Time for another edition of Let's Make A Case

We noticed that San Jose State's Justin Graham was not listed among the players in contention for the recently announced WAC Player of the Week.

Tai Wesley won that honor and here were the runners-up:

* Boise State senior guard La'Shard Anderson

* Fresno State junior guard/forward Tim Steed

* Hawai'i junior guard Zane Johnson

* Idaho senior guard Shawn Henderson

* Louisiana Tech senior guard DeAndre Brown

* Nevada junior forward Dario Hunt

* New Mexico State freshman guard Christian Kabongo

For the sake of brevity, we offer the following examples/matchups:

Accumulated at home, Graham totaled 16 points, six steals, five assists and three rebounds versus Santa Clara and then hit the game-winning shot with San Jose State down by one against Eastern Washington while scoring 13 points along with two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

La'Shard Anderson, in a loss at UNLV, totaled:18 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. But he committed nine turnovers. On the road against Drake, Anderson put up 15 points, seven assists and three steals. He shot 5-16 overall, 0-5 from three-point range.

Fresno States's Tim Steed enjoyed 12 points and five rebounds in a home win over San Diego plus broke out for 17 points, seven boards, three assists and two steals against visiting Pepperdine.

We're not arguing the fact of Justin not winning the award but missing out for consideration is beyond belief.

C.J. Webster enters the NBA draft

FOX's Jeff Goodman has posted the official list of the 2010 NBA draft entrants, with May 8 the last day to pull out and return to college if you haven't signed with an agent.

The WAC entries are Luke Babbitt, Paul George, Armon Johnson, Jahmar Young and, very surprisingly, C.J. Webster.

Our understanding is that C.J. has decided not to return to school. We wish him and his new family well.

Another new frontcourter for San Jose State

Okay, start polishing up on your French.

San Jose State has reached into the heart of France -- Paris specifically -- to land Brylle (pronounced Brill) Kamen, a frontcourt player with eligibility for the next three seasons. But frustrating for sure to the coaching staff, a lengthy trip abroad wandering through the various arrondissements of the capital city, wasn't necessary.

A 6-foot-7, 230 pounder, Kamen comes from Western Nebraska Community College where he played for Coach Russ Beck. He just turned 22 on April 21.

Here's Beck on his freshman: "Brylle is very intelligent, a very good student and fun to be around. He is a good rebounder with a big, strong body and can shoot off the dribble and with the pullup jumper. He can also pick-and-pop, shooting on the perimeter."

Kamen also sounds animated on the court. "He'll let everyone know when he grabs a rebound," Beck said.

As a frosh, the Parisian played in 28 games, averaging 8.2 points and grabbing 6.8 rebounds a game.

Kamen first attended Jacksonville State in the Ohio Valley Conference but redshirted. He then transferred to Western Nebraska, located in Scottsbluff.

By the way, Scottsbluff National Monument contains landmarks of the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail.

Now, the San Jose State Trail too.

San Jose State triumphs 78-75

It was a battle of middleweights, quite the appropriate Whelliston-ian reference for two mid-majority schools. One would throw a punch, so to speak, followed with a rejoinder by the other. But neither could achieve a knockout so it was a match to be decided on points (pun intended).

San Jose State eventually triumphed over visiting Idaho 78-75.

C.J. Watson re-introduced himself to the WAC, Idaho specifically, with a 21/11 double-double. Adrian Oliver topped San Jose with 22 points. Chris Oakes contributed 18.

Midway through the second half, a five point run brought SJSU to within one at 56-55.

San Jose State then pulled ahead by seven and it was 71-65 in favor of the Spartans with 3:41 remaining. Kashif Watson scored for the Vandals sandwiched around a SJSU travel and a turnover on a steal.

Mac Peterson, off all night with his shooting, then nailed a trey to make the score 74-67. It was his sole make of the evening.

But Idaho wasn't done just yet.

Mac Hopson put in a deuce to bring the margin back to five, 74 to 69, at the 1:08 mark.

Adrian Oliver followed with a matching fallaway jumper.

Luiz Toledo was fouled and made one of two free throw attempts, making it 76-70.

Oliver misfired with a one-and-one at the foul line and Luciano de Souza calmly came down and buried a three-pointer, making it a one possession game at 76-73.

Robert Owens was fouled on the following possession and cooly knocked down both shots.

But amazingly, Watson then was fouled attempting a three-pointer. He made the front and back end shots, missing the middle attempt and that's how the contest ended.

