At times patience is indeed a virtue but both Akili Daniels and Mayville State Coach Darren Tighe ultimately moved quickly in forming their partnership, resulting in Daniels becoming a Comet for the next two years.

Accustomed to success while at Sacramento High and Chabot College, the 6-foot-2, 210 Daniels is joining a winning tradition. During his three-year tenure, Tighe and Company have nabbed back-to-back-to-back North Star Athletic Association championships in addition to three straight NAIA National Tournament appearances as well as a 65-25 overall record.

This season, Daniels averaged 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 40%, 39% and 73% respectively. His Gladiator career game highs are 30 points alongside six assists (both achieved in the same game).

His Strengths

What will he bring to the Mayville court? “Spreading the floor with my shooting the ball and defense, willing to do the dirty work.”

Currently, Daniels is working on growing his game plus getting faster. I’m doing sprints.”

“Akili represents loyalty, commitment and toughness” offered Chabot Coach Keenan McMiller. “We are very happy for Akili and his family. He completed his A.A. Degree in Communications with a 3.02 grade point average and will continue his success at Maryville State University academically and on the court.”

Curiously, Daniels was gridiron bound early on. “Originally, football was my career path but then I took more interest in basketball.” Why the change? “I liked doing the work required for basketball more than football.”

The first contact between Daniels and Tighe took place in June. Daniels began “doing my own research” and a Zoom meeting between the two proved fruitful. He reports to school in August.

Mayville State is a North Dakota school of 1,100+ students and Daniels will be majoring in civil engineering–the genesis for that decision being generated by choosing electives as a sophomore and finding that area of engineering intriguing.

Daniel’s Journey

Daniels’ path has long been fortified by the presence of his parents. “My Dad played basketball and trained me and my Mom supported me by pushing me to train.” He also offered thanks to “my parents, the Chabot coaching staff and my teammates” for making his Mayville recruitment possible.

Asked for a hoops highlight, Daniels thoughtfully answered, “I would say my senior night (at Sacramento High) with my family and friends supporting me.”

Adamant about the cornerstone of his recruiting process. he said: “I had no interest in me coming out of Sacramento High. You have to put yourself out there and get attention. My Dad helped me put film together and I worked with my Mom on recruiting email templates. It’s critical to let coaches know how to contact you.”

Joining Daniels at Mayville State will be former Freedom High/Las Positas College/Hawaii Pacific 6-foot guard John Ketchell, former Enochs High/Los Medanos College/Notre Dame de Namur talent 6-foot-6 Charles Jones and former Monte Vista Christian High/Fresno City College/Notre Dame de Namur big 6-foot-9 Carl Snyder. Plus, 5-foot-10 Jalen (Elliot Christian High/San Joaquin Delta College) Valverde will be entering his senior season at Mayville.

Chabot Basketball: “6’0 Soph G Micah Butler Webster (James Logan HS) has committed to (NAIA) San Diego Christian College and HC Dwayne Cosby!

He averaged 5.8 points per game on 44% 44% and 70% shooting this season for the Gladiators.

College of San Mateo Men’s Basketball: “Freshmen point guard Daniel Benjamin has accepted an athletic scholarship to continue his academic and athletic career at Piedmont International University! We will miss having you in the program!”

Benjamin is a 5-foot-9 point out of Jefferson High. PIU is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Verbal Commits D2: “2020 Nation Wide (OK) F Arash Yaqubi has committed to Lincoln (MO).”

He’s 6-foot-6 and out of Cosumnes Oaks High and Sheldon High.

Chabot Basketball: “Gladiator Basketball is excited about the commitment of 6’4 G/F Daniels Combs (College of Alameda/James Logan HS) Daniel is a Hayward native who will bring toughness, physicality and versatility on “D” and “O“!

“Cougar hoops player Tripp Rodriguez joins COS Eagles squad” Bill Choy

Siskiyous Basketball: “Excited to add Cade Ealy (6’3 Wing) from Grants Pass High School (OR) to our program! Cade averaged 11ppg 6reb and 3asst and was 2nd Team All Conference last season! Welcome to the family Cade!”

Brett Thompson: “I appreciate Sheridan College and @CodyBall_SC for giving me a chance to hoop in college. It was never my intention to leave Sheridan College. I will be attending Salt Lake Community College. Go Bruins.”

A 6-foot-2 freshman guard out of James Logan High, Thompson averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 46%, 37% and 77% respectively.

Mohammed (Monterey High) Adam has transferred from Monterey Peninsula College to College of the Sequoias. The 6-foot-2 sophomore-to-be guard averaged 7.8 points and 3.1 rebounds on 43%, 35% and 79% shooting respectively.

San Diego City College Men’s Basketball: “Excited to announce the addition of Gavin Wilburn to the family! Gavin is a 6’5 Guard from Oakland, CA. Conf. MVP, 4x 1st Team, 2x 1st Team All-State, Team MVP, Athlete of the Year. Conf & Section Champions, Open Division State Playoffs, crowned a Nor-Cal Division II champion!

Coach Mike Marcial is adding to his College of San Mateo roster:

“We are excited to welcome Isaiah Cabrera to the Bulldog Family!”

The 5-foot-11 Cabrera is out of Newark Memorial High and Ohlone College.

“We are excited to welcome Pearse Uniacke from Junipero Serra HS to the Bulldog Family!”

Uniake is 6-foot-9.

