USD has a new men’s hoops coach:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVw8B0oj5ps/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
looks like he’s never been a head coach before. if accurate, he’ll have his hands full
This is interesting:
https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/2044813220066509245?s=20
Moving from SLU to UCSB?
Pepperdine making some waves (pun intended):
USD appears to be in the running for this (very) big man:
GU’s Ismaila Diagne transfers to USF.
That’s a good get for the Dons. I recall the 2025 game at home vs. GU; with Ike in foul trouble and Huff not playing well, Diagne came in and played very well, stymied the Broncos with multiple blocks and altered shots, and solid play in the post.
He seemed to stall out this season at GU, supposedly nursed a knee injury. And I’d say, Few has always struggled to find ways to adequately incorporate raw bigs who are maybe solid rebounders and defenders but don’t fit his desired mold of skilled low post scorers. Oumar Ballo is another recent example who played limited mins at GU then transferred to and starred at Arizona and later Indiana.
Rothstein’s interview with Randy Bennett:
https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/2054222568270504366?s=20
Bennett looks off. That health-related incident a few weeks back might have been more serious than we were led to believe.
Very sad news: Brandon Clarke (formerly of Gonzaga) has died at just 29 years of age. Apparently he was found dead in the San Fernando Valley yesterday. There’s initial speculation of a drug overdose but no confirmation.
Regardless of circumstances, 29 is too young for anyone to go. Offer prayers and warm thoughts to his family and friends.
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Wow…tragic.
While all the WCC teams are our competitors and rivals, I also love the game of basketball itself and especially college basketball. So naturally, there are players from other teams who I respect and enjoy watching. Clarke was one of those guys. An incredible athlete who played center for GU at 6-8 (or maybe 6-7) and with a cool back story of an under recruited guy who started his career at San Jose State. Then blossomed, transferred to GU and continued to improve on his way to the NBA.
Condolences to his family and friends.
4 Likes
WCC transfers…
LMU landed 6-5 wing Nils Cooper from UC Davis. He’s the son of Laker great Michael Cooper and started his career under Romar at Pepperdine. Romar is of course now at LMU and surely had a hand in pulling him to LMU.
My recollection of Nils in his time at Pepp was that of an athletic, defensively-minded wing, much like his dad. But appears he has grown his offensive game at UC Davis, averaged over 12pts, nearly 5 rebs, 1.5 steals last season, 3pt shooting wasn’t great at under 30% but didn’t attempt many, gets his points in other ways.