The Vandals led 38-37 at the half. Webster topped SJSU with 13 points on 6-7 shooting. Chris Oakes missed some time as a precaution due to a pair of fouls. Idaho had just four free throw attempts after the first 20 minutes, making all. The biggest Idaho lead was three -- it was four for the Spartans. Luciano de Souza shot a sizzling 5-8.

After being out-boarded in the first half, San Jose State rebounded (again pun intended) to win that battle 29-24.

Idaho was led by Mac Hopson with 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Steffan Johnson helped out with 15 points -- on five three-pointers.
___________________________________

By the way, Louisiana Tech is serious this season, having beat down Utah State 82-60 tonight in Ruston.

Spartans win 74-68

Two miles or so separate San Jose State and Santa Clara University but the sports history between the basketball teams seems a distant memory as the Spartans now see Western Athletic Conference opponents as their primary rivals and the Broncos feel the same about West Coast Conference foes. Neither games at Walt McPherson Court nor at the Leavey Center between the schools pack in fans to the rafters.

But it's always fun to claim a win and establish so-called local annual superiority and San Jose State did just that Wednesday evening. Wearing their road blue uniforms, they left the Broncos blue by a score of 74-68.

At the half, Santa Clara led 30-25.

The Broncos then opened the difference to ten, 39-29, on a Ray Cowels trey, followed by a steal leading to a Niyi Harrison dunk.

Santa Clara enjoyed a 44-39 lead at the 11:23 mark but Mac Petersen apparently took insult of the situation. He hit four free throws and a layup, sandwiched in and around a Justin Graham layup, two foul shots by Adrian Oliver and a Robert Owens trey to boost San Jose State to a 54-47 lead.

Santa Clara battled back but three-pointers by Owens and then Peterson kept the Spartans ahead.

Back-to-back Bronco steals and points soon closed the gap to two -- 66-64, before Oliver hit a jumper with 40 seconds remaining.

Michael Santos of Santa Clara was fouled but hit just one of two foul shots and Oliver subsequently nailed both his free throws to make the score 70-65. Robert Smith made a layup for the Broncos but Oliver threaded another pair at the foul line, followed by a second twosome making it 74-68.

Oliver finished with a double-double of 24 points and 12 boards, Peterson concluded with 17 and Owens added 12.

+++++

Chris Oakes again wasn't available so Kyle Thomas started in his place and Peterson also was sent out as a member of the SJSU quintet for the initial jump ball. Oakes is sitting while a paperwork snafu is being appealed to the NCAA, an organization which makes molasses seems Usain Bolt-like and it being holiday time isn't making the situation any more expedient.

Due to technical difficulties

Well, we couldn't connect to the game last night as KSJS was having some technical difficulties -- we're hoping it wasn't on our end, so this is the best we could do for a media game report:

UC Irvines fades in the second half
Kenny Connolly
Orange County Register

IRVINE -- As the second half of UC Irvine's game against San Jose State progressed Friday, the frustration of Anteaters coach Pat Douglass became more and more evident.

The 12 second-half turnovers and 31-percent shooting were not the cause of Douglass' anger, though. Instead, it was a lack of effort he said he failed to see from his team.

UCI, which led for the first 28 minutes, saw a 10-point first half lead turn into a 69-56 loss at Bren Center.

"We started out good, but the last five or six minutes of the first half we lost all emotion, interest and focus in what we were doing," Douglass said. "We have played with effort most of the year, but why this happened, I don't have an answer for that."

The Anteaters (5-5) led for all but one possession of the first half, forcing the Spartans into eight turnovers and converting those mistakes into four easy baskets.

Irvine center Zack Atkinson scored 10 points and blocked three shots in the first half, giving UCI a 32-27 halftime lead.

But UCI was unable to keep that trend going into the second half.

"Defense is intensity, and the emotional involvement just wasn't there," Douglass said.

San Jose State (5-4) made two easy baskets in the opening minute of the second half to cut the deficit to one point. Anteaters guard Michael Hunter responded, draining two consecutive 3-pointers, extending the lead to 40-33 with just over 16 minutes left.

Over the next seven minutes, the Spartans went on a 16-4 run, grabbing a 49-44 advantage, their first lead since the opening minutes. San Jose guard Adrian Oliver spearheaded to comeback and added to the Spartans' lead, scoring 13 points over the final 13 minutes.

