Bakersfield sophs will get looks

Slowly but surely, Rich Hughes feels like he is bringing Bakersfield College basketball in the right direction.

"Bakersfield had been kind of down before I took over," Hughes said. "But we've got five or six returners, our recruiting class is pretty solid. Last year, we were about seven deep and our style is to play 12 guys so last year was a little tough. This year, we are 12 or 13 guys deep and it should be a successful year."

The starting five is all back for Bakersfield. Hughes thinks three of those players could be playing Division One ball next season. Here is the rundown:

Terrence Johns: "I would classify him as a power guard. He can shoot the three. He is tremendous at attacking the basket, a tremendous offensive rebounded. He is one of the toughest players I have ever coached, he's just relentless on the offensive glass."

Steve Alford: "I wish he could shoot it like him (former Indiana star by the same name). He started at point guard last year, played the two, played the three. He is 6-5, can jump out of the gym. He led the team in dunks, he's a great passer, ball handler. He plays a little like Sleepy Floyd, Sam Perkins, kind of a floater."

Andrew Ready: "Andrew's a combo guard, 6-foot, 180. He is tremendously strong on the drive to the basket, a finisher. He shoots the open three, he's not a great shooter. He can pass, he's a great rebounder, defender. Another tough, really, really tough kid."

With talent like that, the road to respectability gets a little bit shorter.