So the days of the 2008-2009 season have finally come to an end. After finishing right at .500 (if we count wins over two division 2 schools) many of USD fans are upset with the way that the season panned out. After returning 5 starters from the previous season's NCAA tournament team, many were expecting a lot more. Some analysts were predicting sweet 16's. Others were preaching another 3 bid year from the WCC.
But then things went wrong.
After last season's run, it seemed that many had forgotten these players are merely mortal. Their bodies break down just like ours. Brandon Johnson showed this first. Though many of us looked at the smaller guard as indefatigable, BJ broke down. Ironically, he became a victim of the ever weak Achilles heal. As the teams warrior and leader, losing Brandon's resulted in an injury of another Achilles heal. The Torero's were never able to regain the stability without their captain.
With the breakdown of bodies also came the breakdown of minds. Trumaine Johnson was the first to show this as he was suspended for much of the early season. With the length of his suspension, many began to question his devotion to the team. Many even blamed Coach Grier for creating a wall in which Trumaine could not pass. A few months later, I think it is clear who was to blame in that situation. Johnson will be left as a faded and distant memory as he has decided to transfer.
Rob Jones also found the season hard to cope with. With the condition of his father that was revealed only a few days after the season's conclusion, one easily could understand his performance throughout the season. Rob was utterly streaky, and who could blame him? Nearly 500 miles from home, Rob toughed the season out before also deciding to transfer. Knowing him personally, I don't think this transfer had anything to do with Grier. Rob is a very caring and kind person simply to those on campus. His manner could only be magnified when it comes to family. The condition of Rob's father is no joke. In the end, though this may not seem best for USD, it is what is right for Rob. Thoughts and prayers for his father. He will be missed on and off the court.
All time leading scorer Gyno Pomare and streaky shooter/roll player Danny Brown have also played their last games at the Slim Gym. Though many criticized Gyno for his calm manner, there is no doubt he will be hard to replace. The Torero's will also miss Danny, who never backed down from the big shot. Though he didn't always get to be the hero, there is something to be said for that type of desire a guts. Danny is an excellent kid. He will excel at whatever career he goes onto.
So now that we know what we have lost, let's take a look at what we have gained in recruiting.
To start off, it looks good that BJ will receive an extra year of eligability. He will anchor a group filled with many young guards. Devonair Braswell will also provide a fresh face, though he has been around and red shirted last season due to injury.
Cameron Miles, 6'1'', PG, Skyline Texas Many may be familiar with the last name Miles, and rightfully so. Cameron's brother C.J. was a McDonald's High School All-American and entered the draft out of high school (back when that was allowed). He is currently a 6th man figure on the Utah Jazz.
Miles brings a lot to the table. A pass first point guard, Miles posseses elite quickness with the ball. He has an excellent mid range jumper and can shoot the three pointer as well. Miles will compete from time immediately and could start next to Brandon Johnson at the point guard position. Miles brings to the Toreros a ball handler that is desperately needed. Though Trumaine was good, Cameron comes in being much more highly rated.
Jordan Mackie, 6'4'', SG, Dorsey California Mackie can be summed up in one word: potential. Mackie has a long frame which will be perfect for the defensive end. Grier seems to be in love with long players that can shut players down on the defensive side of the basketball. Much like Miles, Mackie also posses elite speed and quickness. Though his jump shot isn't complete yet, Mackie has elite athletic talent and finishes well in transition and around the rim. A dunker, Mackie could be considered a smaller poorer version of Kevin Young of LMU. Mackie is a great addition for the Toreros who lacked athleticism at the guard for most of the 2008-2009 season. Mackie could be the best "athlete" USD has
ever recruited. I expect him to come off the bench, but Mackie could see a lot of time in four guard sets.
Ken Rancifer, 6'6'', SF, El Cerrito California Much like Mackie, Rancifer fits Grier's mold of long and lengthy. With some work, Rancifer could become and excellent anchor for USD on the
defensive end. Rancifer can rim rock and is mostly highly touted for his vertical. Without any citation, I have heard rumors that he has a 34'' vertical. Rancifer can finish with both hands and has a fairly good handle for a man his size. His midrange game is decent, but he needs work on his range. His jumper needs to be polished. Rancifer should spell senior De'Jon Jackson and could also see a good amount of time in a four guard lineup.
Chris Manresa, 6'8'', PF/C, Tesoro California Manresa has all of the tools to excel at the next level. After leading his team to a CIF title, he has been to the highest level of
high school basketball and will continue to hone his talent on Linda Vista road. Manresa is not athletic, but he makes up for it with his excellent smarts on the court. An elite passer for a man his size, Manresa spends as much time racking up assists as he does racking up points. He has an excellent jumper our to the 18 foot range and can step out and make the three when needed. Chris is a terrific shot blocker and is great with his hands on tips and rebounds. He needs to hit the weight room as he could be in better shape, but when he does, he could be an elite level player by the time he is a sophomore. Expect Manresa to start from day 1 at the PF position if he is in the shape he needs to be in.
Patrick McCollum, 6'3'', PG/SG, Arizona McCollum is not a confirmed recruit yet, but he was seen on the USD campus for a few days over spring break. If he has the grades, we have an open scholarship for him. McCollum has an odd shot, but it has a knack for tickling the twine. He is quick with the ball and a very good passer. McCollum does get careless and has a very wirey frame for the college game. Much like Manresa, he needs to hit the weight room, though for very different reasons. McCollum is very good, but who knows what he has been doing for a year. If he is in good basketball shape, he could start. If not, expect him to see time in the guard rotation.
Though there have been many negatives this season, the Toreros have a lot to look forward to. This is arguably the best recruiting class they have ever had.
Only 270 days until basketball season.
Ole!
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