Over that span, San Jose scored points on 15 of their final 18 possessions, while UCI was limited to seven field goals down the stretch.

Adrian finished with a game-high 31 points and became the first Spartans player since 2005 to record consecutive 30 points games.

"We gave the game away," Wise said. "Just a lack of execution, turnovers and no rebounding. They beat us, but we didn't help ourselves."

The loss overshadowed a career night for Hunter. With his layup in the third minute, Hunter eclipsed the 1,000-point total over his time at Irvine, making him the 19th UCI player to reach the mark. Hunter finished with 13 points.

"He (Hunter) has been playing awfully well lately," Douglass said. "But when you have a performance like this, it's really hard to send praise onto anybody."

USF wins 76-71

USF is the second oldest institution for higher learning in California. San José State University, of course, is California’s oldest institution of public higher learning. So the pecking order indicates rank goes to SJSU. Unfortunately, the score between the mens basketball teams on Tuesday night didn't indicate this as the Dons, based on a strong second half, won 76-71.

It was a definitive tale of two halves -- the best of times initially but the worst of times in the second one for Sparta.

At the end of the first 20 minutes, San Jose State led 34-23. Adrian Oliver started cold and then picked it up to finish with nine points. Robert Owens contributed eight at the half.

At the 11:47 mark, the Spartans led by one at 9-8. Soon it became 18-8. Later, a Justin Graham trey put San Jose State up by 13.

But the second half proved disconcerting for San Jose State. It was a combination of key turnovers translating into USF layups and dunks plus a definite lack of stops defensively by the Spartans.

USF edged closer as the second half opened and a 15-3 run put the Dons ahead.

The last few minutes had the Dons protecting a varying 6-9 point lead. Mac Peterson got a pair of treys to bring SJSU close -- the Spartans got to within four -- but USF made enough free throws to keep the lead comfortable.

Oliver led on the night with 17 points, Graham tallied 16. Dior Lowhorn led USF with 26 points. San Jose State shot 38.5% for the game to 48% for USF. The Dons were an en fuego 67% in the second half.

Just got back from practice

We just got back from viewing Sunday's men's basketball practice. If it's any indication, once a rebound was secured during the five-on-five segment, the offensive players as a unit sprinted down the floor like it was a track meet. There were too many 'moments' to recount but we especially liked what we saw of 6-foot-6 Anthony Dixon. He defended well out front and popped a nice trey.

You can get your hoops fix by attending the intra-squad scrimmage followed by a Spartan Rebounder barbeque on Sunday, October 25, beginning at 11 a.m. at Walt McPherson Court.

This will be an opportunity for Rebounder members to renew their memberships and new fans to join up.

The barbeque is free to paid up Rebounders, $10 per person for non-Rebounders and $5 for the non-Rebounders age 12 and under.

Email us @ spartanhoops@calcentral.com for further information.

One down, two to go

San Jose State has its initial verbal 2010 commitment.

A high schooler selecting a college, especially from the usual numerous institutions offering athletic scholarships to a certain player, is solely an envious one when viewed from afar. If such a process can be compared to determining a future spouse -- a situation which has some similarities but obviously some major differences -- it's akin to having a handful of attractive would-be partners willing to provide an "I do" verbally and then on official letterhead. It's a time of mutual dreams, surrounded by 'sweet nothing' (often in the truest sense) whisperings, generally with little or no talk of any possible bumps in the road ahead. Centennial's Kurt Davis has just completed that process and he and his family are excited as he will be playing next season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

"I chose San Jose State because it felt like a good fit -- the playing style, the school and the relationship I developed with the coaching staff," Davis explained.

Curtis Davis, Kurt's Davis' father, offered a similar take. "We took a trip up there about six weeks ago and everything felt right, the campus, the coaches, the school itself. My wife loved it. Coach [George] Nessman has four kids of his own and he is the type of coach and person you can approach and talk about anything. We just had the feeling that it fit."

So who and what will San Jose State fans be enjoying come 2010-2011?

"My best skills are passing and running the floor," Davis said.

Marlon Morton, coach of Davis' BCA (Blue Chip Athlete) club team, elaborated: "Kurt is one of the elite wings in California and he wants to get better at everything. He's a really good young man, very intense and very coachable. As a coach, you know what you are getting with Kurt. He's a steal for them [San Jose State]."

Davis is first and foremost a competitor , not backing down to any challenges or challenger. "My Dad always told me to go hard and give it 100%," he said.

