USD Notes
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USD Notes
USD’s Bill Grier is arguably the most well liked coach in the WCC, it’s good to see him smiling again; from CBSSports:
Bill Grier is smiling again.
It's admittedly been rough for San Diego's coach over the past couple of years. His Toreros went through a difficult two-year stretch, one with just a total of five league victories, and also dealt with the bombshell of a sports bribery scandal. But now San Diego is back on solid ground, heading in the right direction with a group that could finish in the top half of the West Coast Conference.
"It's the most talented team we've had since my first year here," Grier said.
That was the year that San Diego didn't just go to the NCAA tournament but pulled off the upset over UConn in the first round. Grier had an opportunity to take the Oregon State job, but passed -- and it's easy to see why after touring the USD campus.
"I can't imagine a better city, a better place for my kids to grow up than here," Grier said.
But the last year or so definitely tested Grier and the administration. It was on April 11, 2011 when a pair of FBI agents were waiting outside Grier's home and informed him about the point shaving scandal that involved two former players and an ex-assistant coach. Grier had no knowledge and has been cleared of any wrongdoing, but it was obviously still difficult.
"It was the hardest thing I've ever been through personally and professionally," he said.
But Grier and his team have moved on, rallied through the adversity and are coming off a 13-18 campaign in which the Toreros went 7-9 in the league. His two best players, Johnny Dee and Chris Anderson, are sophomores. Dee received more accolades after leading the team in scoring (13.7 ppg). But Anderson, the younger brother of former UCLA guard Jerime Anderson, was arguably the team's most important player.
"He makes our team go," Grier said.
All five starters return, and Grier has added four new faces. These guys finished with seven league victories a year ago with an all-freshman backcourt. Ken Rancifer is a senior who has made major strides, Simi Fajemisin is a 6-foot-9, 260-pound redshirt sophomore and Dennis Kramer is a 6-foot-10 big man who started 28 games last season.
"We have size," Grier said. "Plenty of it."
Grier has options now. He can go big or use a three-guard lineup with Texas Tech transfer Mike Davis.
"We have more ammo now," Grier said. "We've turned the corner and can be extremely competitive in this league now."
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
If case you’ve lost track, here are Zack Farmer’s picks so far are:
9. PU
8. UP
7. USF
6. SCU
5. USD
This is his take on USD for the coming year:
9. PU
8. UP
7. USF
6. SCU
5. USD
This is his take on USD for the coming year:
Remember when everybody (including me) wrote off San Diego before the season? Yeah, let’s not do that again.
The Toreros are back and their aspirations are high.
They bring back their entire starting lineup from last season and it is being led by a pair of sophomores. Johnny Dee and Chris Anderson, while small, pack a lot of punch and each bring something different.
No one will be overlooking San Diego now and if anybody is, they have made a mistake.
Outlook
San Diego was a team that had won only six games in 2010-11. So to say people were surprised when the Toreros won seven conference games would be an understatement.
San Diego is back on everyone’s radar and hung tough with a number of the top WCC contenders last year. They beat LMU. Nearly beat BYU in the WCC Tournament quarterfinals and fought tough-and-nail with Saint Mary’s.
“I think the end of last year was really good for us,” San Diego sophomore guard Johnny Dee said. “That win at LMU and winning a couple of road wins is just good for our confidence. We come in with more expectations than last year and we’re excited to play hard and continue to move up in the WCC.”
This time the Toreros won’t be sneaking up on anybody and the stakes have been raised.
Backcourt
Johnny Dee and Chris Anderson represent one of the best examples of complimentary players in the league.
Anderson is a pure point guard, distributing, and orchestrating the San Diego offense. Dee is the sharpshooter that you have to continually keep an eye on otherwise he could drop 30 in a heartbeat.
“We all really help each other out,” Dee said. “It’s really good having a point guard that can get you the ball in the right places. So much of my success shooting the basketball was because of Chris. I think that goes largely unrecognized.”
They play well off each other and this was in their freshmen year. Where will they go from here? Wherever they are going, they will not be making the trip alone.
Also returning is guard Ken Rancifer, who provided a big spark using his athleticism to give the team a wrinkle not found in some of the other players.
Frontcourt
Dennis Kramer is the type of guy that gives other big guys nightmares. Kramer’s ability to shoot the three makes him a tough matchup.
