Boys' basketball: Simi Valley's Jackson signs with Pepperdine Simi Valley point guard Lorne Jackson signed with Pepperdine on Thursday afternoon after committing to the Waves last Friday.
"I know they had a bad year and I want to be a part of the
rebuilding process," Jackson said. "I'm really excited to be playing for them and I'm really looking forward to playing."Jackson, who averaged 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists for the Marmonte League champion Pioneers, had also been considering George Mason. He said the potential for being a four-year starter played a role in his picking Pepperdine. The 6-foot-2, 185 pounder also said staying close to home "was nice," but it didn't necessarily influence his decision.
He met several times with new Pepperdine Coach Tom Asbury and decided the Waves were the best fit.
"I really like the atmosphere and it's a great opportunity," Jackson said. "I just want to thank all of my coaches and teammates for helping get this far."
Jackson was recently named to the CalHiSports.com All-State second team and was named the Marmonte League's co-player of the year along with teammate Mike Meza this season. -- Austin Knoblauch
Great-grandfather knows best
Simi Valley forward Tyler Trapani has gotten advice on basketball, and life, from his great-granddad, John Wooden. Trapani couldn't have been more than 6 when his great-grandfather, John Wooden, decided to begin teaching him a thing or two about the game of basketball. Trapani, a senior at Simi Valley High, doesn't remember much about those early lessons. One thing is certain: His great-grandfather was there for him then and has been the families' source of inspiration, both on and off the court, ever since. He has often been the first player off the bench for the Pioneers, who lost to Long
Beach Wilson, 78-76, in Tuesday's second round of the Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs. The loss ended a high school career in which 
Trapani was always comfortable deferring to Simi Valley's senior stars, point guard Lorne Jackson and forward Michael Meza. Trapani is comfortable in his own skin.
Simi Valley forward Tyler Trapani has gotten advice on basketball, and life, from his great-granddad, John Wooden. Trapani couldn't have been more than 6 when his great-grandfather, John Wooden, decided to begin teaching him a thing or two about the game of basketball. Trapani, a senior at Simi Valley High, doesn't remember much about those early lessons. One thing is certain: His great-grandfather was there for him then and has been the families' source of inspiration, both on and off the court, ever since. He has often been the first player off the bench for the Pioneers, who lost to Long
Beach Wilson, 78-76, in Tuesday's second round of the Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs. The loss ended a high school career in which 
Trapani was always comfortable deferring to Simi Valley's senior stars, point guard Lorne Jackson and forward Michael Meza. Trapani is comfortable in his own skin.
http://www.coachjohnwooden.com /John Wooden to speak in Simi Valley
Legendary UCLA head basketball coach John Wooden will speak at a fundraising benefit for the Simi Valley High School basketball and baseball programs Sat., March 4 at SVHS.
Legendary UCLA head basketball coach John Wooden will speak at a fundraising benefit for the Simi Valley High School basketball and baseball programs Sat., March 4 at SVHS.
Briefing Room / Features
Status
Signed
Scouts Grade
82
Also Considered:
Briefing Room Archive
Pepperdine
signs Cali point guard Lorne Jackson (Apr18)
6-2 point guard Lorne Jackson has signed his letter of intent with the Pepperdine Waves, reports ESPN's Recruiting Coordinator Joel Francisco. Jackson chose the Pepperdine over George Mason and continues the recruiting momentum that Tom Asbury has developed since his arrival in January.
Francisco has seen Jackson's stock rise over the past year. "Like (current San Diego State freshman) D.J. Gay displayed during the 2006-07 season, no player's stock elevated quicker in the the west than Jackson," he said. "He is the quintessential point guard for the next level. Although he isn't the quickest or the fastest, his savvy and craftiness with the ball is beyond his years. He makes great decdisions at both ends and is one of the more impressive competitors and leaders that I've seen during the 2008-08 season."
Francisco raves about Jackson's point guard skills. "His passing ability is excellent and most importantly he rarely turns the ball over," he said. "In addition, he is one of the rare prospects in high school that takes what the defense gives him. Although, he is a pass-first point guard, he can score effectively (39-point outburst against Dominguez) either off the bounce or the 3-point jump shot. Furthermore, he'll be a perfect compliment to recent signee Keion Bell (Pasadena, Calif./Pasdena).
While Jackson is a more natural 'one', Bell has an innate ability to score. The Jackson-Bell guard combo should be one of the more exciting duos on the west coast for next season." 
Status
Signed
Scouts Grade
82
Also Considered:
Briefing Room Archive
Pepperdine
signs Cali point guard Lorne Jackson (Apr18)6-2 point guard Lorne Jackson has signed his letter of intent with the Pepperdine Waves, reports ESPN's Recruiting Coordinator Joel Francisco. Jackson chose the Pepperdine over George Mason and continues the recruiting momentum that Tom Asbury has developed since his arrival in January.