Echoing the sentiment expressed by Morton, Centennial Coach Vadim Malikin said this of his protégé: "Kurt's a talented wing who passes well and is a good scorer in transition. He plays a number of positions for us."

Santa Monica City College assistant coach Joe Cascio, also an assistant with the LA Rockfish club basketball team, included Davis in an earlier interview in which he was commenting on a dozen or so southern California prepsters. Then when asked who in the group possesses the best potential for positively surprising fans during college, Cascio said,"Probably Kurt Davis. To me, he looks like he might already be 6-6 or 6-7 and is very athletic. Once his basketball IQ catches up with his body (and it will) he will be pretty darn good."

As to where Davis will see the most time at San Jose State, he said the Spartan coaches have told him "I'll play as a three and a two."

But first Davis and Centennial have one more high school season together and he has big plans. "We're going to win league this [coming] season, for sure, and we want to play in the CIF and then state," Davis stated. Malikin's squad went 17-10 overall last season, 9-1 in Pioneer League play in winning the title.

Actually, there is a little something even prior to that competition. For the first time, he will play football for Centennial, this as a wide receiver. "We were out on the field playing, just sort of joking around and the [Centennial] football coach saw us and asked if I would like to play," Davis said. He's been participating in 7-on-7 passing leagues this summer in addition to his hoops endeavors.

With Davis currently standing at 6-foot-6, the Centennial quarterback will just need to get the football -- say alley-oop it -- into his vicinity.

The shooting guards and wings in the WAC may just need to learn cornerback skills.

Moor bids adieu and bonjour

We thought one final chat with San Jose State men's basketball signee Aalim Moor was in order so we dialed him up the other day and posed some questions. As background information, Moor is a 6-foot-3 point guard and just graduated from St. Mary's High in Berkeley.

Putting first things first, we inquired about the NBA Finals and who was going to emerge the victor between the Lakers and the Magic, Moor is flying the Lakers flag, with a very special reason. He said, "The Lakers are more experienced and battle-tested," but the foremost factor in his judgment is that, "Kobe [Bryant] will not let them lose." Moor is a Bryant acolyte, who relishes the uber-ferocity and focus the Laker star -- aka the Black Mamba -- displays. If there is a Bryant video available then Moor has it and any Bryant game appearance means do not call, text or tweet Moor, that is if you expect a response prior to the contest concluding or even some time afterwards. San Jose State fans will cherish any displays of Mamba-esque behavior -- putting all you have into the game and letting the emotions flow -- on Walt McPherson Court.

Moor's dunk against Salesian was Kobe-esque

Then for those unfamiliar, we re-visited why Moor decided to align himself with Spartan basketball. "It felt right," he said, adding, "it was the most comfortable of the opportunities for me and the coaches showed the most interest and how much they cared. My sense was it's the best situation for me to develop as a player and a person."

With high school now in his rear view mirror, we focused on his tenure at St. Mary's. Asked about the best thing in graduating, Moor responded, "Freedom." When we reversed the question and queried about the worst part concerning leaving his 'home' of the past four years, he again offered, "Freedom. It's both a good and a bad thing depending on how you handle it."

The Moor family celebrating St. Mary's graduation

What also caught our attention is his response to what was his favorite class at St. Mary's: "Ethics and Values because I learned a lot about life in it." Now that is quite the unusual response from a teenager but, then again, we aren't talking about the average 18-year-old.

Real men were wearing pink on prom night

Returning to a subject that continues to fascinate us, we offered that it seemed East Bay basketballers were tough SOBs on the court and wanted his take on the subject. He said, "A lot of the guards from the East Bay are hardnosed and fearless in competition. I took that from the older guys [who preceded him in the annals of hoops history in the area]." Moor is a historian of Oakland hoops, appreciative and respectful of those who preceded him and there is quite the yesteryear what with Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Brian Shaw, Quentin Thomas, Loren Leath, Antonio Kellogg, Ayinde Ubaka, Armondo Surratt, Robert Owens, Tim Pierce, Paul Pierce (born in Oakland) and many others.

Moor has earned a place in Oakland basketball lore

Finally, we were curious how many of the Moor clan and their family friends would be seated at Walt McPherson Court for Spartan home games. The soon-to-be college freshman said he wasn't sure of the number "but it will be a lot."

We offer a hearty welcome to the new Spartan.

