Yuba Soph Duo Planning Visits; Program Update
Yuba College in Marysville, Calif., enjoyed a successful campaign in 2003-2004, finishing 20-6 and advancing to the "elite eight" of the state playoffs.
The Forty-Niners relied heavily on a pair of sophomore forwards, 6-4 Lawrence Wright and 6-7 Rodney Hannah.
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Of the two, Wright posted the more gaudy statistics. Through 16 games (as listed on the CCCMBC website), he averaged 21 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. He shot 53 percent from the floor.
"Lawrence ranked among the top five in three different categories," Yuba Head Coach Doug Cornelius told JUCO Junction. "He was a first team All-State selection."
Cornelius said that Bradley and Tulsa are going to get official visits from Wright this spring. Others in the mix include Appalachian State and the College of Charleston.
Wright uses his long arms and athleticism to get things done around the basket. He has the wiry frame of a three man but the game of a four man.
Hannah, a chiseled 6-7, 238 pound power forward/center, averaged 12 points and 6.4 rebounds, shooting 54 percent from the floor.
"Rodney was very steady throughout the year," Cornelius said.
The lefty post player demonstrated excellent mobility and athleticism when JUCO Junction viewed him in July at the 2003 California JUCO Summer Showcase.
On the flip side, he needed to continue improving his overall offensive skill set and defensive positioning.
Cornelius said that Hannah will visit St. Bonaventure in mid-April. Houston, which recently hired Tom Penders, is also in line for a visit.
UNLV and Utah had offered Hannah this winter, according to Cornelius, but both Mountain West Conference programs will likely undergo head coaching changes.
UNLV recently hired Lon Kruger to replace Charlie Spoonhour, while the Utes have yet to name a permanent replacement for the retired Rick Majerus.
A pair of 49er freshmen will likely be on the Division I radar screen next fall.
Zach Andrews, a 6-8, 220 pound power forward/center from Sacramento, Calif., showed quite a bit of promise this season.
"He's relentless, he's kind of like a more skilled version of Dennis Rodman," Cornelius said. "He's super active on the boards and plays very hard."
JUCO Junction evaluated Andrews last summer at the Azusa Pacific Showcase, noting his mobility and long arms.
Washington State, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech have expressed early interest in Andrews, Cornelius said.
Lastly, 6-1, 175 pound freshman combo guard Jon Sheets was Yuba's second leading scorer this season. He should provide leadership, scoring and stability for the 49ers in 2004-2005.
JUCO Junction will keep an eye on the Yuba program as the late signing period looms on the horizon. Stay tuned!