More 2009 Local Talent

The Pilots have offered Larry Richards, a 6'1" point guard at Roosevelt High, a scholarship. Can't get more local than that. Richards has a number of other suitors as well though. We'll see how Richards plays next year and whether he will become a Pilot.

Yep... I would LOVE it if the Pilots could get him... a North Portland kid playing for UP? Can't remember the last time that happened.

But Richards is super talented and I have the feeling that if he gets a ton of exposure on the AAU circuit in the summer he might blow up a bit. But who knows? At least UP is on him early.

Roosevelt went to the 5A Championship game last year... would be very cool if they actually won it this year, though I think Jefferson is going to be really tough too.

I like the kid and hope we can nab him early before more people realize his potential.

Just saw this update on Richards from Rivals:

"I've been getting a few calls from schools like Portland, Portland State, Boise State, and UC Davis," Richards said. "I got offered by Portland. They're pretty good, but I'm wide open."

We are the only school to offer him so far... definitely will be interesting to see if any Pac-10 or other major conference schools come calling. He dropped 30 points in a loss to Madison last night... would love to see him go from the black and gold to the purple and white!!!

Also from Rivals... a new name popped up on our 2009 list.

A 5'11" guard from Sunset High School.

Wait for it... Michael Holton!

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=76133

I can only asume this is the son of Coach Holton. Wow... wouldn't that be interesting?

That would be weird . . .

Would he want to come here? Odd. But cool if he is comfortable enough with the situation...

Why wouldn't he want to come here?

He grew up watching Pilot's basketball during the Pooh and Donald era, his family still has ties to the community.

Though his dad was fired, he got a pretty nice package and now has a great job in broadcasting for the Blazers.

I saw him play a game a couple years ago - he was petty good for his age then.

I'd like to see him come here if he's good enough - I still think Michael Sr. is a great guy, regardless what you think of his success coaching.

Considering how ugly UP coaching changes have been in the recent past (Avina, Steele, Chavez), I personally think this would be great if it could happen.

Must be sort of awkward though. Being recruited by the guy who replaced your father. I'd like to be a fly on the wall during that home visit.

We can't get too carried away with this. That could just mean that he received a letter from UP at some point. There's no indication that we are actually going after him.

Still, it made me raise my eyebrows and chuckle a little when I saw it.

I dont disagree that Michael Holton (the Coach) is a good man... I like him, he just didnt work out as Coach. If his son wants to come here, great! (And talk about legacy players... sons of Raivio, Sikma, Holton...)

It would be a good thing to have Michael Holton Senior associated with the program again, IMHO.

The Tinsley situation is very intriguing, however...