Potpourri, Jul 19

News Bits

Golden State Prep Basketball: "Congrats to our guy Darrion Trammell signing professionally in Europe Kometa Kaposvari KK in Hungary."

Trammell finished up at San Diego State and in his two seasons the Aztecs reached the third round/Sweet Sixteen of the Big Dance this season (falling to eventual champion Connecticut) while also falling to Connecticut in the championship game the previous year.

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Weston Ranch High Boys Basketball: "After a productive summer and final weekend at Cali Live where he averaged 22ppg and 10rpg against top competition, 2025 Darrion Lilly picks up an offer from Fresno Pacific University."

Lilly stands 6-foot-5.

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Former California player Markhuri Sanders-Frison has just been hired up at Idaho as an assistant coach in charge of player development.

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Here's a video interview of 6-foot-1 point guard Jordan (Freedom High/Prolific Prep) Pope who is now at Texas (from Oregon State).

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Verbal Commits: "2025 St. Joseph (CA) F Tounde Yessoufou has received an offer from Connecticut."

Pairing up with Dan Hurley is an exceptional idea for Yessoufou who has a college ready build and can already pound bodies but at 6-foot-6 needs to expand his skills set with a face-the-basket threat plus additional ball skills. Tounde, commit now.

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"Inside Nate Robinson's silent battle—and his fight to live"

Not NorCal-connected but thank you to Baxter Holmes for an article that needed to be written, one that just might save the lives of some of its readers or people they know.

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Jordan Haire: "After a great conversation with Coach Wilson & Coach Davis I am excited to announce I have received an offer from the University of New Hampshire!!!!"

That's offer #4 for Haire, a 6-foot-7 sophomore-to-be at College of the Sequoia.

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Ryan Silver: "Congrats to 2026 JRob Croy Riverside Poly on offer from Coach Kyle Smith and Stanford. Croy rapidly emerging 2026 is one of best combo guards in America. Has helped lead West Coast Elite to 10-3 second place finish in Under Armour Association."

The 6-foot-4 Croy is the son of Cal Baptist University Head Coach Rick Croy. Smith offered Croy prior to his hire at Stanford (when he was at Washington State).

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Myles Jones: "Blessed to receive an offer from Weber State."

What with the level of play by the 6-foot-3 Jones this spring and summer, this one won't be happening. The Modesto Christian/Jalen Green Elite lead guard has been ON every game, no missteps. He has moved way past landing in the Big Sky Conference.

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Simply Basketball: "Carlton Perrilliat (2026 6'5) was the glue for Jalen Green Elite 16u at 3SSB Circuit Palmetto Rd. Made high flying dunks and attacked the rim with power all weekend long!"

and

Brandon Cole: "When you talk about high motor and you talk about toughness you talk about Carlton. Guards multiple decisions and impact winning! Keep working man!"

He attends Salesian Prep.

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Here is Ersin Demir in longform on 2025 NBA prospect Darrion Williams of Texas Tech. Prior to TT, Williams played at Nevada. He attended high school at Capital Christian plus Bishop Gorman (NV) and Sacramento is listed as his hometown, this his appearance here.

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Verbal Commits: "2026 St. Pius X (GA) G Harris Reynolds has received an offer from California."

Reynolds is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard out of Atlanta with other offers via West Virginia, Sam Houston Satet, Ohio, Samford, Kennesaw State and Radford.

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Potpourri, Jul 17

News Bits

"(Elijah) Pepper Signs Two-Year Deal with Perth Wildcats"

Pepper was named the Big West Conference Most Valuable Player last season. He's a fun player to watch, no wasted effort.

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

Meanwhile, the Nor Cal D1 programs wonder why they have difficulty landing Nor Cal/Bay Area prospects.

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Portal Updates: "Long Beach State transfer Isael Silva has committed to San Francisco. The 6’4” junior guard appeared in 36 games, averaging 2.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 12.5 minutes per game. Silva previously played at Stanford, where he averaged 3.4 PPG, and 1.2 APG over two seasons. Former top 100 recruit coming out of high school."

This is a surprising move upwards for the point guard.

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JUCO Recruiting: "Radford has offered 2025 College of Sequoias 6’7 F Jaden Haire."

It would help at the next level if Haire were 6-foot-9 but he plays hard, rebounds well and doesn't do anything he shouldn't. He can score close in but is weak on treys and free throws. Haire also was recently offered by Southern Utah and also Cal State Bakersfield.