“We are excited to welcome Kori McCoy from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep to the Bulldog Family!”

McKoy is 6-foot.

“We have a Bulldog birthday today! Happy birthday incoming freshman Thomas Haysbert!”

New Humboldt State Coach Tae Norwood is bolstering his roster:

Gamepoint OC: “Congrats to 2020 6’6 F Matthew Brookins on his commitment to Humboldt State University. Great things are ahead for you. It was a pleasure assisting in your basketball growth at Westminster HS. Earned not Given.”

Brookins is a 6-foot-6, 230 power forward out of Orange County.

Verbal Commits D2: “2020 Springfield Commonwealth (MA) G/F Bryce Mitchell has committed to Humboldt State.”

Mitchell is 6-foot-5 and originally out of Santa Ana.

“McMillian made D-I chance  Combo guard picked up hoops early with mother’s support” Paul Coro

Derrick Jones: “”Want to congratulate the FIVE players off this year’s Merritt team who are moving on to the next level (3 sophs & 2 frosh). Best part is their collective gpa was over 3.4 (2 had a 4.0 spring semester)!”

6-foot-8 Jabari Sweet became a really wanted young man this year. Out of Sacramento High and a sophomore at Chabot College in Hayward, he averaged 12.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocked shots per game while shooting 52% overall?? this season (up from 8.8 points and 5.6 rebounds as a freshman). His size and that production resulted in 25 D1 and D2 schools either expressing interest or offering a basketball scholarship.

Having recently decided on D2 University of Hawai`i Hilo as his next destination, Sweet remains highly desired, especially by his new Head Coach Kaniela Aiona. Formerly in charge of the Menlo College program, Aiona now has Sweet and a 6-foot-9 returning senior as the bigs on his roster and his latest signee is expected to help remedy the Vulcans being out-scored last season by 5.0 points a contest, out-rebounded by 7.9 per game and managing just 47 blocked shots.

What does Sweet see himself bringing to the court? “My scoring, that’s what I’m known for the most. I’m a good rebounder, a pretty good rim protector and a playmaker.”

His Decision

Why did he narrow down his options to the choice of Hilo? “It was the best opportunity for me to keep growing, the best fit. (Chabot) Coach (Keenan) McMiller did a great job of advocating for me.” Aiona was hired in early May and quickly made initial contact with Sweet in mid-May, offering a full scholarship.

Here’s McMiller on his latest talent heading to a four-year school: “As a Chabot College Gladiator, Jabari has become a independent young adult. He completed his Kinesiology A.A. Degree with a 3.02 grade point average and earned First Team Coast North all- conference honors in his sophomore season. What I am most proud of is Jabari’s willingness to learn, his coachability and positive attitude.”

The volume of attention he received was new to Sweet. “I didn’t experience this coming out of high school. At first, I was cool with going anywhere but then I realized I needed some specifications.” Location became one as well as playing style. Being in Hawaii and participating in a high-scoring offense won the day.

Sweet’s advice to players entering the recruiting process includes “make a plan of what you want to do and stick with it because some four-year schools may want to change how you play. It’s a waiting game process.”

With Dominican University, Academy of Art University, Holy Names University and Fresno Pacific as fellow members of the PacWest Conference, family and friends will be able to catch Sweet during Hawai`i Hilo road games. Plus, as he explained, “my parents plan on coming over for some home games, too.”

He credits his parents for keeping him focused and thanked “my coaches and some NBA players” for being positive influences in his life.

Sweet will major in kinesiology with plans of becoming a sports medicine physician.

Weighing in at 215, he said, “I’m adding more muscle right now by lifting a lot.” Sweet will be heading to school in mid-August.

“RICH SHAYEWITZ NAMED DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL” Sonoma State University athletics

Excellent choice, great person.

Adrian Wojnarowski: “Free agent guard Tyler (St. Francis/Fresno State) Johnson has agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN.”

Former Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep star Justin Love passes.

More.

Chabot Basketball: “Gladiator soph Akili Daniels 6’3 G/F has committed to a scholarship from NAIA power Mayville State Univ in NDakota”

Mayville is on a roll, winning its conference three straight seasons.

Cornell Greenwood has signed with Eastern New Mexico University.

He’s a 6-foot-2 talent out of Marysville High and Yuba College and a two-time Bay Valley Conference Most Valuable Player.

“Viking guard (Devon) Banks signs with Cumberland University in Tennessee” West Valley College athletics

Banks is a 6-foot-2 sophomore and out of Oakland High. Here’s a 2018 feature on Banks.

“NVC’s Amir Nakhaei commits to Pacific Union College for basketball” Marty James

Simpson University Men’s Basketball: “Red Hawks with another HUGE signing. Welcome Adam Gotelli, a 6-foot-3 sharpshooter out of Idaho!”

“GABE VINCENT NAMED NBA G LEAGUE MOST IMPROVED PLAYER”

“What if Warriors’ Steph Curry, Klay Thompson were drafted by Kings?” James Ham

Marc J. Spears: “Westchester Knicks forward Ivan Rabb received the 2019-20 NBA G League Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award. The award honors the player best representing the ideals of character & conduct on the court and in the community. Rabb averaged 16.5 points and G League-high 12.1 rebounds.”

