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."