Francisco has seen Jackson's stock rise over the past year. "Like (current San Diego State freshman) D.J. Gay displayed during the 2006-07 season, no player's stock elevated quicker in the the west than Jackson," he said. "He is the quintessential point guard for the next level. Although he isn't the quickest or the fastest, his savvy and craftiness with the ball is beyond his years. He makes great decdisions at both ends and is one of the more impressive competitors and leaders that I've seen during the 2008-08 season."
Francisco raves about Jackson's point guard skills. "His passing ability is excellent and most importantly he rarely turns the ball over," he said. "In addition, he is one of the rare prospects in high school that takes what the defense gives him. Although, he is a pass-first point guard, he can score effectively (39-point outburst against Dominguez) either off the bounce or the 3-point jump shot. Furthermore, he'll be a perfect compliment to recent signee Keion Bell (Pasadena, Calif./Pasdena).
While Jackson is a more natural 'one', Bell has an innate ability to score. The Jackson-Bell guard combo should be one of the more exciting duos on the west coast for next season." 
hoopsdude 
Posted: 04/11/2008 10:53 PM
Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
The Ventura County Player of the Year visited campus today. The entire new basketball staff (minus the head coach) had lunch with him and his Mom in the caf.
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/23/complete-competitor/
Wrapping up one of the most impressive all-around performances in years, The Star's 2008 Boys' Basketball Player of the Year led Ventura County in scoring (22.9 points per game) and steals (4.3). His 190 assists ranked only behind Johnson on the final area list.
Posted: 04/11/2008 10:53 PM
Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
The Ventura County Player of the Year visited campus today. The entire new basketball staff (minus the head coach) had lunch with him and his Mom in the caf.
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/mar/23/complete-competitor/Wrapping up one of the most impressive all-around performances in years, The Star's 2008 Boys' Basketball Player of the Year led Ventura County in scoring (22.9 points per game) and steals (4.3). His 190 assists ranked only behind Johnson on the final area list.
pdine
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Beautiful day to get out of the valley heat and down into the bu ...hopefully he enjoyed it. On another note, when I stopped by the Malibu Creek Sbucks today, in line were two girls wearing nothing but 2-piece bathing suits.... inside a starbucks!!
"The last Lion win in Malibu occurred in 1997-98"
wavestar
Posted: 04/12/2008 8:44 AM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
It's malibu:) It was probably my D so behave! ahahaha
wavesfan
Posted: 04/12/2008 9:09 AM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Getting Jackson would be great. And if Asbury can get Paul George to re-commit, that would be huge.
orangefro
Posted: 04/12/2008 1:53 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit (1 vote)
Can we petition his sis to talk to him about how great it is here...? :o)
RBwave
Posted: 04/13/2008 5:12 PM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Here's the latest recruiting info on Lorne Jackson and Paul George from the Mar. 31st LA Times..http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2008/03/boys-basketb-27.html
orangefro
Posted: 04/13/2008 5:40 PM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Beautiful day to get out of the valley heat and down into the bu ...hopefully he enjoyed it. On another note, when I stopped by the Malibu Creek Sbucks today, in line were two girls wearing nothing but 2-piece bathing suits.... inside a starbucks!!
"The last Lion win in Malibu occurred in 1997-98"
wavestar
Posted: 04/12/2008 8:44 AM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
It's malibu:) It was probably my D so behave! ahahaha
wavesfan
Posted: 04/12/2008 9:09 AM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Getting Jackson would be great. And if Asbury can get Paul George to re-commit, that would be huge.
orangefro
Posted: 04/12/2008 1:53 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit (1 vote)
Can we petition his sis to talk to him about how great it is here...? :o)
RBwave
Posted: 04/13/2008 5:12 PM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Here's the latest recruiting info on Lorne Jackson and Paul George from the Mar. 31st LA Times..http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2008/03/boys-basketb-27.html
orangefro
Posted: 04/13/2008 5:40 PM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Most recent is actually from Apr. 13, and it's good news: Basketball: Pepperdine making push for Simi's Jackson Simi Valley point guard Lorne Jackson is down to Pepperdine and George Mason 
with just a couple days left before Wednesday's signing day. Jackson said Pepperdine had a slight edge before he took the court for Sunday's Battle of the Valley all-star game at Cal State Northridge. I make Pepperdine the favorite because Waves assistant Marty Wilson is a former Simi Valley player who isn't about to lose out on a Pioneer player.