24/7 Sports scouting report on Washington State signee Dishon Jackson, St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School:

“Center, 6-foot-10, 235 pounds, Vallejo, California

Big center with wide shoulders, long arms and wide base. Strong kid but not maxed out physically. Plus athlete for position. Soft hands and feet. Improving skill set; has ability to face and post up. Upside as area rebounder and rim protector given physical tools. Can improve consistency and has struggled some with injuries. Projects as high major starter with continued development.”

“Former East Union assistant returns as boys hoops head coach” Jonamar Jacinto

“Once a Viking…Julius Hicks” West Valley College athletics

“A Father’s Day tale: California high school basketball stars overcome family tragedies  The memory of one dad, the presence of another lift Marsalis Roberson and Jalen Lewis to great heights” Mitch Stephens

“[De’Jon] Davis Signs Pro Contract With Besiktas J.K.” Danny Cross, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, California Baptist

“CCS Senior of the Year JE’LANI CLARK, ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN” Ethan Kassell

UC Merced Men’s Basketball: “#BobcatNation help us in welcoming @FearsTiler! Welcome to The Family, Tiler!”

Tiler Fears is 6-foot-4 and out of Sheldon High.

Coach Kevin Pham also recently signed 6-foot-6 Ruke Agbabune out of the southern California high school ranks plus 6-foot-4 Zach Phipps from Saugus High and College of the Canyons.

John Devine: “One time Salinas High, MPC and Seaside Finest guard Tim Harper has signed with Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee to continue his basketball career”

Harper is a 6-foot-2 sophomore guard who averaged 9.5 points and 2.9 rebounds this past season while shooting 43%, 35% and 85% respectively.

2020 Montana basketball graduates with northern California connections:

Siskiyou Basketball: “Excited and proud to announce all 9 sophomores in our program graduated this year and received their AA degree. Future is bright for these Eagles:

• Bishop Thomas
• Montell Willis
• Justin Kirk
• Jake Psaila
• Steph Washington
• Christian Gillette
• Dwayne McClendon
• J’Quail Hanks
• James Hughes

and

Siskiyous Basketball: “Excited to add Ayden Foster (6’5 Wing) from South Albany High School (OR) to our program. Ayden averaged 14ppg 7reb was 6th in the state of Oregon in FG% and named 2nd Team All Conference! Welcome to the family Ayden!”

Blake Seits: “For those of you who don’t know, CSU San Marcos decided not to renew the contracts of all assistant coaches at the university (fire them). As a member of the Men’s basketball team at the school, I will not stand for this”

and

Jayce McCain: “Not playing until you fix this”

“Source: Rockets could make a move for guard Tyler Johnson” Joanthan Faigen

“Linsanity, Redux: Jeremy Lin’s Star Is Shining Bright In Beijing” Alex Prewitt

Still more signings and such.

Chabot Basketball: “Gladiator Sophomore 6’8 F Jabari Sweet has committed to a full scholarship from Div2 Univ Of Hawaiʻi Hilo and HC Kaniela Aiona”

Aiona, formerly of Menlo College, was recently named the Hawaii Hilo head coach.

Sweet is out of Sacramento High.

Mayville State (North Dakota) items:

5-foot-10 Jalen (Elliot Christian High/San Joaquin Delta College) Valverde will be entering his senior season at Mayville. As a junior, he averaged 11.8 points and 4.8 rebounds with 44 steals and a 122/57 assist-to-turnover figures. Valverde shot 49%, 34% and 71% respectively.

Three other players with northern California connections are also heading to Mayville:

• former Freedom High, Las Positas College and Hawaii Pacific 6-foot guard John Ketchell
• former Enochs High, Los Medanos College and Notre Dame de Namur talent 6-foot-6 Charles Jones
• former Monte Vista Christian High, Notre Dame de Namur big 6-foot-9 Carl Snyder

Academy of Art Uinversity Coach Scott Waterman has been active:

“SLCC’S POPOOLA COMMITS TO ACADEMY OF ART”

He’s a 6-foot-4 guard.

“Congratulations to Jacob Smith on committing to Academy of Art University!”

Smith is a 6-foot-2 guard out of El Cerrito High and Central Wyoming College.

“Congrats to 6’7 Forward Mike Asante on his commitment!”

He’s out of Kilgore College and Howard College, both located in Texas.

Plus, 5-foot-10 guard Alex Heath of Lincoln Trail College (IL) has also committed.

Druce ((Tracy High/Cal State East Bay) Asah has earned his degree in Business Management from Metro State.

John Bynum Jr: “Congratulations @druceAsah on getting your degree fam. I’m proud of you and excited to see what your future holds. Nothing but love little bro.”

The 6-foot-4 Asah averaged a team high 12.2 points and 3.3 rebounds this season while shooting 37%, 36% and 87% respectively.

CWU Men’s Basketball: “Congrats to CWU MBB Senior @jeryn0 on earning his BA in Sports Management today! Jeryn led the Wildcats in scoring the past two seasons and made over 130 threes as a Wildcat. Jeryn was awarded ALL-GNAC honors this past season”

That’s 6-foot-5 Jeryn (West Campus High/Yuba College) Lucas of Central Washington University who averaged 13.8 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 44$, 43% and 87% respectively.

Brandon Cole: “We would like to welcome forward Pierce Davis our of powerhouse Sheldon HS to the @CPAOBasketball family! Pierce is a 6’8” high academic versatile young man that can guard the 2-5. He will have a major impact in our program and will be highly sought after in the class of 2021!”