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Bennett Silvyn: "Chase Rawlins, 6'6" '25, a lengthy combo guard with great handles, uses quick changes of pace and bursts of speed to attack defenders. He shows excellent court awareness, feeling pressure from double teams and finding open teammates."

A Folsom High and Rose City Ballers talent who should have every NorCal D1 taking a long look.

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Bennett Silvyn: "Gavin Gross, 6'6" '25, is an exceptional hustle player who goes after every 50/50 ball and rebound. A good shooter unafraid to drive to the rim, he’s also a phenomenal passer. Great all around player to keen an eye on. 

Another Rose City Ballers youngster out of Oregon.

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Chabot Gladiator Basketball: "Gladiator true HS Fr 6’3 Amani Johnson showed well & has received D-1 interest at the JC All American Open Showcase. Amani averaged 11.3ppg 5.2rpg 3.0asg 2.0spg. 🚨4yr coaches🚨Amani is hi level player!"

Johnson is just a few months out of playing for Salesian Prep. 

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From Paul Garcia:

"With (Stephon) Castle out, (Jamaree) Bouyea got to go back to his natural position of being the Spurs’ lead point guard. In 24 minutes, Bouyea finished with 12 points on 12 shots, 3 rebounds, 4 assists to 3 turnovers, and 3 steals.

Like Cissoko and most of his teammates, Bouyea had a tough night from the 3-point line, shooting 0-of-5. He did what he usually does out on the court, plays with a lot of energy, gets the team into their sets or runs P&Rs to create, and makes hustle plays.

There was a possession in the fourth where he went up high for a defensive board, he collected the board, and pushed the ball down court. He saw a teammate ahead of him and threw an on-target bounce pass to his teammate for the finish.

When the game was close in the final minutes, Bouyea got a switch against a Hawks big, and used a crafty crossover into step-back dribble to make a mid-range jumper..."

Bouyea has bounced around thus far after playing at Palma High and USF but hopefully will land with the Spurs. He's reaching a critical time where it might be best to head overseas.

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CSUNorthridge Men's Basketball: "Mykel Morse joins CSUN Men's Basketball staff as director of operations for 2024-25 season. Mykel spent last season as an associate head coach at West Valley College where he helped lead the team to a 33-0 record and 3C2A championship."

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William Middlebrooks the new head coach (as of April 2024) of the Oakland-based Lincoln University Lions. He is a longtime coach and basketball leader from southern California. He, like all others in the coaching field, has been recruiting and of late:

• 5-foot-10 sophomore Dwayne Ealy of Skyline High and College of Alameda has come aboard.
• 6-foot-3 sophomore Davron Murrell of Encinal High and College of Alameda is also now an Oak.
• 6-foot-1 sophomore Elijah Williams of Grossment High and Grossmont College is also a roster addition.

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Verbal Commits: "2027 Prolific Prep (CA) F/C Obinna Ekezie, Jr. has received an offer from Arizona State."

It's his fourth offer, the others being Stanford, California and Houston, for the 7-foot, 215 pound prospect.

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Pro Insight: "We spoke with ‘27 Siincere Hudson this week at 3SSBCircuit in Rock Hill, SC, and talked about his role with Dream Vision Ball, which pros he studies, watching the Ball brothers growing up, and more (sound 🔊 on)."

Hit this link to bring up the audio.

The 6-foot-2 Hudson attends Inderkum High.

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Joe Tipton on Prolific Prep's Tyran Stokes: "Tyran Stokes is one of those dudes and he knows it. At 6-foot-7 and 225+ pounds, his athleticism is freaky. His strength and speed allows him to get to the rim with ease and he’s an underrated passer. His three point shot is continuing to improve, knocking in several today. The passing ability is an impressive aspect of the Louisville native’s game. Stokes is in the class of 2026, but has a very mature game."

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Nebiyu Teklemariam Heading to the Bay

"I feel like I'm a basketball junkie." So said Nebiyu Teklemariam, known as 'Neb," a 6-foot-6 Ohlone College sophomore who very early in his sporting life became basketball's gain and soccer's loss.

"I was forced into playing basketball," he said. "My first sport was soccer and I started playing soccer at three years old for a youth soccer club called Selam Soccer. It was a club for a lot of Eritrean and Ethiopian kids. But in 4th grade, my Mom put me into an Alameda Youth Basketball (AYB) league. So, I was going to try basketball and try to have fun with it." Teklemariam developed a sweet tooth of sorts for  the orange roundball. " The more I played I realized how much better I was getting, I wanted to see how good I could be. It makes you want to keep testing your limits and challenge yourself.”

