In our continuing series on San Jose State University (SJSU)…
The Spartans have started out 3-5 thus far in the 2019-20 season although it begs detailing that two of the victories came at the expense of NAIA member Simpson University (located up in Redding) plus Grambling State, the latter matchup a closer-than-expected 83-76 homecourt win.
As for the losses, the Spartans lost at home by 15 to both Portland and Portland State, at Arizona 87-39 and 83-48 in Las Vegas to Oregon State. The latest: a 93-64 loss to host UCLA.
On the near horizon are matchups with 7-1 Utah State, 8-0 host San Diego State, 8-1 Stanford and a rivalry matchup with 8-1 host Santa Clara.
As for critical numbers, SJSU is currently shooting 40%, 26% and 66% respectively and is a +1.0 in rebounding but minus 12.75 points scoring per game vis-a-vis opponents. The squad overall is down 38 in number of turnovers and minus 25 in steals.
Possible Help
In November’s early signing period, Coach Jean Prioleau signed 6-foot-4 2020 shooting guard Sebastian Mendoza, at Hillcrest High in Riverside, plus 6-foot-10 2020 center Hugo Clarkin out of the UK but currently playing at Junipero Serra High in southern California.
Mendoza has a good chance to play early next season but Clarkin is a both a project in skills and body development. Prioleau Signs Two for 2020
The remaining 2020 SJSU recruiting targets per Verbal Commits are:
- 6-foot-8 De’Andre Pinckney, Broward College with 15 offers, the latest being: Jacksonville State and University Illinois Chicago
- 6-foot-4 Jacob Tracey, Daytona State College, Akron is his latest offer, he is a qualifier with three years of eligibility remaining
- 6-foot-3 Madit Lueeth Wesley Christian High (KY) out of Canada and The Sudan
It remains to be seen if further scholarships will be available come the second signing period (April 15 to May 20).
Forecasting the Future
Thus far, this is a team that cannot shoot or defend well enough to remain competitive in most games against squads ranked above them. Consistency remains absent even though seniors and juniors are garnering the majority of the playing time. It’s likely Prioleau will be on the hot seat come March (it’s already very warm here in December) but, in his favor, he signed a five-year contract when he came aboard and will have two years remaining at the end of this season. SJSU will struggle to procure the funding to buy him out.
Earlier editions in this series
SJSU Recruiting Update (October 4)
Is SJSU’s Season And Recruiting Class Do-Or-Die? (September 6)