Moor will bring leadership to San Jose State hoops

Marquin Chandler still going strong

Note the quaint phrase used in describing Marquin Chandler's latest heroics:

Giants, Whoppers live for double sudden death Nelson Beltran Philippine Star June 4, 2009

MANILA, Philippines – Marquin Chandler nailed two charities with 1.2 seconds left to play and Purefoods survived Rain or Shine’s huge comeback from a 24-point deficit, scoring an 84-82 nail-biter to force a sudden death in their Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinals showdown at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The adults and the juveniles

We found the following exchange fascinating.

Bob Kravitz
Indianapolis Star
May 15, 2009

Anonymity of blogosphere is turning us into a culture of weenies

World of Twitter and blogs turns us into weenie culture

We are becoming a culture of weenies.

Actually, we've been a culture of weenies for quite some time, but the point was driven home again the other day when Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks' otherwise fabulous owner, used his blog to apologize to Kenyon Martin's mother.

He didn't do it face to face.

He didn't even pick up the telephone and talk directly to Kenyon's mother.

He wrote it in his blog...

Go here for the remainder.

But don't miss this key line: "...Everybody is big and brave behind a pseudonym, but confront them face to face, and next thing you know they're changing underwear..."

Then there was this response:

Bob Kravitz hearts Stampede Blue, calls me and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban "weenies"
Stampedeblue_tiny by BigBlueShoe on May 15, 2009

For three years, I've called Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz all kinds of names. I've called him a "turd", "ass", "idiot", "stupid", "uninformed", "snarling", "crotchety", "dimwitted", and "incompetent." I think it is fairly safe to say that we, as a community on Stampede Blue, do not like the work Bob has produced for the Indianapolis Star. We haven't been absolute in our dislike of ole Bob. When he has written good articles, we have taken note. But, in general, Bob seems to create disgust and annoyance from his readers with his pieces rather than interesting ideas that provoke discussion.

Indeed, other blogs have joined us in our dislike of "Krabby," as he is playfully called by his on-air radio partner Eddie White at 1070, The Fan. For the last three years, blogs like 18to88, Stampede Blue, and others have made it a point to insult, bash, and berate Krabby's work in the juvenille way that best fits us losers who sit in our underwear and write from inside mom's basement.

Well, today the journalistic stalwart that is Bob Kravitz decided he wasn't going to take it anymore. He decided he was tired of the insults and the constant suggestions that he is nothing more than and overpaid hack in desperate need of facial hair grooming. Today, my dear readers, Bob Kravitz fought back at us dirty, immature bloggers by doing what any professional, ethical journalist would do:

He called us "weenies."

Go here for the remainder.

The response -- which has some valid points -- loses its effect with the screed that opens the reply. It simply confirms what Bob Kravitz is writing about. What's the benefit to namecalling? (of which Kravitz is also guilty with his use of the term weenies).

As for anonymous bloggers and posters, what about typing that so-and-so is incompetent, leaving the name-calling at that and then detailing why the 'label' is an accurate one? Why go as is self-described "over the line"? What purpose does that serve? Why not simply state an opinion (sans the childish namecalling) and then back that claim up with facts? What about apologizing for such and vowing not to do so again?

We've seen this far too often locally. We've been in on-line situations where someone -- anonymously -- went ballistic over a matter , complete with name-calling and vile accusations, but then also refused an opportunity to meet in purpose to discuss the situation. The refusals were usually 'covered' with 'I'm too busy' or 'I can't make it at that time' with no offer of setting a different time or, more often, no response whatsoever. Such individuals sure have to time to rip others but not to stand and deliver when given a face-to-face opportunity. Thankfully, those situations are diminishing as the adults who understand and accept their responsibilities are more and more in charge of the San Jose State fan sports sites.

Camping and clinic time is fast approaching

It's time to go camping with the San Jose State men's basketball coaches. The following is a list of camps and clinics taking place this summer. The High Potential and the Team Camps are fun to watch and, who knows, you might see some future Spartans out on the court.

The Spartans have four distinct and unique camps and one coaching clinic this year. Camps will emphasize fundamentals, skill development, team building, sportsmanship, and the enjoyment of competition.