“I spend a lot of time watching the game, my friends and family will tell you I could talk basketball for hours. I love everything about the game, the ups and downs, wins and losses, workouts, conditioning, the sound of the ball bouncing in the gym, every little detail.”

In those community college gyms this season, Teklemariam provided Ohlone 11.2 points a game on 42% overall shooting and 39% shooting from long distance respectively, plus 4.5 rebounds a contest.

Insight From Ohlone College Coach Lee

Ohlone Coach Jordan Lee provided this insight on his sophomore: "Neb is one of the most passionate players I’ve had the pleasure of coaching.brings a fire with him everyday and brightens those around him. He is an incredible learner and student of the game and watches a ton of film on his own. Neb has a hunger to his approach that you can’t teach, and it has had an infectious impact on the team. CSU Monterey Bay got a really good one."

His production as well as his energy and versatility on the floor provoked the interest of Cal State University Monterey Bay coaching staff. After a period of talking and texting, Teklemariam visited the school and soon after answered in the affirmative to an offer.

Why so? "It's a great fit for me as a person and player being a smaller school, close to home, and I feel like we can build something special." Other selling points: "being near the beach and the access to nature."I took a campus tour after the end of our season and I really enjoyed it". While there, the 

basketball coaching staff proved very attentive, checking in often with Teklemariam. He also liked the playing style employed by Coach Williams.

What CSUMB Fans Will See

So what will he be bringing to his new court home come September? "I'll show great versatility on both sides of the court, especially my defensive ability to guard and shoot the ball. I play with a lot of passion and intensity and I showcase that everytime I play."

What's fascinating is that Teklemariam almost didn't decide to attend Ohlone College. But a pair of factors worked in favor of the Fremont-based school.

"I wasn't even considering Ohlone at first," Teklemariam admitted. "They went 2-25 the year before. I wanted to play on a winning team so I was headed to another school in the same conference. But I gave Ohlone a shot because my AAU coach -- Coach Marcus Norman -- said to give Ohlone a chance. I did and (Coach) Jordan Lee's passion for the game and his energy really impressed me. It’s funny because Coach Lee lived across the street from my cousin’s house and every Sunday he would see us play basketball in the front yard since I was a kid, it’s crazy how he would eventually coach me. He had a step by step plan for me and his ability to break my game down and tell me things I needed to work on to achieve my goals surprised me. Also his ability to hold his players accountable, he treats every player like a pro and he demanded that I bring it everyday."

Teklemariam's primary goals for this coming season include " showing up to work every single day and being a great teammate. I want to bring the energy everyday and focus on sharpening my skills day by day. Lastly, just coming in with a positive attitude and building chemistry with my teammates. The foundation of any type of success, both team and individual, starts with that.”

In thanking those who provided tutelage and assistance along the way in his basketball journey, Teklemariam said, " First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing me to play the game I love. My mom and my little brother always supported and challenged me throughout my life. My mom especially, she’s a superwoman, never complains and she does everything for my brother and I. All my family and friends who continued to support me and demand excellence in all facets of life. The Alameda Boys and Girls Club, Mark, Nate, and James. And lastly, to all my coaches. It all began with Coach Miles and then Coach Preston. Coach Marcus Norman, my AAU coach, really helped me with my mentality and pushed me to play both sides. My high school coach, Coach (Don) Lippi (at  St.Joseph Notre Dame). He would work me out every morning before school, but most importantly he showed me how to have quality character and be a good person.”

As for his most current coaching staff (at Ohlone), Teklemariam offered he and Coach Jordan Lee have "matching high energy levels and a matching passion for the game plus he has shown that he truly cares about his players." Assistant Coach Nate Millheim "is someone who keeps you up when something isn't going well." Assistant Coach Terrance Broussard "gets on me by pointing out where I could have done better during a game."

“There are so many more people I could thank and they know who they are, but I’m really blessed to continue being a student athlete and play at the next level. As thankful as I am, I understand my journey isn’t finished and I’m really excited for the next two years at CSU Monterey Bay.”

Buoyant. High energy. Ardor. That defines Nebiyu Teklemariam's hoops life. Get ready Sea Otters and opponents.