-- Eric Sondheimer 03:57 PM PT, Apr 13 2008 FWIW, here's a little blurb on Keion Bell from Apr. 10: About a month ago, I had a funny feeling that it was just a matter of time before Keion Bell made a decision about his future. And my premonition became reality Wednesday when the senior from Pasadena verbally committed to Pepperdine." Keion has tremendous upside and is talented enough to make an impact right away for the Waves,'' Bulldogs Coach Tim Tucker said. "He's one of the most amazing athletes I've ever been around. He does things normal high school kids just don't do. His game is college-ready.''The 6-foot-3 guard had offers from programs such as Miami, San Diego St. and UNLV, to name a few. Other schools that expressed interest included Virginia and USC. Ultimately, the timing was right for Bell to join the Waves.-- Sean Ceglinsky Apr 10, 2008 6:33:01 PM 
RBwave
Posted: 04/13/2008 6:58 PM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Thanks for the newer update orangefro. I guess I missed that one.
hakst
Posted: 04/14/2008 12:46 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
With so many guards, and so few big men on board for next season, I'm at a bit of a loss why Pepperdine wants Jackson.
wavesfan
Posted: 04/14/2008 12:54 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
When Ryan Holmes graduates next year we won't have a point guard on the roster.
orangefro
Posted: 04/14/2008 1:02 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Yep, and that was a huge flaw for us early in the season this year before Ryan really came into his own... Rico proved to be much more effective as a 2-guard, and was not much more than a turnover machine at the 1. Jackson sounds like a solid player, and I do hope we get him... our other two incoming guards are both 2-guards. If we get Jackson, we will have filled our original 4 scholarships available (vacated by George, Tinsley, McCoy, and presumably Shamsud-din). Now, with Malcolm and Tyrone on the national transfer list, I'm assuming we can include their two scholarships as "need-to-fills" as well. Hopefully Asbury can allocate those two slots to bringing in some size.. we desperately need a post presence on next year's team.
IronLions
Posted: 04/15/2008 9:45 AM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Take with a grain of salt at this point, but some new poster on the Lions board is claiming Jackson will commit to the Waves by the end of the week.
wavesfan05
Posted: 04/15/2008 10:18 AM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Yeah, that's what it looks like... this was posted in ESPN's recruiting briefing room:Pepperdine lands Keion Bell Pepperdine, under the new leadership of Tom Asbury, has picked up some recent recruiting momentum after former recruits Brad Tinsley (Oregon City, Ore.) and Paul McCoy (Portland, Ore./ Grant) decided to look elsewhere for their college destination.
Keion Bell, a 6-3 combo-guard out of Pasadena, Calif., has decided to be part of Asbury's rebuilding project at Pepperdine. Bell joins fellow recruit Corbin Moore (Los Alamitos, Calif.) as the Waves begin to put the pieces together in what could be a special class. "There are rumors floating around that Lorne Jackson
(Simi Valley, Calif.) may have pledged to the staff, but nothing has been confirmed," reports ESPN's Recruiting Coordinator Joel Francisco.
"Bell is one of the most explosive prospects in the west," said Francisco. "His athleticism may be second only to leaper extraordinaire Demar DeRozan (Compton, Calif.). What separates Bell from most perimeter prospects in high school is his ability to get to the basket and finish in a variety of ways. He is a tremendous scorer and make the nifty pass on occasion as well. Bell needs to continue to smoothen up his jump shot and play with more purpose in mind. However, there is no doubt the Waves are getting one of the more gifted talents on the west coast." http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/briefingroom
wavesfan
Posted: 04/15/2008 11:36 AM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
These three recruits would really be a great start to Asbury's rebuild! We are already so much farther along than I could have imagined a month ago.
with just a couple days left before Wednesday's signing day. Jackson said Pepperdine had a slight edge before he took the court for Sunday's Battle of the Valley all-star game at Cal State Northridge. I make Pepperdine the favorite because Waves assistant Marty Wilson is a former Simi Valley player who isn't about to lose out on a Pioneer player.
-- Eric Sondheimer 03:57 PM PT, Apr 13 2008 FWIW, here's a little blurb on Keion Bell from Apr. 10: About a month ago, I had a funny feeling that it was just a matter of time before Keion Bell made a decision about his future. And my premonition became reality Wednesday when the senior from Pasadena verbally committed to Pepperdine." Keion has tremendous upside and is talented enough to make an impact right away for the Waves,'' Bulldogs Coach Tim Tucker said. "He's one of the most amazing athletes I've ever been around. He does things normal high school kids just don't do. His game is college-ready.''The 6-foot-3 guard had offers from programs such as Miami, San Diego St. and UNLV, to name a few. Other schools that expressed interest included Virginia and USC. Ultimately, the timing was right for Bell to join the Waves.-- Sean Ceglinsky Apr 10, 2008 6:33:01 PM 
RBwave
Posted: 04/13/2008 6:58 PM
Re: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Thanks for the newer update orangefro. I guess I missed that one.
