoCal Academy 5-1-25)
• Kade Bonham 6-foot-7 CA (offered June 27, 2023)
• Jasir Rencher 6-foot-5 CA (offered June 28, 2023) (committed to Texas A&M 10/04/24)
• Kenyon Aguino 6-foot-7 NM (offered May 7, 2024) (committed to Montana 10/8/24)
• Kellen Hampton 6-foot-7 CA (offered October 6, 2022) (committed to Pacific 9/27/24)
• Lance Carr 6-foot-7 TX (offered June 24, 2024) (committed to UAB 9/10/24)
• D.J. Hall 6-foot-7 TX (offered June 27, 2024) (committed to Texas State 12/12/24)
• Frances Folefac 6-foot-7 225 Maryland (offered June 28, 2024) (committed to Sienna 4-24-25)
• Tyrin Jones, 6-foot-8, Utah (offered July 28, 2024) (committed to UNLV 9/8/24)
• Peyton White, 6-foot-6 (offered July 16, 2024) (committed to Nevada 9/4/24)
• Jacob Ross, 6-foot-5 CA (offered September 16, 2024) (signed with Minnesota, released, signed with UConn 5-12-25)
• Da'Ron Hall 6-foot-8 NC (offered October 2, 2024)
• Timo George 6-foot-7 IMG-FL (offered December 9, 2024) (signed with Portland 5/21-25)
• Travis Torrain 6-foot-7 Panola CC Tracy, CA (offered by SJSU 9-6-23) (committed to Austin Peay 4-22-25)

PF

• Gevonte Ware 6-foot-9 235 NC (offered June 29, 2024) (committed to Rutgers 9/24/24)
• Lonnie Bass Jr. 6-foot-8 NV (offered May 24, 2024) (committed Independence CC 6-4-25)
• Marcus Jackson 6-foot-7 AZ Compass Prep (offered July 8, 2024) (committed to Maryland 9-9-24, decommitted 11-11-24) (committed to Arizona State 4-7-25)
• D.J. Smith 6-foot-10 190 TX (offered July 19, 2024)
• Kam Wylie 6-foot-9 225 MD (offered June 28, 2024)
• Moustapha Loum 6-foot-9 200 France Putnam Science Academy (offered August 26, 2024) (signed Northwestern State 5-12-25)
• Kaiden Rayfield 6-foot-8 180 PHH Prep (Phoenix AZ) (offered Sept 6, 2024) (signed with Texas-San Antonio)
• Preston Copeland 6-foot-8 NC (offered 10-3-24) (committed to Ball State 10-26-24)

C

• Jax Kerr 6-foot-11 OK (offered December 29, 2023) (committed to St. Louis 9-5-24)
• Andre Ngomabie 6-foot-10 FLA/Congo (offered August 21, 2024)
• Timothy Finau 7-foot TX Athletes In Action prep team (offered January 23, 2025) (signed Holy Cross 4-21-25)