Power forwards are not used to guarding players on the perimeter and are there to rebound and defend. But with Kramer, he can pull out the big man for defense, allowing the smaller guards to get into the lane with greater ease.
That is especially important with neither Anderson nor Dee clearing 6-foot-1.
Chris Manresa is another good tool off of the bench and can provide some of that offensive spark.
But the Toreros have to be concerned about their rebounding. They had the worst rebounding margin in the conference (-3.9) and were last in offensive rebounds.
Fixing this could be the difference between last year’s sixth place finish to being fourth or even higher.
Notes
Every team has the goal of winning its conference at the beginning of the year but, as Dee said, that is not always a realistic goal. That was the case last year for San Diego but no more. They believe they have a real shot.
“I think one of biggest things is that the expectations we have for each other, it’s real this year,” Dee said. “I think every team when they set out at the beginning of the year, they all want to win the conference and sometimes that’s not really realistic. Like last year it probably wouldn’t be realistic for us to make that goal but yet we had that goal. We think this year, with the group we have and the way we finished last year that we have a good chance to finish in the top half, top tier of the WCC and we’re just excited to start the season and get things going.”
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Former University of San Diego basketball star Brandon Johnson was sentenced to six months in prison Friday for his role in a game-fixing scheme.
San Diego's all-time scoring and assists leader admitted unsuccessfully soliciting an unidentified player during the 2010-11 season, when he was no longer at the school. He insisted he never manipulated a game in which he played, though prosecutors alleged he sought to influence the outcome of games during his senior year.
The government asserted that Johnson profited $5,000 to $10,000 for altering "approximately four games" during the 2009-10 season.
It was reported that the government's sentencing memorandum included excerpts of secretly taped phone conversations in which Johnson says at one point, "Wish I woulda did every game."
Johnson also discusses a February 2010 game against Loyola Marymount in which he did not shoot late in a game that the government claims was fixed and resulted in an estimated $70,000 worth of gambling profits for fellow conspirators. San Diego was favored by 3½ points and lost 72-69.
"Coach was like, how you ain't get a shot up," Johnson is quoted in the transcription of a call. "I'm in the locker room, like, 'You can say what you want, but that's a G ($1,000) right there.' "
(It's wonderful what a college education can do for a person.......)
San Diego's all-time scoring and assists leader admitted unsuccessfully soliciting an unidentified player during the 2010-11 season, when he was no longer at the school. He insisted he never manipulated a game in which he played, though prosecutors alleged he sought to influence the outcome of games during his senior year.
The government asserted that Johnson profited $5,000 to $10,000 for altering "approximately four games" during the 2009-10 season.
It was reported that the government's sentencing memorandum included excerpts of secretly taped phone conversations in which Johnson says at one point, "Wish I woulda did every game."
Johnson also discusses a February 2010 game against Loyola Marymount in which he did not shoot late in a game that the government claims was fixed and resulted in an estimated $70,000 worth of gambling profits for fellow conspirators. San Diego was favored by 3½ points and lost 72-69.
"Coach was like, how you ain't get a shot up," Johnson is quoted in the transcription of a call. "I'm in the locker room, like, 'You can say what you want, but that's a G ($1,000) right there.' "
(It's wonderful what a college education can do for a person.......)
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Too bad Brandon didn't at least learn English during his university experience.
Geezaldinho- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Former University of San Diego assistant basketball coach, Thaddeus "T.J." Brown, has been sentenced to a year in federal prison and three years' probation for his role in a game-fixing scheme.
Brown was one of 10 people, including former players, charged with arranging to fix Toreros basketball games. Eight have now pleaded guilty. They include the university's all-time leading scorer, Brandon Johnson, who got six months in prison.
During the 2009-2010 season Brown, who had been an assistant coach for the team a few years earlier, paid Johnson to influence games, which Brown and co-conspirators then bet on in Las Vegas.
Brandon Johnson in 2006
Brown was one of 10 people, including former players, charged with arranging to fix Toreros basketball games. Eight have now pleaded guilty. They include the university's all-time leading scorer, Brandon Johnson, who got six months in prison.
During the 2009-2010 season Brown, who had been an assistant coach for the team a few years earlier, paid Johnson to influence games, which Brown and co-conspirators then bet on in Las Vegas.
Brandon Johnson in 2006
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Chris Sarbaugh, the former Gonzaga Prep basketball standout who redshirted at Gonzaga during the 2011-12 season before transferring to North Idaho College (JC) this past season, has now made a verbal commitment to San Diego.