hakst
Posted: 04/14/2008 12:46 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
With so many guards, and so few big men on board for next season, I'm at a bit of a loss why Pepperdine wants Jackson.
wavesfan
Posted: 04/14/2008 12:54 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
When Ryan Holmes graduates next year we won't have a point guard on the roster.
orangefro
Posted: 04/14/2008 1:02 PM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Yep, and that was a huge flaw for us early in the season this year before Ryan really came into his own... Rico proved to be much more effective as a 2-guard, and was not much more than a turnover machine at the 1. Jackson sounds like a solid player, and I do hope we get him... our other two incoming guards are both 2-guards. If we get Jackson, we will have filled our original 4 scholarships available (vacated by George, Tinsley, McCoy, and presumably Shamsud-din). Now, with Malcolm and Tyrone on the national transfer list, I'm assuming we can include their two scholarships as "need-to-fills" as well. Hopefully Asbury can allocate those two slots to bringing in some size.. we desperately need a post presence on next year's team.
IronLions
Posted: 04/15/2008 9:45 AM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Take with a grain of salt at this point, but some new poster on the Lions board is claiming Jackson will commit to the Waves by the end of the week.
wavesfan05
Posted: 04/15/2008 10:18 AM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
Yeah, that's what it looks like... this was posted in ESPN's recruiting briefing room:Pepperdine lands Keion Bell Pepperdine, under the new leadership of Tom Asbury, has picked up some recent recruiting momentum after former recruits Brad Tinsley (Oregon City, Ore.) and Paul McCoy (Portland, Ore./ Grant) decided to look elsewhere for their college destination.
Keion Bell, a 6-3 combo-guard out of Pasadena, Calif., has decided to be part of Asbury's rebuilding project at Pepperdine. Bell joins fellow recruit Corbin Moore (Los Alamitos, Calif.) as the Waves begin to put the pieces together in what could be a special class. "There are rumors floating around that Lorne Jackson
(Simi Valley, Calif.) may have pledged to the staff, but nothing has been confirmed," reports ESPN's Recruiting Coordinator Joel Francisco."Bell is one of the most explosive prospects in the west," said Francisco. "His athleticism may be second only to leaper extraordinaire Demar DeRozan (Compton, Calif.). What separates Bell from most perimeter prospects in high school is his ability to get to the basket and finish in a variety of ways. He is a tremendous scorer and make the nifty pass on occasion as well. Bell needs to continue to smoothen up his jump shot and play with more purpose in mind. However, there is no doubt the Waves are getting one of the more gifted talents on the west coast." http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/briefingroom
wavesfan
Posted: 04/15/2008 11:36 AM
RE: Simi's Lorne Jackson Makes Official Visit
These three recruits would really be a great start to Asbury's rebuild! We are already so much farther along than I could have imagined a month ago.
Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
hakst
Posted: Yesterday 4:50 PM
Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Congratulations guys, sounds like a great player and a solid young man w/his head on straight latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsi...basketba-4.html. I'm a George Mason alum myself, so more then a little bummed on missing out
IronLions
Posted: Yesterday 5:59 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Coach Asbury has put together a very nice class. I though his offense was focused on bigs...doesn't seem to be too many of them on the roster. Perhaps it was just who was out there at this point.
RBwave
Posted: Yesterday 7:35 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Coach Asbury's staff has been able to find good quality guards at this late date. Jackson should fill our guard quota and hopefully the rest will be big men. He seems to be going for quality and it is hard to find WCC quality big men this late. We still have three schollies to give, by my count,so hopefully he can find the right players to fill those spots by May 21.
RBwave
Posted: Yesterday 8:08 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
The article below is from the UCLA forum where one fan is wondering why they didn't go after Lorne Jackson. Sorry, but you'll have to scroll all the way to the bottom to find the comments about him. One other point about him, he is a very good student and originally was looking at Ivy League schools. http://www.bruinbasketballreport.com/2007/12/bruin-recruit-4.html
tracydiehard
Posted: Yesterday 8:21 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Not to get my hopes too high yet, but seems that Jackson will be good fit in a couple of ways, but mostly he seems to fit with Asbury's defense mindset and also has Lopez's outside shooting abilities. Looks like radar can now be trained on some big men....I have confidence in a coaching staff (with proven credentials) and look forward to the future. Now, can we stop talking about McCoy and Tinsley. Go Waves!!!
