Nov. 22, 2008
November brings many things to us. It's the beginning of winter, the start of basketball season and traditionally the chance to add new faces to our family by way of National Signing Day on the second Wednesday of the month. This season we were fortunate to add four members of the Class of 2009 to our family. Niyi Harrison of San Jose, Chris Cunningham and Robert Smith from Southern California and Ray Cowels from Minnesota comprise the newest members of our Bronco basketball team.
Niyi was the first to commit to us the summer after his sophomore year and is part of a Bellarmine High School team that should compete for a league championship.
Chris attends Diamond Ranch High School and Robert Smith at Perris High School, both of whom should also find themselves in post-season play as well.
Ray is one eight potential Division I players on his high school team at nationally ranked Hopkins High School.
We expect all four of these players to continue their competitiveness into their high school seasons and onto the Mission Campus next summer. We are equally, if not more excited, about their academic demeanor and their personal excitement of being a part of our community. We will keep you updated throughout the year on their progress and before you know it, they will be in uniform representing Santa Clara in the first class manner that they already conduct themselves in.
November has also started our season with our participation in the NIT Preseason Tournament. It's a great opportunity to compete against teams that expect to play in postseason tournaments later this year. After falling short in our first two contests with UAB and Florida Atlantic, our next challenge lies ahead in Athens, Ga. with contests vs. University of Georgia and University of Arizona - both 2008 NCAA Tournament teams. Our young team is committed to improving and anxious to get back on the court to potentially avenge prior lost opportunities last week.
The Santa Clara basketball team wishes everyone a very happy Thanksgiving holiday and safe travels. We all look forward to seeing you in the Leavey Center on December 6 against Sacramento State.
Go Broncos!
