An excellent WAC recruiting summary

Chris Murray, our buddy at the Reno Gazette-Journal, has compiled a list of the signees with each WAC men's basketball team, with the assistance of some 'experts' -- we're not so sure about the credentials of one of them ;-)

A closer look at each of the WAC recruiting classes
Chris Murray
Reno Gazette-Journal
5/26/2009

Last week, we took a look at all of the recruiting classes in the WAC as the spring signing period came to a close. Shortly after that, I e-mailed scribes who follow each of the teams in the WAC to try and get a little perspective on each of the classes. I was able to hook up with writers for six of the teams and here are their reports on their respective program's recruiting classes...

Go here for the remainder.

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

Meet Joel Busch

There are a number of unsung Spartan fans, many of who could actually and accurately be described in a good way as fanatics. Count Joel Busch among them for his unwavering support of San Jose State athletics. We recently met Joel for the first time at the men's basketball banquet and, after an evening of conversation, we were convinced that he deserved greater recognition for his Spartan fealty. Here is our interview with Joel.

Q - Why are you a Spartan fan?

JB - Both of my parents were San Jose State graduates (my father was also an Accounting instructor in the School of Business back in the 70's) and, despite growing up only a few miles away from Stanford University in Menlo Park, watching our Jack Elway-led Spartans trounce Stanford at the Farm as a kid got me forever hooked on San Jose State athletics.

Q - How long have you had this allegiance?

JB - As detailed above, essentially since day one - although from the early 80's as an active attendee of Spartan athletics.

Q - Do you have some sort of game attendance streak, either in football or basketball or both? What about road games?

JB - I have had football and men's basketball season tickets for a number of years and, beginning in high school in the late 80's, I began to attend many road football games (mostly those in California). However, back in 2002, I was just about to go to the football game at Illinois as my brother and his wife were going to be in the area on vacation but I was unable to go because I just purchased a house in Rio del Mar a couple of days before the game. Of course, we ended up winning the game and I remember right after that game thinking "man ..... I should have gone to the game!" After that, I realized that the only way not to miss out on a SJS road win is to go to them all. Since 2005, the only football road game that I have missed was the 2006 game at Hawaii and I do not plan on missing any games from here on out. Of course, there a number of Spartan fans that I know that have not missed a football game for many years - some since the early 80's.

Q - What is the furthest you have traveled to see a SJSU game?

JB - I suppose that would be Hawaii - followed closely by Illinois and Louisiana Tech.

Q - What is the most memorable game or games you have seen in person?

JB - So many ... I suppose the three-peat wins over Stanford in the late 90's stick out - especially the untouched return of an on-sides kickoff for a touchdown against Stanford by Casey LeBlanc back in '98.

Q - Who is the best SJSU football player you have witnessed? Men's basketball player?

JB - Basketball - Ricky Berry.

Football - It is too hard to name just one so I will have to try (as hard as it may be) to name one for offense and one for defense - Deonce Whitaker and Lyneil Mayo.

Q - What is your take on the current SJSU football and men's basketball programs?

JB - 110% behind the way both of them are going into the upcoming seasons.

Coach Tomey and the rest of the top-notch football coaches and staff have put us back on par to where we were back in the 80's. Having Coach Malley on the offensive side will make huge difference (on the positive side) this year. If a number of Spartans on the defensive side can fill-in at or near the same level as those who graduated last year we will be in great shape to compete for the WAC title. Justin Cole will be the leader of the defense.

As for the basketball team, we had one of the most talented teams this past year as we have had since the Bill Berry days. Coach Nessman and the Assistant Coaches have done a tremendous job in recruiting - in regards to both talent and especially years of eligibility for the recruits. With a healthy Adrian Oliver and Justin Graham for the upcoming season - coupled with C.J. and Oakes down low - we should and need to be one of the top four programs in the WAC next year. It is critical that we do not lose to teams that we should have beaten "on paper" next year like we did this year.

Q - What do you do for a living and why did you choose this occupation?

JB - I manage a comprehensive tax consulting practice - for both for businesses and individuals - in Aptos, California. I chose this occupation because I always enjoyed working with complex legal matters and helping people with matters that are complex. Also, because my father was a long-time corporate tax manager and I looked up to the work he did for others over the years.

Joel M. Busch, EA,ATA,ATP,MST
Principal
The JW Group
9057-B Soquel Drive, Suite F
Aptos, CA 95003

We thank Joel for his time and participation here and certainly for his support of Spartan athletics.

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...