Boys Individual Camps - June 22-25 and August 3-6

o Cost: $215 per four-day session
o Times: Each day of camp runs from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
We offer early drop-off that starts at 7:45 a.m. and late pick-up until 5:30 p.m. at no additional charge
o Location: SPX Gymnasium at San Jose State University, 7th and San Carlos streets
o Eligibility: Boys ages 7-16
o Lunch: Available for purchase, if desired


High Potential Camp - June 6

o Cost: $40.00 per player
o Instruction: Position skill work and college preporatory information
o Location: Spartan Gym at San Jose State University, 4th and San Carlos streets
o Format: Open to the first 50 boys high school varsity players. Teams will be formed and all teams will be guaranteed a minimum of four games.

Questions - contact assistant coach Donald Williams at donald.williams@sjsu.edu or call him at 408.924.1221


Team Camp - June 13-14 and August 1-2

o Cost: $395.00 per team
o Times: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
o Location: The Event Center at San Jose State University, 7th and San Carlos streets
o Format: Open to the first 24 teams. All teams will be guaranteed a minimum of four games.

Questions - contact assistant coach Donald Williams at donald.williams@sjsu.edu or call him at 408.924.1221


Coaching Clinic - May 30

o Cost: $50.00 per person
o Instruction: Provided by Northern California college and univiersity coaches from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
o Location: Spartan Gym at San Jose State University, 4th and San Carlos streets
o Level: For all who want to learn more about the game
o Provided: Lunch, door prizes and monthly emailed coaching notes.

Questions - contact assistant coach Brent Davis at brent.davis@sjsu.edu or call him at 408.924.1222

Here's the link for applications and additional information

San Jose State's new big

(photos by Russell Scoffin, Southwestern College)

Closing out recruiting for the upcoming 2009-2010 season, San Jose State has brought in another frontcourter:

He's familiar with Brooklyn and the Queens -- make that the outer almost rural Queens section that stretches into Long Island and "is a place where there's not much to do but play basketball." He is also accustomed to Nigeria after spending years there as a youngster when his father worked in the shipping and cargo field. Then a cross country trek to San Diego and a residency of three years introduced him to southern California. Now, he's landed in San Jose.

Moses Omolade is indeed a traveler and now a Spartan, having signed a letter-of-intent to spend the next pair of seasons at San Jose State. At 6-8, 200 and having finished up at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, Omolade isn't the bulkiest of paint players. But here's what he is: strong, uber athletic, determined and aggressive. Those qualities were utilized in Omolade being the top shotblocker in the state's junior college ranks with 5.3 rejections a contest.

Southwestern College, coached by John Cosentino, has a program with a tradition of strong defensive play. Omolade was a three-year captain there -- he redshirted his second year there -- and the recognized leader among the players.

"In my over three decades of coaching in high school, junior college and D-1, Moses is the best shotblocker I’ve had," Cosentino said. "We’re a defensive oriented team and he changed how teams attacked us."

But Omolade also demonstrates other abilities. "Moses is tremendous on the offensive boards and you better put a body on him because he will try and dunk everything," Cosentino added.

Another element in Omolade's repertoire is his ability and willingness to run the floor. As he put it when the ball changes hands whether it be the result of a steal or a defensive board, "I'm coming to get that dunk."

His motivation? Omolade's father stayed working in Nigeria for a number of years after the remainder of the family returned to New York City. His mother took on physical jobs that left her worn down at the end of the day. "So I think of my mother when I get tired on the court and that inspires me." he offered.

As for his reason for selecting San Jose State, Omolade said, "It was my visit," Omolade said. "That and me having a better relationship with the coaching staff there than at any other school."

Remarkably, Omolade played soccer as a freshman but no organized basketball at Martin High in Queens. After graduating, he played street basketball while also growing a few inches. Someone with a connection to Southwestern basketball saw him one day and soon he was headed to San Diego and college.

Omolade has a strong interest in communications as a major and is looking at radio and television as his primary focus at San Jose State. But he is also intrigued with theater arts so Spartan fans should get ready to see much better flopping to gain a charge call than what North Carolina's Kingflopper Tyler Hansborough has demonstrated.

Here's Tyson Aye, a former Spartan assistant coach and now the head coach at Imperial Valley College: "Moses was in our league and we've played him four times in the last few years. Moses is a defensive force in the paint. At 6-8, he is quick and extremely long. He has one of the longest wingspans I've ever seen, and I've actually seen Moses block 10 shots in a single game. Offensively, he has come a long way since his frosh season, and I see his best basketball is still in front of him. I've heard nothing but great things about his character. The Spartans got a good one with Moses."

A Marquin Chandler update

Marquin Chandler finished his season in South Korea and is back for a stint in the Philippines. His first outing indicates he remains at the top of his game.