Coach Bill Grier seems like a very decent guy to play for…..and a good judge of talent. Sarbaugh is a very good player and could be quite a help, but I don’t see him moving ahead of Christopher Anderson or Johnny Dee.
Coach Bill Grier seems like a very decent guy to play for…..and a good judge of talent. Sarbaugh is a very good player and could be quite a help, but I don’t see him moving ahead of Christopher Anderson or Johnny Dee.
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Learned that 6-6 255 sophomore center Brandon Perry will transfer from Cal State Northridge to USD and will sit out a year.
I've heard a number of players were upset when Cal-State Northridge failed to renew the contract of coach Bobby Braswell for next year.....
I've heard a number of players were upset when Cal-State Northridge failed to renew the contract of coach Bobby Braswell for next year.....
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Quarterback Shane Dillon, second on the depth chart at Colorado going into the fall, has decided to give up football and transfer to USD to play basketball…probably at SF.
The 6’5” Dillon had a number of basketball scholarships offers two years ago, but he chose football instead.
Dillon averaged 25 points and 12 rebounds his junior season at Christian High School in El Cajon, Calif., but received football scholarship offers from the likes of Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Arizona after his junior season in football.
He should probably remember USD also has a pretty strong football program that just a few years ago was coached by the 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh.
The 6’5” Dillon had a number of basketball scholarships offers two years ago, but he chose football instead.
Dillon averaged 25 points and 12 rebounds his junior season at Christian High School in El Cajon, Calif., but received football scholarship offers from the likes of Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Arizona after his junior season in football.
He should probably remember USD also has a pretty strong football program that just a few years ago was coached by the 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh.
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/22882192/why-shane-dillon-picked-hoops-at-san-diego-over-football-at-colorado
Great story on it here.
Great story on it here.
DTLegend- Pilot Nation Regular
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Re: USD Notes
Well, I mean, a back up at Colorado doesn't exactly put you at the top of the football food chain...
Also:
"Why not football and basketball at one school? Two colleges did offer him that. Harvard and Yale were the institutions willing to give Dillon both, but he passed on the opportunity out of reservation over completely losing a social life due to heavy studying and relentless athletic responsibility"
I'm overwhelming with sympathy for his plight.
Also:
"Why not football and basketball at one school? Two colleges did offer him that. Harvard and Yale were the institutions willing to give Dillon both, but he passed on the opportunity out of reservation over completely losing a social life due to heavy studying and relentless athletic responsibility"
I'm overwhelming with sympathy for his plight.
DaTruRochin- Administrator
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Re: USD Notes
As John Lennon said:Why not football and basketball at one school? Two colleges did offer him that. Harvard and Yale were the institutions willing to give Dillon both, but he passed on the opportunity out of reservation over completely losing a social life due to heavy studying and relentless athletic responsibility.
I strongly agree!“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
San Diego forward John Sinis signed a professional contract to play in Greece.
Sinis was not an impact player in his first two years at USD, but I thought he showed great potential to help move the team forward this year.
http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/04/san-diego-forward-john-sinis-signs-professional-contract/
Sinis was not an impact player in his first two years at USD, but I thought he showed great potential to help move the team forward this year.
http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/09/04/san-diego-forward-john-sinis-signs-professional-contract/
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Oh boy, here we go again; USD is making decisions based upon ethics rather than personal gratification or financial gain……
From NBCSports (edited):
From NBCSports (edited):
The University of San Diego issued a statement Thursday stating the school has made the decision to withdraw from postseason consideration despite having a shot at winning the Pioneer Football League championship, which receives an automatic bid in the FCS postseason. The decision comes as a result of a potential violation regarding financial aid provided to a football player. The identity of the player in question was not released but the school says they are cooperating with the PFL and has taken a proactive approach to ensure it is handled properly.
“Recently, Torero Athletics identified an issue arising out of the award of need-based financial aid to football players that is incompatible with the Pioneer Football League’s (PFL) rules, but is within the financial aid need-based cap applied to the University’s general student body,” a statement from San Diego President Mary E. Lyons said.
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Truly one of the "good guys" in coaching, Bill Grier has been given a contract extension at USD.
LINK
LINK
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
Disappointed to see that former GU walk-on and former North Idaho College student-athlete Chris Sarbaugh is transferring from USD with one year yet to play.
It's probably good that he's the only one of consequence, so far, that has transferred after Coach Grier was fired.