Brandon Cole: “We would like to welcome Malakai Harris @macharriss 6-7 guard out of Marysville HS to the @CPAOBasketball family. Malakai has CRAZYYYY potential and will be heavily recruited after his post grad year. Only 17. Coaches act NOW!”

Coach Mike Hudson: “I am excited to announce that I am the New Head Varsity Basketball Coach at Berkeley High! I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve the Berkeley community and will give this program my heart.”

“Bill Cartwright’s Last Dance (in H.S.)” Chuck Nan

“Bill Russell’s hope for America: That this time will be different  I’ve been waiting my whole life for America to live up to its unfulfilled promise, Russell writes, because our lives depend on it.”

“Where was this support for Colin Kaepernick’s cause when he needed it?” Chris Murray

Excellent points here. There’s a bandwagon now (finally) but it was close to crickets earlier.

Kareem Clark has committed to Alabama State which recently hired former longtime NBA-er Mo Williams as head coach. Clark is 6-foot-3 and out of Capital Christian High, American River College and, most recently South Mountain Community College where he averaged 11.2, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 46%, 44% and 79% respectively.

QUAZ Men’s Basketball: “Boom! Fired up to welcome 5-foot-10 Kam Malbrough from @COABASKETBALL. G averaged 17.4 boards & 7 assists per, while leading his team to an 18-12 year. Incoming junior is a true floor general who takes great care of the ball & will make us go!”

Malbrough is heading to Ottawa University in Arizona, an NAIA school. His other numbers for College of Alameda: 2.5 steals per game while shooting 46%, 44% and 82% respectively. This guy deserved all state recognition.

Plus, CoA Coach Marshall Collins is re-loading for the 2020-21 season:

“We are excited to announce that @taypeavey will be playing for the College of Alameda the 2020-2021 season. Tayvion is a quick and explosive guard, that can play both sides of the court and will be a handful this year.”

Tayvion Fisher-Peavey is a 6-foot point out of Texas and Dodge City Community College.

“College of Alameda Men’s Basketball is excited to announce @josh_favors to the 2020-21 team. Josh is a 6’3 combo guard that can do many things. He will be a great addition to the program.”

Josh Favors is out of Georgia and did a prep season this year.

“We would like to welcome Kyahn Issa. 6’4 Wing out of Pitman High. LETS GET IT….”

“The College of Alameda would like to welcome @KingYgMar Shemar Morrow to the Men’s Basketball Program. Shemar is one of the Top Seniors in the 2020 Class. This is going to be an very exciting year. Let’s Go.”

Morrow is 6-foot-4 and out of southern California and Arizona.

“Congratulations to incoming freshman @Ceejayy2x on making All-District First Team. Exciting for next year.”

That’s 6-foot Clenard Mollere Jr. out of Louisiana.

“The College of Alameda Men’s Basketball Program is excited to welcome @donovan_sanor to the 20-21 squad. Donovan was named one of Maxpreps Players of the Year”

Donavan Sanor is 6-foot-4 and out of Idaho.

“The College of Alameda is excited to announce Xavier Brown of powerhouse Sheldon High School has committed to our program. Can’t wait to have see him on the court in a COA Jersey.”

Brown is 6-foot-3.

“Meet The Team: 17u NBBA Showcase” Simply Basketball

San Francisco State has announced its men’s basketball graduates and they include northern California talents Jase (Wilcox High) Wickliffe, Kenny (Ponderosa High/Lassen College) Macklin, Jordan (Colfax High/Cal State East Bay) Balser and Matt (Pleasant Grove High/Long Beach City College) Arrivas.

NVC Basketball: “Congratulations!! @saleem3232 One of the greats to put on a Storm uniform! Bright future for this great young man!!”

6-foot-5 Saleem Ali-Musa, out of Napa High, averaged 9.3  points and 5.9 boards as a sophomore and is headed to Langara College in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Siskiyous Basketball: “Excited to add Tripp Rodriguez (6’2 G) from Weed High to our program Tripp averaged 10pts 3reb 1.7steals last season and was named 1st Team All SCL and helped lead Weed High to the NorCal D6 Championship Game! Tripp was also Valedictorian with 4.15gpa Welcome to the family Tripp!”

“CCS Freshman of the Year KING JHSANNI-WILHITE, ST. IGNATIUS” Ethan Kassel

“CCS Sophomore of the Year CALVIN MADER-CLARK, HILLSDALE” Ethan Kassel

“CCS Junior of the Year MYKOLA EDIGER, HALF MOON BAY” Ethan Kassel

Verbal Commits: “Former Albany F/C Sasha French is transferring to Azusa Pacific (DII).”

French is 6-foot-11 and out of Justin-Sienna High and Napa Valley College.

Verbal Commits D2: “2020 Rolling Hills Prep (CA) G Troy Murphy, Jr. has committed to Dominican (CA).”

He’s 6-foot-4 and out of the southern California prep ranks.

Josiah Delacerda is moving on to Ottawa University, located in Arizona.

He’s 6-foot-8, averaged 9.5 points plus 3.8 rebounds, and is out of Clovis West High, Bellevue University and Yuba College.

“(Cabrillo’s) Gabe Mack Announces Commitment to Play Men’s Basketball at Kansas Wesleyan University”

Mack is a 6-foot-1 sophomore.