RBwave
Posted: Yesterday 8:32 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
I'm over losing McCoy and Tinsley now too.Below is ESPN's thoughts on Lorne Jackson.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb...cruitId%3d56870
hakst
Posted: Yesterday 4:50 PM
Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Congratulations guys, sounds like a great player and a solid young man w/his head on straight latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsi...basketba-4.html. I'm a George Mason alum myself, so more then a little bummed on missing out
IronLions
Posted: Yesterday 5:59 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Coach Asbury has put together a very nice class. I though his offense was focused on bigs...doesn't seem to be too many of them on the roster. Perhaps it was just who was out there at this point.
RBwave
Posted: Yesterday 7:35 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Coach Asbury's staff has been able to find good quality guards at this late date. Jackson should fill our guard quota and hopefully the rest will be big men. He seems to be going for quality and it is hard to find WCC quality big men this late. We still have three schollies to give, by my count,so hopefully he can find the right players to fill those spots by May 21.
RBwave
Posted: Yesterday 8:08 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
The article below is from the UCLA forum where one fan is wondering why they didn't go after Lorne Jackson. Sorry, but you'll have to scroll all the way to the bottom to find the comments about him. One other point about him, he is a very good student and originally was looking at Ivy League schools. http://www.bruinbasketballreport.com/2007/12/bruin-recruit-4.html
tracydiehard
Posted: Yesterday 8:21 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
Not to get my hopes too high yet, but seems that Jackson will be good fit in a couple of ways, but mostly he seems to fit with Asbury's defense mindset and also has Lopez's outside shooting abilities. Looks like radar can now be trained on some big men....I have confidence in a coaching staff (with proven credentials) and look forward to the future. Now, can we stop talking about McCoy and Tinsley. Go Waves!!!
RBwave
Posted: Yesterday 8:32 PM
Re: Lorne Jackson Commits To Pepperdine
I'm over losing McCoy and Tinsley now too.Below is ESPN's thoughts on Lorne Jackson.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb...cruitId%3d56870
Re: Simi Valley's Lorne Jackson
Posted by Uni parent on April 17, 2008 at 23:12:06:
In Reply to: Re: Simi Valley's Lorne Jackson posted by matt(ballislife on April 17, 2008 at 20:22:39:
: : : : : It's official, Lorne Jackson signs with Pepperdine.
: : : : what makes him good?
: : : JUST THE...Ventura County and Marmonte League MVP, ask Demar Derozan and Jordan Hamilton!
: : MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER I HAVE EVER SEEN
: Jackson is honestly very underrated. When I seen him play against compton and dominguez, he played with a lot of heart and played like a warrior.
:I saw him here in San Diego and that kid is awesome. He was straight out the best player in that tourney (Torrey Pines)
HS HOOPS: Lorne Jackson signs with Pepperdine
Simi Valley standout Lorne Jackson has signed with Pepperdine after averaging 22.9 points and 6.8 assists this past season.
gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com
Posted by Gerry Gittelson on April 17, 2008 6:09 PM CHATTER: Holiday, Drew selected all-state, All-America
Daily News
Article Last Updated: 04/16/2008 10:46:32 PM PDT
Holiday, Drew selected all-state, All-America
Following a postseason filled with accolades, Campbell Hall of North Hollywood's Jrue Holiday and Taft of Woodland Hills' Larry Drew added two more honors this week with their selections to the Cal-Hi Sports' all-state list and EA Sports All-America roster.
The UCLA-bound Holiday, Cal-Hi Sports' Mr. Basketball and the Gatorade national player of the year, was one of 10 all-state first-team honorees and among 20 first-team All-Americans.
The North Carolina-bound Drew, the City Section player of the year, was also included on Cal-Hi Sports' first-team all-state roster and was one of 30 player selected to the second-team All-America list.
Simi Valley's Lorne Jackson was a second-team all-state selection, and Loyola of Los Angeles' Hollis Thompson and Eugene Phelps of Taft were honored on the third team.
USC-bound Demar DeRoza
n of Compton was named first team on both lists.
BASKETBALL (18)Bird Averitt - 1973 Milt Berg - 1940 Boot Bond - 1982 Nick Buzolich - 1944, 1946 Doug Christie - 1991, 1992 Bob Clark - 1945, 1946 Larry Dugan - 1955 Hugh Faulkner - 1951 Pete Fogo - 1942 Sterling Forbes - 1960 John Furlong - 1951 Marcos Leite - 1976 Bob Morris - 1953 Bob O'Brien - 1945 Dwayne Polee - 1986 Lowrey Ruby - 1943 Bob Warlick - 1962 Gordon Wells - 1943Pepperdine brings back Tom Asbury as basketball coach
MALIBU, Calif. -- Tom Asbury was introduced as the head basketball coach at Pepperdine on Wednesday, marking his second stint at the university.