Potpourri, Jul 15

News Bits

Remember 6-foot-7 Isaiah Pineiro? Born in Auburn to parents of Puerto Rican descent, he graduated from Placer High and then attended Sierra College for one year before transferring to Portland State. After a year in Oregon, he transferred again, this time to San Diego of the West Coast Conference and sat out 2016-17. That's going from the Big Sky Conference to the West Coast Conference yet he averaged 15.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in his initial WCC season, earning First Team honors. He repeated that status as a redshirt senior. Pineiro has primarily played overseas since college.

Pineiro has been named to the Puerto Rico Olympic squad that will begin play in Paris this month!

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Caden Flowers: "100% COMMITED."

That is to San Francisco State for the 6-foot-1 Yuba College guard who shot 41%, 41% and 76% in averaging 12 points and three assists per game last season. He is also out of Capital Christian High.

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Verbal Commits: "2027 Hamilton Heights (TN) F Jack Liu has received an offer from California."

Liu stands 6-foot-11, is from China but is currently attending a prep school in Tennessee.

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"(Zerrion) Payton Joins (Hawaii) Men's Basketball Staff As Director of Player Development"

"...Payton is the nephew of NBA Hall of Fame guard Gary Payton and the cousin of current Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II..."

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Team Arsenal: "Congrats to our guy Ross Williams on signing with the Detroit Pistons for NBA Summer League."

The 6-foot-0 Williams is out of Bishop O'Dowd, Menlo College, Colorado Christian and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

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Jon Rothstein: "Santa Clara returns 71% of its scoring from a 20-win team and adds (guard) Carlos Stewart from LSU, who was a first-team All-WCC player for the Broncos during the 2022-23 season."

Don't forget to note 6-foot-7 leading scorer Adama-Alpha Bal who returns from his dalliance with the NBA draft plus 6-foot-6 newcomer Elijah Mahi who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2024 state tournament which his West Valley College team won. WVC finished 33-0.

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Sean Cunningham: "According to sources, the New Orleans Pelicans have added Jordan Ford to their Summer League team in Las Vegas. The Sacramento native will look to land a roster spot after his stint ended with the Kings as a two-way player last season."

Don't know if this makes sense but here goes...Ford has NBA skills and smarts but is minus in NBA size and athleticism.

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nba draft point: "Memphis second round rookie Jaylen (Folsom High/Sonoma State) Wells today (July 9) in the win vs Philly in Summer League

• 27 points
• 6 boards
• 3 assists
• 9-23 FG
• 3-7 3P
• 6-7 FT"

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nba draft point: "Miami Heat UDFA Keshad (San Leandro High) Johnson today (July 10) in the win vs LA in Summer League

• 21 points
• 9 boards
• 3 assists
• 3 steals
• 3 blocks
• 8-14 FG
• 1-4 3P
• 4-6 FT

The wing from Arizona seems like perfect Heat Culture fit and seems to be the next Miami success story."

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Sean Paul: "It wouldn’t surprise me if the San Francisco Dons made a strong push for an NCAA Tourney bid. Three 9+ PPG scorers return (Marcus Williams, Malik Thomas, Ndewedo Newbury) + Ryan Beasley is a huge breakout candidate. Can’t forget about two transfers adds I’m a fan of — Jason Rivera-Torres, a 3-and-D wing from Vandy, and versatile 7-footer Carlton Linguard."

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"There is a chance that this year's Peach Jam champion could go down as one of the best grassroots basketball teams of all-time, Rob Dauster/Field of 68 writes...

... the Oakland Soldiers may actually be the favorite to win the (Peach Jam) event.

AJ Dybantsa is considered by most to be the best prospect in high school basketball. Not far behind him is Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2026 and a current teammate on the Soldiers. They finished 14-1 and tied with Team Takeover, the reigning EYBL Champions, for first place in the Raveling Division.

Last year's Peach Jam buzz centered on the Class of 2025 and the 16U division. This year, all eyes will be on the older players and a potential Cameron Boozer vs. Dybantsa matchup with a title on the line..."

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Sean Paul: "Pacific is much-improved. Brought in a ton of talent, like Lamar Washington (Texas Tech), Elijah Fisher (DePaul), Jazz Gardner (Nevada) and Elias Ralph from Victoria in Canada. Victoria won 21 games at the USports level, and Ralph was among their better players. 6-7 with strong athleticism and shooting prowess. Could be a total steal in the WCC. I like his potential.

A lot of Canadian College hoopers are coming to America. I’d expect that continue. Some steals over there."

Still seeing UOP as needing a major influx of talent.