Chabot Basketball: “Gladiator Basketball is excited about the commitment of Dominique “Diggy” Winbush. Diggy has hi IQ, skill & is a crafty pure PG. Diggy went to prep last yr and is a 18-19 grad of Taft HS (“PG” U) in LA for HC Derrick Taylor.”

Winbush is a 6-footer.

Derrick Jones: “Merritt College welcomes guard Xzavion Bordelon from Dickinson HS in Texas for the 20-21 season. X is a tough competitor and jack of all trades that will help in the back court”

Bordelon is a 6-foot-3 guard out of the Texas prep ranks.

San Diego City College Men’s Basketball: “Excited to announce the addition of Josh Williams to the family! Josh is a 6’3 PG that was NorCal POY and will be joining us from Sheldon HS in Sacramento”

and

San Diego City College Men’s Basketball: “Excited to announce the addition of Jordan Lewis to the family! Jordan is a 6’4 PG that will be joining us from College Prep Academy in Sacramento”

Kai (Placer High) Huntsberry ‘started’ this with his decision to play for San Diego City College.

“Meet The Team: 2020 17u Team Arsenal Elite” Simply Basketball

“Sean Miller envisions James Akinjo fitting into Arizona’s 3-guard lineup” Matt Moreno

Mark’s Barbershop: “@julian_vaughns Post Shoulder Surgery!! “Full throttle now” Look Forward To Seeing Him At City (CCSF)!”

The 6-f00t-3 Vaughns is out of St. Joseph Notre Dame High and redshirted at Chico State this season.

“End of an Era: Who’s Next at Duke After Coach K?” Shawn Krest

“Jemele Hill Rips NFL for ‘Frankly Disgusting’ Hypocrisy About George Floyd Killing: ‘We Saw Them Take Away Colin Kaepernick’s Career’”

Roger Goodell and his ilk need to shut the f*** up. They chose to put an inferior product out on the field rather than display any backbone and do right.

More — “George Floyd protests and Colin Kaepernick are related. But the NFL doesn’t really know why” Will Leitch

It’s always the corporate bottom line over anything else, including dead bodies.

Finally.

“Tae Norwood, 2018 National Assistant Coach of the Year, Hired to Lead Men’s Basketball” HSU athletics

“Humboldt State’s Men’s Basketball Announces The Signing of Three to the Class of 2020” HSU athletics

Coach Steve Ball has been busy adding new talent to his Napa Valley College squad:

“NVC Men’s Basketball Receives Commitments from Seven Players” Marty James

“Clear Lake High’s Tyler Cerini Commits to Napa Valley College for Basketball” Marty James

“Chris Farrington Commits to Napa Valley College for Men’s Basketball” Marty James

Simpson University Men’s Basketball: “Red Hawk fans! Give a big welcome to our newest commit, Wes Persinger! He comes to us from Blue Mountain CC where he averaged a double-double. Can’t wait to get him on the court in an SU uniform!”

Persinger is a 6-foot-9 sophomore.

Chabot Basketball: “Gladiator basketball is excited about the commitment of 6’4 G Xavier Roldan! Xavier brings Hi IQ quality shooting and passing. We look forward to Xavier continuing his growth in the Gladiator Basketball program!”

Roldan is out of the Indiana prep ranks.

Coach Manfredi: “#33 Jaelon Roberts, 2020 Year Varsity Player 4th All-Time Rebounder Delta Sportsmanship Award Never missed game in career Will play for Fresno City JC”

Roberts is 6-foot-6 and out of Franklin High.

Up and Coming North Bay Hoops Stars” Michael Baribault

“Two Two Golson: Road To Glory”  Simply Basketball

“(Damany) Hendrix Named Assistant Coach Program’s director of player development and quality control elevated to coaching role” Vanderbilt athletics

Just too many signings and such to ignore so we’ve popped back in with a ‘catchup’ post:

Las Positas College hoops news:

“Las Positas Sophomores Ready For Next Level  Hawks basketball coach James Giacomazzi has been busy during the shutdown helping players land at 4-year programs” Matt Schwab

Mayville State MBB: “GREAT NEWS keeps coming! We are very excited to announce the signing of John Ketchel! is a 6’0 guard from Discovery Bay, CA.”

Ketchel is out of Freedom High, Las Positas College and Hawaii Pacific University.

Bethel Pilots Men’s Basketball: “Pilot fans, help us welcome 6’5 transfer wing, Wesley Burse!”

Burse is 6-foot-5 and out of Enochs High and Las Positas College.Bethel is an NAIA school in Indiana.

Incoming:

Simply Basketball: “6’6 Darren Tobias will be playing at Las Positas College next season!”

Tobias is out of Sheldon High.

Antonio Gilbert Jr. is also heading to Las Positas College.

He’s 5-foot-10, out of Albany High and a First Team All TCAL honoree.

Kendall Winston: “Just want to thank @CoachGiacomazzi for the opportunity!! Next fall I’ll be at Las Positas Community College in Livermore, California for my redshirt sophomore year!”

It looks like he is a 6-foot guard out of Tennessee.

Kourosh Kahn-Adle: “Excited to announce that I’ve committed to play basketball at Brandeis University. Thanks so much to the entire coaching staff for putting time in recruiting me, excited to work!”

He’s 6-foot-1 and out of St. Ignatius.

Ripon Christian Boys Basketball: “Congrats to RCKnights C/O 2019 standout Cade Alger for his very recent college transfer to perennial NCAA D1 basketball power San Diego State Univ! We wish Cade the best in the next step of his journey. God has big plans for you, young man!”