The 62-year-old Asbury compiled a 125-59 record at Pepperdine from 1989-94 and had been living in Arizona after coaching at Kansas State and being an assistant at Alabama.
"I spent 15 years here in total and loved every minute of it," Ashbury told a news conference Wednesday. "We're certainly hopeful that we can achieve the kind of success on the floor and in the classroom that we did previously."
Asbury was an assistant under Jim Harrick at Pepperdine from 1980-88, then became head coach. He took the Waves to NCAA tournament berths in 1991, '92 and '94, two NIT appearances and three regular-season WCC titles.
Asbury took over at Kansas State from 1995-2
000, then worked at Alabama from 2004-07.
Coaching Experience:
1976-79, Assistant Coach, Wyoming;
1979-88, Assistant Coach, Pepperdine;
1988-94, Head Coach, Pepperdine (125-59)
1994-2000, Head Coach, Kansas State (76-69)
MALIBU, Calif. -- Tom Asbury was introduced as the head basketball coach at Pepperdine on Wednesday, marking his second stint at the university.
The 62-year-old Asbury compiled a 125-59 record at Pepperdine from 1989-94 and had been living in Arizona after coaching at Kansas State and being an assistant at Alabama.
"I spent 15 years here in total and loved every minute of it," Ashbury told a news conference Wednesday. "We're certainly hopeful that we can achieve the kind of success on the floor and in the classroom that we did previously."
Asbury was an assistant under Jim Harrick at Pepperdine from 1980-88, then became head coach. He took the Waves to NCAA tournament berths in 1991, '92 and '94, two NIT appearances and three regular-season WCC titles.
Asbury took over at Kansas State from 1995-2
000, then worked at Alabama from 2004-07.Coaching Experience:
1976-79, Assistant Coach, Wyoming;
1979-88, Assistant Coach, Pepperdine;
1988-94, Head Coach, Pepperdine (125-59)
1994-2000, Head Coach, Kansas State (76-69)
He was successful in his first stint at Pepperdine, becoming the conference coach of the year twice. Asbury compiled a 125-59 record at Pepperdine, and took the Waves to the NCAA tournament in 1991, 1992 and 1994, as well as two NIT appearances and three regular-season WCC titles.
Among the standouts that played for Asbury were Doug Christie, Dana Jones, Dexter Howard, Geoff Lear and Damin Lopez. Christie was a two-time All-American. 
"There are very few people that have been as much a part of Pepperdine's success in basketball over the years as Tom Asbury," Pepperdine Athletic Director John Watson said. "For 15 years he was a major reason why Pepperdine was the class of the West Coast Conference. I'm elated that he has decided to return home and take over the head coaching reins for next year. So many things made this an easy decision in the end: Tom's history with Pepperdine, the fact that he is so well-respected by his co-workers and peers, and his reputation as a coach and recruiter. We're looking forward to his return to the bench and I believe he will again make Pepperdine a team that competes for league championships and postseason bids."
Asbury Announces First Four Hoops Signings 
Courtesy: Pepperdine Sports Information
Release: 04/18/2008
MALIBU, Calif. – With less than two months from his hiring to the next letter-of-intent signing period, Pepperdine men’s basketball coach Tom Asbury scoured Southern California for the best remaining unsigned talent, and announced today the signing of four exceptional student-athletes from the Southland.
All four will be incoming freshmen, and they include three players who earned area Player of the Year honors (one of whom is the son of a former Pepperdine great) and a promising big man.
The Waves will add 6-foot-3 guard Keion Bell (Pasadena HS), 6-foot-2 guard Lorne Jackson (Simi Valley HS), 6-foot-10 forward/center Corbin Moore (Los Alamitos HS) and 6-foot-6 wing Dane Suttle Jr. (Westchester HS/Summit College Prep) to the roster in 2008-09.
“We’re very pleased with this class and this shouldn’t be the end of it because we expect to sign one or two more,” Asbury said. “We got a lot done in a short amount of time. We feel these guys will blend well with each other and I think they’re all going to be excellent WCC players. We are very pleased to get them because they’re good student-athletes and will represent our university in a positive manner on and off the floor.”
The current letter-of-intent signing period continues until May 21.
Additionally, Asbury announced that 6-foot-6 freshman forward Gus Clardy (Nacogdoches, Texas/Nacogdoches HS) will rejoin the team. A walk-on who came to Pepperdine on a prestigious Regents’ Scholarship, Clardy appeared in 16 games in 2007-08 and averaged 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.6 minutes. He left the squad at the end of January, but Asbury has encouraged him to return next season.
