June 22, 2013
Standifer bck to DI
Charles Standifer is basketball proof that injury and not being in the right situation can be overcome with insight applied from such experiences plus determination.
After Capital Christian High, the next couple of seasons at USF were derailed by a hairline fracture in his ankle his first year and a redshirt season the following one. Having been away from the court for so long, Standifer transferred to Cosumnes River College (CRC) to re-establish himself.
An overall 20.9 points (seventh in the state) and 6.7 rebounds per game, plus 65 assists and 63 steals later, he has landed a ride with Big West Conference member UC Riverside. That and a fourth in the state 22.3 points in league play earned him both all Big Eight Conference and all state honors.
By the way, the Highlanders also have Josh Fox and Taylor Johns, both out of Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, returning for their sophomore seasons -- Johns, in fact, was Standifer's player host.
So why did the 6-foot-5 scorer go with Coach Jim Wooldridge?
“I chose UCR because I felt comfortable with the coaches and the team. On my official visit I was able to see a lot and it really opened my eyes to everything that UCR has to offer,” Standifer explained.
And what will Highlander fans being seeing from him?
“Next season, I plan on doing whatever I can on both sides of the ball to help the team win.”
Wooldridge will be needing someone who can score with efficiency and also create shots when the offense hasn't clicked and that's Standifer. He went to the foul line 207 times last season while the top returning Highlander managed just 107 free throw attempts.
So why did Standifer go with CRC as his vehicle to get back to the highest ranks?
“I chose CRC because I liked the style of play and I thought that would help me have a chance to get back to the DI level.”
Considering what he has experienced, asked what recruiting advice he would give to a high school junior or senior, Standifer said, “the biggest thing I would tell them would be to go to a school that really wants you. You want to be high on their list instead of a guy at the bottom they're calling just to fill a spot.”
Academically, his focus is set on: “I'm a media and cultural studies major. I plan on being a advertisement manager when I'm done playing basketball.”
So who does he rank as his dominant basketball influence?
“My parents are my biggest influence because they are constantly talking to me about the game and what I need to do to be more well-rounded player.”
Here's betting that patience, reflection and perseverance were part of those conversations.