The 6-foot-9 Alger redshirted this past season at Seattle University.

Linfield Men’s Basketball: “Welcome to Linfield Nick Tripaldi!”

He’s a 6-footer and out of Menlo Atherton High.

plus – “We’re thrilled to welcome Tomas Wolber to the Linfield Basketball family!”

He’s 6-foot-1 and out of Stuart Hall High.

plus – “Please welcome Jackson Dupree to the Linfield basketball family!”

He’s 6-foot-3 and out of Bellarmine College Prep.

SteveSchafer50: “COMMITTED!!!! Welcome Savion Johnson to to the Benedictine Mesa 🏀 family!! Sav brings a TON of athleticism and versatility to our program. He is a high character kid that we absolutely cannot wait to have on campus this Fall!!”

Johnson is 6-foot-7 and out of Hanford West High and College of the Sequoias.

San Francisco State Men’s Basketball: “Its official! Happy to welcome 6-7 College of Marin forward Jalen Chandler to the Gator Basketball Family!”

Chandler is the son of Marquin (Newark Memorial High/George Washington/San Jose State University) Chandler.

San Francisco State Men’s Basketball: “Its official! Happy to welcome 6-6 John Bakke to the Gator Basketball Family!”

Bakke is out of El Dorado High in southern California.

Brandon Recek: “Blessed to receive a full ride scholarship to Chaminade University of Honolulu”

Recek is 6-foot-6 and out of Clovis West High and Yuba College.

Three coming to Cal Maritime:

“Stubbs splits from Redwoods, commits to CSU Maritime Academy” Andrew Butler

Scottsdale Men’s Basketball: “Congratulations to Chris Orozco on his commitment to Cal Maritime in Vallejo, CA.”

Orozco is 6-foot-6, 240.

Hornets Hoops: “Congrats to Harrison Bonner, a state champion and OEC defensive player of the year on his commit to Cal Maritime!”

Bonner is 6-f00t-4 and out of Fullerton College.

“Ryan Hakl Announces Commitment to Play Men’s Basketball at Occidental College”

He’s 6-foot-7 and out of Davis High.

Bellarmine College Prep’s 6-foot-2 Kyle Lewis is moving on to Chapman College.

Bellarmine College Prep’s 6-foot-6 Ian Elam is heading on to Case Western University.

Bellarmine College Prep’s 6-foot-2 Ridley Ruth will be playing next at UC Santa Cruz.

UC Merced is bringing in quite the number of new talents:

6-foot-7 Patrick Roberts out of the southern California high school ranks.

6-foot-7 Terry Moody out of Vista Del Lago High and Sacramento City College.

6-foot-6 Jaron Mertle out of Clear Lake High.

6-foot-6 Noah Fields out of the southern California high school ranks.

6-foot-5 Josiah Ajiake out of Bellarmine College Prep.

6-foot-4 Onkar Sidhu out of Elliott High and San Joaquin Delta College.

6-foot Markel Wells out of Ohlone College.

6-foot Stephon Young out of San Joaquin Memorial High.

Derrick Jones: “Excited to welcome some local talent from “The Mack House”! Jakarri Lindsey will bring scoring and athleticism to the backcourt this season as well as a high IQ (groomed by Justin Standley.) Looking forward to him making an impact in the 20-21 season.”

Lindsey is 6-foot-2 and out of McClymonds.

Casper College Men’s Basketball: “We would like to introduce Brah’Jon “Boogie” Thompson as the newest member of our 2020 Recruiting Class. Brah’Jon is a tough, heady, & crafty guard out of James Logan High School. Welcome to T-Bird Nation!”

He’s 5-foot-11.

Nicholas Podesta: “Congratulations to Fresno City College guard Eljay Gallegos who has signed with Bellevue University in Nebraska. The Bruins are led by former Fresno City Assistant Coach Lucas Gabriel who guided them to a 24-8 record, and an appearance in the NSAA Tournament semis last season”

Gallegos is 5-foot-8 and out of Folsom High.

Simply Basketball: “Malik Jackson is off the board! Will be attending Fresno CC next season.” Jackson is 6-foot-4 and out of Dublin High.

Plus, Capital Christian’s 6-foot-4 Evan Johnson is also headed to Fresno City College.

San Joaquin Delta Men’s Basketball: “Welcome to the family Dayton Magana from Central Catholic, 2019-2020 VOL champs. Dayton was the 2019-2020 VOL league MVP.”

Magana is 5-foot-7.

Serra’s Antonio Abeyta will next be taking to the court at College of San Mateo.

At 5-foot-11, he was a First Team All-WCAL honoree.

NBBA: “Congrats to Riley Phelan (2020 6’3 W) from Sonoma Valley HS on his commitment to attend College of Marin and play for Coach Scott Thom! Good luck and go Mariners.”

“Weed Cougar hoops player Grant Lane to play at home for COS Eagles”

Golden State Prep Basketball: “Please welcome @DenkerQuinn to GSP Family. One of the next great ones in line to move on to the D1 level after next season.”

Denker is 6-foot-3 and out of Bellarmine College Prep.

Verbal Commits D2: “Montana State Billings F Stevie James, Jr. (JR) is leaving the program”

The 6-foot-7 James is out of Elk Grove High and Yuba College.

Sonora High’s Austin Patterson has opted to attend Brewster Academy in New Hampshire next season.