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Sean Paul: "Current WCC rankings for me:

• 1. Gonzaga
• 2. Saint Mary’s
• 3. San Francisco
• 4. Santa Clara
• 5. Loyola Marymount
• 6. Washington State
• 7. Pacific
• 8. Oregon State
• 9. Portland
• 10. San Diego
• 11. Pepperdine

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Derek Murray: "⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2025 Winters Grady of Prolific Prep & Jalen Green Elite has earned an offer from SMU."

and

Derek Murray: "Winters Grady finishes with 36 points & 8 rebounds, on 12-19 (6-9 3FG) shooting here in Rock Hill. Whew."

Out of Oregon, the 6-foot-7 Grady has come on exceptionally strong thus far in national and regional AAU play.

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Simply Basketball: "Myles Jones goes off for 29pts vs Indiana Elite! The national rankings will need a update soon with stellar play this live period."

Jones is a 6-foot-3 lead guard who is performing right now with the Jalen Green Elite and also plays for Modesto Christian High.

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Aaron Burgin: "Summer Cali Live Notes: 6-0 2025 G Kasen Krueger (Amador Valley) put on a scene stealing shooting performance for the Oakland Soldiers EYCL. Equally deadly off the catch & live dribble, Krueger’s range extends well beyond the college three, solid in pick and roll."

This from a scout based in San Diego.

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Kellen Hampton Is Back For One Last Ride

There's an old saying known by many that goes "You can never go home again," adopted from the title of a 1940 Thomas Wolfe novel. Kellen Hampton spent his junior year at the Southern California Academy honing his basketball skills but has now returned and is playing for both Moreau Catholic High and Team Lilliard this summer. His absence from the East Bay proved to be relatively brief and he is living proof the adage is incorrect in his particular case.

The 6-foot-7 Hampton, best suited for playing as a big wing, self describes his skills set as "capable of shooting the three ball, really good at medium range, a good dribbler for my size and improved on the defensive end." His year in Los Angeles allowed him to "try out playing a national schedule" and thus go up against a number of nationally rated teams and individual opponents, including practicing everyday against talented teammates who were also receiving recruiting offers.

But the siren call of home grew louder and more persistent, specifically the lure of high school social events. Hampton mentioned his desire for "attending prom and homecoming" plus "being back playing ball with my friends" weighting his decision in favor of returning to the East Bay. It's important to him to have more East Bay memories since he may not be playing college basketball in the Bay Area or even California for that matter.

Kellen Hampton-Oakland Rebels 2019 Summer Mixtape

Hampton's foray into playing sports began with the usual attempts. But many just "didn't connect" with him. However, an older brother was really into basketball and Hampton tagged along with him, meaning long days in the gym. Soon, Hampton was hooked. That combined with some golden words "from my Dad and Mom to be my best on and off the court. That installed a work ethic in me at a young age."

He noted a pair of best basketball moments. On his 10-and-under AAU team, "I finished with six treys and 23 points but very late in the game, my opponent buried a trey right in my face to put his team up by two. With seven seconds left on the clock, a teammate passed to me and I hit my last (sixth) three-pointer."

Then "in my sophomore year (at Moreau), we played Folsom High and it was looking bad for me as I was stuck on four points for a long time. What made it worse was Oregon State and California coaches watching from the stands. But me and senior teammate LeBrie Goudy-Lee (now playing club basketball at Michigan State) kept working hard and I finished with 32 points."

He sports offers from California, Arizona State, San Jose State University, St. John’s, Creighton, Mississippi State and Washington State and is in the midst of the crucial and critical recruiting period of the summer between his junior and senior years when present offers either become cemented or fade while new invites appear.

5TH grader Kellen Hampton dominates inside

In checking in about leadership, Hampton offered, "I can get a little quiet but I really try to pick up any struggling teammates."

Asked about his college major, Hampton said, "I have an idea, something involving computers."

Hampton closed by offering thanks "first to my Mom and Dad, then Coach Deshaun Freeman who picked me up from school every day from second grade to sixth grade and worked with me, Coach Kevin Bell (who enjoyed a stellar career as a point guard while at Fresno State) and Coach Roy who was the first AAU coach who allowed me to play on the wing."

One other piece of advice from his Dad still resonates with Hampton. "Use the game of basketball, don't let basketball use you." Father knows best. Son carries it forward.

The silky smooth wing, with a game that can carry his teams, is entertaining multiple offers. Ultimately, Hampton's decision and his reasoning will be fascinating and buoy the hopes of whichever program he chooses.