Warriors Coach Kerr's son Nick, a walk-on, is also transferring, but it is so he can spend time with his dad and learn the craft of coaching.
It's probably good that he's the only one of consequence, so far, that has transferred after Coach Grier was fired.
Warriors Coach Kerr's son Nick, a walk-on, is also transferring, but it is so he can spend time with his dad and learn the craft of coaching.
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Re: USD Notes
Coach Lamont Smith has gotten commitments from some very talented freshman in his short time at USD, including the highest nationally ranked freshman to come into the WCC so far this year, the 34th ranked SG, Tyler Williams from Texas.
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Re: USD Notes
Sarbaugh has landed at Idaho for his graduate year and can play this coming season.DoubleDipper wrote:Disappointed to see that former GU walk-on and former North Idaho College student-athlete Chris Sarbaugh is transferring from USD with one year yet to play.
Let's see, I think this is Sarbaugh's fourth school after graduating from Gonzaga Prep at about the same time Rhino did.....Gonzaga, North Idaho, USD, and Idaho.
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Re: USD Notes
Per a Will Maupin retweet of @VerbalCommits,
2nd leading scorer, highest average minutes played. With Kok and Sanadze graduating, Toreros lose their top 3 scorers.
San Diego G Vasilije Pusica is leaving the program.
2nd leading scorer, highest average minutes played. With Kok and Sanadze graduating, Toreros lose their top 3 scorers.
Guest- Guest
Re: USD Notes
Coach Lamont Smith arrested Sunday afternoon at Oakland International Airport flying home from the USF game on 3 domestic violence charges.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2761511-san-diego-basketball-coach-lamont-smith-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charges
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2761511-san-diego-basketball-coach-lamont-smith-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charges
University of San Diego head men's basketball coach Lamont Smith was arrested Sunday on domestic violence charges.
Ben Higgins of 10 News in San Diego reported the news, citing public records released by the San Francisco Sheriff's Department.
According to the report, Smith is facing charges for "domestic violence, assault with force likely to commit great bodily injury and false imprisonment." He was arrested at Oakland International Airport before his team flew back to San Diego after a 64-61 win over the University of San Francisco on Saturday.
The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital.
"Officers were dispatched to the team hotel near Union Square late last night on reports of a domestic violence disturbance," Higgins wrote.
Higgins noted the coach was released on $115,000 bail.
San Diego has an 18-12 record, including a 9-9 mark in West Coast Conference games. This is Smith's third season as the program's head coach after he played for the Toreros from 1995-99.
San Diego's next game is Saturday in the WCC tournament against the BYU Cougars.
Sound Voltex- Starter
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Re: USD Notes
USD has suspended Coach Smith.
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/USD-Basketball-Coach-Arrested-475106953.html?amp=y&__twitter_impression=true
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/USD-Basketball-Coach-Arrested-475106953.html?amp=y&__twitter_impression=true
Guest- Guest
Re: USD Notes
Charges dropped.
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/22671430/university-san-diego-coach-lamont-smith-face-charges-domestic-violence-arrest
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/22671430/university-san-diego-coach-lamont-smith-face-charges-domestic-violence-arrest
Sound Voltex- Starter
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Re: USD Notes
Lamont Smith has resigned.
https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/971614981706997760
https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/971614981706997760
Sound Voltex- Starter
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Re: USD Notes
America/Congress may be able to put up with an alleged philandering adulterer, but there's just no way a small Catholic university can.Sound Voltex wrote:Lamont Smith has resigned.
Lamont's still a good man and deserves some time to heal the wounds within his family, but he had to go!
DoubleDipper- Pilot Nation Legend
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Re: USD Notes
New coach announced: http://www.usdtoreros.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/040218aaa.html. Promoted their acting head coach Sam Scholl.
Guest- Guest
Re: USD Notes
Not really a surprise that USD 6th man, Juwan Gray, with two years of eligibility remaining, is transferring to Towson U. in Maryland, closer to his hometown, Dover Delaware (he's an Air Force brat).
Gray, a 6-8/210 durable hybrid-type forward, much like UP fans hope Ty Glover will be, proved to be quite an asset on both sides of the ball for the Toreros the past two seasons.
Gray, a 6-8/210 durable hybrid-type forward, much like UP fans hope Ty Glover will be, proved to be quite an asset on both sides of the ball for the Toreros the past two seasons.
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