Love features like this one on non-D1 student-athletes:

“MENLO COLLEGE SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: JARED WALL” Ryan Barnett

Playing in a successful basketball program while earning a marketing degree equal Great hoops memories plus a great future.

“TRAVIS TAYLOR NAMED NEW BOYS BASKETBALL COACH AT CARDINAL NEWMAN” Mike Baribault

“Hillsdale looks to the past for new coach” Nathan Mollat

Recruiting

Simpson University Men’s Basketball: “Excited to add Daylon Potts out of Fresno CA to the frontcourt!”

The 6-foot-6 Potts is out of Edison High, Cosumnes River College, Gavilan College and Lewis-Clark State.

6-foot-9 Raymond Hawkins to da Beach, aka Long Beach State. He spent his freshman year at Alabama. Hawkins played in only six of the Crimson Tide’s 31 games and for just five minutes total so he may be re-gaining that year of eligibility.

Zach Chappell: “Thank you San Jose.”

SJSU then signed:

6-foot-2, 160 JC guard Jalen Dalcourt. Out of Louisiana, Tallahassee Community College and then Iowa Western Community College, he averaged 10.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 40%, 37% and 79% respectively in 26 minutes a contest. He is friends with two current Spartans.

and

6-foot-7, 180 power forward Nate Lacewell from the Houston, Texas high school ranks.

“Dons Add Three for 2020-21” USF athletics

Williams Jessup University Coach Lance Von Vogt is replenishing his ranks:

Jordan Adams:

Out of Vacaville High, the 6-foot-2 Adams averaged 16.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists while shooting 53%, 55% and 84% this season as a Solano College sophomore.

William Jessup Men’s Basketball: “”Signed | Marcus Hansen of @SierraCollegeBB joins the Warrior Basketball family! Welcome!”

Hansen is a 5-foot-10 point out of Foothill High.

William Jessup Men’s Basketball: “Signed | Another Warrior has been added to the 2020-21 roster in Tim Strijaous joining the team”

The 6-foot-7 Strijaous is out of Antelope High and Sacramento City College. He averaged 11.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 57%, 21% and 62% respectively.

Plus, brothers 6-foot Myles Corey (Bridgton Academy) and 6-foot-1 junior Malik Corey (Northwest Christian) are coming to WJU.

Delta Men’s Bball: “We are proud to announce that Big 8 1st Team All League and State Leader in three points made (119) Travis August has committed to San Francisco State.”

August is a 6-foot-2 guard out of Liberty High who averaged 19.0 points plus 3.4 rebounds while shooting 37%, 36% and 82% respectively.

At 6-foot-6, Bellarmine Prep’s Ian Elam is heading to Case Western University in Cleveland.

At 6-foot-3, Bellarmine Prep’s Jackson Depree is heading to Linfield College (OR) where he will play for former Foothill College Coach Shannan Rosenberg.

NBBA: “Congrats to 2020 PG Donniel Johnson from Oakland Tech on his commitment to further his playing career at Mendocino College!”

Johnson is a 5-foot-10 point.

Lakeshow Hoops: Niko Kieffer  @CLUmBasketball 4 year Lakeshow STUD joining FIRST class  @russellyt

Kieffer is a 6-foot guard out of Las Lomas High. Cal Lutheran plays in the DIII Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Devin Aye: “”Congrats to 6-foot-9 San Jose City College forward EK Okechukwu on his scholarship to Westcliff University in So Cal! Appreciate coach Cook and his staff on their time and energy in recruiting EK!”

Verbal Commits D2: “Former Notre Dame (OH) G Levi Frankland is transferring to Cal State Monterey Bay.”

Frankland is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard originally out of Australia.

UC Davis Coach Jim Les has three more talents arriving:

6-foot-11 Francesco Borra

6-foot-3 Ran Pehka

Christian Anigwe:

He’s a 6-foot-9, 215 sophomore out of Arizona. His numbers for the Spartans this season: 31 games/30 starts/23.3 minutes, 5.2 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 43%, 26% and 52% respectively, with 34 blocked shots.

Merritt Coach Derrick Jones adds three more:

“Excited about the addition of @inikomcneil1 to the ‘20-‘21 Merritt squad. True winner at every level! High academic and a tough leader. Comes from great coaching at Bishop O’Dowd and GSP”

“Excited to add big man Kaden Pierce to the Merritt program for the 20-21 season. Kaden adds length and post presence for the T-Birds!”

“Kymani Ladi joins Merritt for the 20-21 season adding scoring and shooting at all 3 levels in a 6’8” frame”

Miscellaneous

“2019-20 Westchester Knicks Season Recap: Kenny Wooten earned an NBA call-up and made several appearances on SportsCenter’s Top 10 in his rookie season” Chris Priczak

Regarding college basketball budgets: San Jose State University is ranked #227 with $2,035,793.

San Jose State (51.86% below MWC median, 51.4% below average)
This should come as absolutely no surprise. The Spartans are completely out of their league in the competitive MWC, spending $1.3M less than their closest competitor. Even dating back to the WAC days, SJSU has not finished .500 or better in conference play in the KenPom era (back to 1997). That’s 23 years!

Comparing three Mountain West opponents plus three other northern California programs to SJSU:

• San Diego State $5,786,034
• UNLV $5,795,483
• Fresno State $ 3,642,878
• Santa Clara $4,445,480
• USF $4,071,649
• Pacific $3,181,522

Recruiting

Steve Schafer50: “COMMITTED!!! Welcome Deion Ellis to the Benedictine Mesa men’s basketball family!! Deion will be exciting to watch for Redhawk fans!”