Aalim Moor's final high school diary

Here's the final diary entry from backcourter Aalim Moor of St. Mary's High (Berkeley). He and teammate Chris Brew completed their basketball eligibility with a record of 113-20. Only Will Brew, now at Santa Barbara, won more games -- 114 -- as a St. Mary's baller.

Wow! Is that it? It seems like just yesterday when I walked on campus as a skinny little freshman. Four years has flown by so fast. I can say without a doubt it has been the best experience of my life. The people that I have met, the places I've gone and the situations I have faced have shaped and molded me.

St. Mary's won 85% with Moor at the helm

Basketball is my life, I love it and it has loved me back. I am so grateful to the game because it has given me so much. It has given me an outlet for me to express myself.

To me, basketball is just like life in that it has a lot of twists and turns, highs and lows and ups and downs. One second you are on top of the world having nothing but success. All your shots are falling, you are dunking on guys, throwing alleys, hitting cats with dimes, blocking their shots and hitting the game winning basket. The next second your shots aren't falling, you're turning the ball over, can't hit a free throw, getting beat off the dribble and you're losing at the buzzer. Everything I just mentioned has been and will continue to be a major part of my life.

As wild and crazy as that sounds, I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything.

I will always treasure ever practice, every workout, every game, every plane ride, every ride in the car with my dad, every team meeting, every film session, every conversation with my coaches (good or bad) and every time I walked in a gym, especially St. Mary's!

I want to thank all my coaches and teachers at St. Mary's for everything they have done for me. They have helped me mature and grow in ways that I can never thank them enough.

I want to thank my parents, my little sister and all my family for all the love, support, advice and sacrifice they have made for me to follow and chase my hoop dreams.

I want to thank all of the people (even those people whom I didn't know and have never met) who came out to my games and showed me so much love and cheered and encouraged my teammates and I night in and night out.

I want to thank all my teammates whom I have gone to war with, you have always had my back and you know I always had yours, and always will for life!

And I can't forget about all of the haters, doubters and critics who always told me I couldn't do it. I don't know if you knew it or not, but you just gave me extra energy and motivation which fueled my fire and helped me to achieve my dreams. I have to thank you too!

Special thanks to SpartanHoops for allowing me to tell my story. It's all love!

Aalim A. Moor, III

Moor is a natural leader

Here's something we wrote as a companion piece to Aalim's diary:

Six seconds remained in the game. Salesian of Richmond was ahead by one. St. Mary's Chris Brew saw an opening but it quickly closed. He handed the ball off to Aalim Moor who drove to the basket and was fouled. No, wait. The official says it's an offensive foul. Two newspaper reporters blogging the game, Matt Smith and Chace Bryson, offered "Chace and I agree it should have been a no-call." But it wasn't. The Pride of Salesian won, ending the season for St. Mary's and Moor's career playing as a Panther. But in the midst of the combination of raucous celebration, raw hurt and severely sprained shoulder he played with in the last five contests, he still clapped for and acknowledged the opposing team.

Why so? Because of his makeup. He understands that it's not all about him. Moor and Salesian-ites Desmond Simmons, Dom Artis and Jabari Brown go way back. "We've been friends for years, we see each other as brothers and have a bond deeper than basketball." For Moor, comradeship supersedes whatever is happening in the moment.

College life and ball beckons to Moor

Plus, the St. Mary's tenure of the 6-foot-3, 185 pounder included playing in the NorCal finals three years in a row and going to the state finals last season. Weighty disappointment or worse -- a sense of failure -- are not conditions that incubate in an environment surrounded with so many good times.

Moor added, "Playing at a school like St. Mary's with all its history was an honor. Even though we didn't win a state championship, what I gained academically, athletically and personally are wonderful gifts."

Curiously, performing a role in which he agreeingly subjugated his personal numbers for the betterment of his team -- dealing passes leading to scores has kept many a basketball teammate happy regardless of the level -- was not Moor's forté as a youngster. He said, "Earlier, I was a shooter, I would shoot, shoot, shoot. But becoming a passer at St. Mary's was my way of trying to get everyone comfortable. I was good at it and I never worried about my role because we were successful. We had a wonderful team, I had great teammates and we all share memories that we will carry for a lifetime."

So what are Moor's summer plans? In a word, busy. "I'll be going to summer school at San Jose State, playing with the SJSU guys in the West Valley summer league, working out with trainers Anthony Eggleton, Philippe Doherty and Jeremy Russotti and spending some time with friends," Moor offered.

As for his entry into college basketball, Moor said, "I'll go in and work hard and try to get better, trying to pick the brains of the guys there and learn as much as I can." He added, "I want to do good."

He already has.

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).