“One of the first things we did was talk to Gus about coming back,” Asbury said. “We had heard he was a quality player and an excellent student and would fit in well with the team. We need to add size and he’ll help our depth in the post.”
Following are capsule biographies on each recruit and comments from coaches:
Keion Bell – 6-foot-3 guard – Pasadena High School
Named the Pasadena Star-News Player of the Year as a 2008 senior ... Also made the All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division 2-AA second team and was named the Pacific League co-MVP ...
Averaged nearly 22 points, six rebounds and four assists per game ... Scored at least 30 points eight times ... His coach at Pasadena, Tim Tucker, played at Wyoming when Asbury was an assistant coach there ... Sat out his junior year due to state transfer rules after spending his first two years at Serra High School in Gardena, Calif. ... Won a CIF title with Serra his sophomore year and was named to the All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division 4-AA second team. 
Tom Asbury says: “Keion is a terrifically athletic slasher. He’s extremely difficult to guard going to the basket. He’s a better passer than we had anticipated, he really involves his teammates, and hopefully he’ll be a solid defender.”
Pasadena Coach Tim Tucker says: “Keion is an exceptional athlete. He's probably one of the most athletic players to play at Pasadena High School, and is as talented as any person that's come in. His athleticism alone makes him ready for the next level. Tom Asbury will bring out the best in Keion.” (as told to the Pasadena Star-News) .
Courtesy: Pepperdine Sports Information
Release: 04/18/2008
MALIBU, Calif. – With less than two months from his hiring to the next letter-of-intent signing period, Pepperdine men’s basketball coach Tom Asbury scoured Southern California for the best remaining unsigned talent, and announced today the signing of four exceptional student-athletes from the Southland.
All four will be incoming freshmen, and they include three players who earned area Player of the Year honors (one of whom is the son of a former Pepperdine great) and a promising big man.
The Waves will add 6-foot-3 guard Keion Bell (Pasadena HS), 6-foot-2 guard Lorne Jackson (Simi Valley HS), 6-foot-10 forward/center Corbin Moore (Los Alamitos HS) and 6-foot-6 wing Dane Suttle Jr. (Westchester HS/Summit College Prep) to the roster in 2008-09.
“We’re very pleased with this class and this shouldn’t be the end of it because we expect to sign one or two more,” Asbury said. “We got a lot done in a short amount of time. We feel these guys will blend well with each other and I think they’re all going to be excellent WCC players. We are very pleased to get them because they’re good student-athletes and will represent our university in a positive manner on and off the floor.”
The current letter-of-intent signing period continues until May 21.
Additionally, Asbury announced that 6-foot-6 freshman forward Gus Clardy (Nacogdoches, Texas/Nacogdoches HS) will rejoin the team. A walk-on who came to Pepperdine on a prestigious Regents’ Scholarship, Clardy appeared in 16 games in 2007-08 and averaged 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.6 minutes. He left the squad at the end of January, but Asbury has encouraged him to return next season.
“One of the first things we did was talk to Gus about coming back,” Asbury said. “We had heard he was a quality player and an excellent student and would fit in well with the team. We need to add size and he’ll help our depth in the post.”
Following are capsule biographies on each recruit and comments from coaches:
Keion Bell – 6-foot-3 guard – Pasadena High School
Named the Pasadena Star-News Player of the Year as a 2008 senior ... Also made the All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division 2-AA second team and was named the Pacific League co-MVP ...
Averaged nearly 22 points, six rebounds and four assists per game ... Scored at least 30 points eight times ... His coach at Pasadena, Tim Tucker, played at Wyoming when Asbury was an assistant coach there ... Sat out his junior year due to state transfer rules after spending his first two years at Serra High School in Gardena, Calif. ... Won a CIF title with Serra his sophomore year and was named to the All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division 4-AA second team. 
Tom Asbury says: “Keion is a terrifically athletic slasher. He’s extremely difficult to guard going to the basket. He’s a better passer than we had anticipated, he really involves his teammates, and hopefully he’ll be a solid defender.”
Pasadena Coach Tim Tucker says: “Keion is an exceptional athlete. He's probably one of the most athletic players to play at Pasadena High School, and is as talented as any person that's come in. His athleticism alone makes him ready for the next level. Tom Asbury will bring out the best in Keion.” (as told to the Pasadena Star-News) .
Pepperdine lands Keion Bell Pepperdine, under the new leadership of Tom Asbury, has picked up some recent recruiting momentum after former recruits Brad Tinsley (Oregon City, Ore.) and Paul McCoy (Portland, Ore./ Grant) decided to look elsewhere for their college destination.