Purefoods trips
Coca-Cola
Waylon Galvez
Manila Bulletin
April 29, 2009

Former Best Import Marquin Chandler returned to the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs Wednesday and delivered the goods for the Giants, coming through with clutch hits in a 92-85 decision over Coca-Cola in the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Chandler scored 30 points in his first game back as the Giants notched their fifth win in nine outings while handing the Tigers their sixth loss in eight appearances.

The 6-foot-5 Chandler, the team’s fourth reinforcement this conference, had 11 points in the fourth, including seven in a pivotal 14-6 run that turned a 76-77 deficit to a 90-83 advantage with 36 seconds left.

Chandler finished the game shooting 11-of-27 from the field, 5-of-7 from the three-point territory while adding 12 rebounds, three assists and four shot blocks in 25 minutes of play...

...Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio was all praises for Chandler, who missed the early parts of the conference as he was still under contract then with the KT&G Kites.

“Obviously the wait was all worth it. That’s the reason why we patiently waited for Marquin,” said Gregorio. “He brings a lot of stability to our team. Usually when we’re down we’ll just fold up, but not this time with Chandler around."

A Joseph Henson mention

Joseph Henson
(photo by Larry Goren, Pasadena Star News)

We came across a Joseph Henson (6-8 San Jose State basketball signee) mention today -- here it is:

Varsity Times Insider
Ben Bolch
Los Angeles Times
April 26, 2009

Basketball: Pacific League sweeps Rio Hondo League in all-star games

Despite a game-high 26 points by Blair's Deon Geary, the Pacific League all-stars defeated their Rio League counterparts, 108-103, Saturday in the first Rio/Pac all-star game.

Pasadena's Joe Henson scored 17 points and teammate Travis Flye had 12 for the Pacific League...

A fine time was had by all

the GateKeeper Posse made sure the money box was in good hands

The San Jose State men's basketball program held its annual post-season banquet at the Decathalon Club Thursday night. Seniors seniors DeVonte Thomas, DaShawn Wright and Tim Pierce were honored for their contributions.

DeVonte was the winner of the Coach's Leadership Award. He is now in the midst of spring practice with the Spartan football team. and it was noted he is also now in the midst of spring football practice.

Assistant Coach Brent Davis handled the introduction of the frosh: Garrett Ton and Kyle Thomas. Donald Williams came next and called out sophs Lance Olivier, Justin Graham, C.J. Webster and Adrian Oliver. Gary Stepan had the pleasure of introducing the junior class: Robert Owens, Mac Peterson, Chris Oakes and Jerelle Wilson. Head Coach George Nessman did the honors with the senior trio.

Tim Marrion's work on the season highlight film was superb. One thing we learned from it is that the men's basketball team achieved a 1,000 score on the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) this season -- a perfect score.

Plus, the expectation is that Justin Graham -- a junior-to-be in athletic eligibility -- will earn his B.A. degree next fall while C.J. Webster and Adrian Oliver are on target for a spring graduation. Both C.J. and Adrian are also juniors-to-be athletically.

Coach Nessman spoke of the theme of unfinished business, of hurdling beyond the .500 mark and even going further by finishing out the games that are there to be won.

Spartan signee Anthony Dixon gets one more game

San Jose State signee Anthony Dixon has one more game remaining in his high school career, an all-star one tonight. He, a bunch of his teammates and some other players face a very tough squad loaded with two all-state kids (one heading to Connecticut and the other to Iowa State) plus Marcus Jordan (MJ's son).

Aalim Moor on CalHiSports list of nominated all-state players

San Jose State signee Aalim Moor (St. Mary's High/Berkeley) was among the nominations for the CalHiSports all-state squad. We offer a big thumbs up to Aalim for this achievement.

C.J. Webster now classified as a junior-to-be

Although we thought it was in the NCAA's domain to issue a ruling, Jon Wilner is reporting that Texas State and the Southland Conference have done the deed and thus allowed C.J. Webster to gain back a year of eligibility.

...Center C.J. Webster received a medical redshirt from Texas State (his former school) and the Southland Conference, which means he has two more years of eligibility instead of one ­ he’s now in the same class as guards Adrian Oliver and Justin Graham..."

Regardless, congrats to C.J. (who, like Justin Graham, will end up playing for SJSU as a grad student and just may earn a master's degree before he also leaves the court.)