The 6-foot-5 Ellis played at McClymonds High, Cañada College and Gavilan College.

Verbal Commits: “Former Penn G Ryan Betley is transferring to California.”

He’s a 6-foot-5 grad transfer. More

Also: Cal Rivals: “#Cal guard Juhwan Harris-Dyson will be entering the transfer portal, as the Bears now have three open slots to utilize via the transfer market”

Verbal Commits: “Former Washington G Elijah Hardy is transferring to Portland State.”

Portland State finished 18-14 overall and 12-8 which earned the Vikings fourth place in the Big Sky Conference. A year from now, he’ll be matching up twice a season with Montana’s Naseem Gaskin and Robby Beasley.

Verbal Commits: “2020 Golden State Prep (CA) F Michael Ofoegbu, Jr. has committed to San José State.”

Offered on April 15, he’s 6-foot-7, 200.

Pacific Coach Damon Stoudamire and his staff have been busy:

“TIGERS WELCOME GRAD TRANSFER JORDAN BELL”

“MEN’S HOOPS LANDS JERVAY GREEN”

“MADING OFFICIALLY JOINS TIGERS”

“PACIFIC ADDS SHADD TO RECRUITING CLASS”

Noah Zoppi: “I would like to announce that next year I will be attending Sacramento State University to continue my academic and Basketball career”

Zoppi is a 6-foot-3 guard who averaged 16.8 points and 4.9 rebounds this season while shooting 43%, 35% and 81% respectively. He is out of Corning High and Butte College.

Elihu Cobb III: “Blessed to continue playing the Game that I love”

Out of College of the Sequoias, the 6-foot-7 Cobb averaged 11.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots this season and is headed to Western Oregon University.

Verbal Commits D2: “2020 Fullerton College (CA) G Omajae Smith has committed to Stanislaus State.”

Smith is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who averaged 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists this season.

Lester Diaz has the news on Greg (Cosumnes Oaks High/Sacramento City College/Wyoming) Milton’s new address:

Derrick Jones: “Merritt College 6’7” F @Xindladam Adam Sindelar signing with  @FNUniversity yesterday. Adam was able to earn a scholarship in only ONE year at Merritt! Adam will be in sunny Florida for the next 3 years. Congrats to Adam and his family.”

and

Derrick Jones: “Merritt JC PG @jaredcbailey signing his NLI with @Montreat_MBBm Jared did a great job with academics as well being over a 3.0 student.”

and

Derrick Jones: “Excited about the addition of Chokri Bachta out of Tunisia to the program. At 6’6” he will bring a solid inside/out game to the Thunderbirds.”

plus

Derrick Jones: “Chauncey Villagrana has committed to Merritt College for the 20-21 season. 6’5” high motor/energy with a solid frame! Looking forward to working with him”

Coach Vince Inglima’s San Francisco State signees:

“It’s official! Happy to welcome 6-8 @DavisBlueDevils forward @SengTheo to the Gator Basketball family!”

“Its official! Happy to welcome 7-1 @MPCBasketball1 Center Bryson Ryan to the Gator Basketball family!”

“Its official! Happy to welcome 6-2 @DHSGaels guard @devonjack32 to the Gator Basketball family!”

Its official! Happy to welcome 6-0 @ccfightingowls guard @TobyO_17 to the Gator Basketball family!”

Delta MensBball: “We proud to announce that Big 8 First Team All League player Onkar Sidhu has signed National letter on intent with UC Merced.”

Out of Jim Elliott High. the 6-foot-4 Sidhu averaged 10.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season.

Cosumnes Oaks Wolfpack Basketball: “Senior guard Ishmael Rehberg will be taking his talents to Fresno City to continue his academic and basketball journey.”

He’s a 5-foot-10 point who also played football.

and

Coach Manfredi: “Congrats to #33 Jaelon Roberts on his decision to attend & play for Fresno City JC…a program that churns out championships! Exciting times are ahead at the college level!”

Also: Coach Manfredi: “congrats to Jaelon Roberts! He played in 89/89 of his Varsity games over 3 years! & never missed a practice. Was a hard worker on the low block & at high elbow. He always guarded the opponents best big and was a phenomenal teammate!”

Roberts stands 6-foot-6.

Conner Jackson: “Excited to say I will be joining the @COSMBB family for my sophomore year!”

The 6-foot guard is out of Dublin High, Hillcrest Prep and Lane Community College.

Out of Cordova High, 6-foot-2 Isaiah Bolden is moving on to Coach Doug Cornelius and Yuba College.

Devin Aye: “Proud to announce San Jose City College freshman point guard Bryan Nguyen is going pro! After several talks with a VBA head coach, and Vietnam National Team coach, Bryan has decided to continue his hoops journey as a pro in Vietnam”

Miscellaneous

“Are Basketball Superstars More Loyal to Their Teams, or Sneaker Companies?” Ethan Sherwood Strauss

Very interesting article.

“Wojcik Transfers to Fairfield University” Seth Stasky

Not news at this point but there’a a little background here. The issue of playing time in his last two years was the proverbial elephant in the living room.

“These former local basketball stars would shine in a game of H-O-R-S-E” Thomas Gase