Keion Bell, a 6-3 combo-guard out of Pasadena, Calif., has decided to be part of Asbury's rebuilding project at Pepperdine. Bell joins fellow recruit Corbin Moore (Los Alamitos, Calif.) as the Waves begin to put the pieces together in what could be a special class. "There are rumors floating around that Lorne Jackson (Simi Valley, Calif.) may have pledged to the staff, but nothing has been confirmed," reports ESPN's Recruiting Coordinator Joel Francisco.
"Bell is one of the most explosive prospects in the west," said Francisco. "His athleticism may be second only to leaper extraordinaire Demar DeRozan (Compton, Calif.). What separates Bell from most perimeter prospects in high school is his ability to get to the basket and finish in a variety of ways. He is a tremendous scorer and make the nifty pass on occasion as well. Bell needs to continue to smoothen up his jump shot and play with more purpose in mind. However, there is no doubt the Waves are getting one of the more gifted talents on the west coast."
Lorne Jackson – 6-foot-2 guard – Simi Valley High School
Named the Ventura County Star Player of the Year as a 2008 senior ... On the Ventura County all-time lists, finished second in career steals (308) and ninth in career assists (439) ... Also named CalHiSports.com all-state second team, All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division I-AA first team and Marmonte League co-Player of the Year ... Led Ventura County in scoring (22.9 ppg) and steals (4.3 spg) and was second in assists (6.8 apg) ... Added 6.7 rebounds per game and shot 50% from the field, 38% on three-pointers and 84% from the free throw line ... Set a school record with a 20-for-22 free-throw performance against Dominguez High School en route to a season-high 39 points ... Scored 20 or more points 19 times and 30 or more points three times ... Helped Simi Valley to a 26-2 record, an unbeaten record in the Marmonte League and the second round of the CIF playoffs ...As a 2007 junior, made the CalHiSports.com all-state junior second team and the All-Ventura County first team while averaging 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 4.0 steals ... As a 2006 sophomore, averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals ...
His personal trainer was former NBA player Pooh 
Richardson ... Comes from the same high school as Pepperdine associate head coach Marty Wilson.
Tom Asbury says: “Lorne is our point guard of the future. He’s an intelligent, active player who can score and involve his teammates. He’s a very solid defender. He should have the opportunity to come in and play a great deal as a freshman.”
Simi Valley Coach Christian Aurand says: “It was a huge luxury for us to have someone with the great feel for the point guard position that Lorne had. He had an incredible season. If he’s not the top scoring point guard in school history, he’s pretty close.” (as told to the Ventura County Star)
Corbin Moore – 6-foot-10 forward/center – Los Alamitos High School
Named to the All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division I-A first team and was the Sunset League co-MVP as a 2008 senior ... Was a McDonald’s All-American nominee ... Left as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds (916) ... Averaged 15.8 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks and shot 55% from the field ... Had 22 double-doubles in 29 games and scored 20 or more points seven times ... As a 2007 junior, made the All-CIF second team and All-Sunset League first team ... Averaged 12.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while shooting 64% from the field and notching 17 double-doubles ... As a 2006 sophomore, averaged 5.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks ... Played three years on the varsity and was a two-year starter ... Los Alamitos won CIF Southern Section Division I-AA championships in 2006 and 2007 and reached the state semifinals in 2006 ... Team went 78-19 in his three seasons.
Tom Asbury says: “Corbin will have the opportunity to play right away as a freshman. He’s a big, strong, developing post man. He’s been a really good rebounder and we’re going to need that with our lack of size. We’ll have to see how quickly he can develop into a scorer at this level but he will be a very solid, intelligent player.”
Los Alamitos Coach Russ May says: “Corbin is a tremendous rebounder. He’s a very consistent, trustworthy kid who you know is going to be there very day. He’s got loads of experience and I believe he can match up with anybody down low. Rebounding and shot blocking are his strongest areas but offensively, he’s got a lot of skills that will really blossom in the next four years. He has very good touch and is a very good athlete.”
Dane Suttle Jr. – 6-foot-6 wing – Westchester High School/Summit College Prep
Attended Summit College Prep, located in Simi Valley, Calif., in 2007-08 ...
Joined the nationally ranked team partway through the season, won a starting position and averaged around 12 points per game ... Averaged 19 points at the Carolina Prep Classic, where Summit Prep defeated the nation’s top-ranked and previously undefeated team, Patterson Prep ... Battled injuries his senior year at Westchester High School, but as a junior, he was named the 2006 L.A. City Player of the Year ... Averaged 22 points that year and was also named All-CIF City Section first team and CalHiSports.com all-state second team ... Helped team win the CIF City Section title in 2006 ... Westchester High won the state championship his sophomore year ... His father, Dane Suttle Sr., starred at Pepperdine from 1980-83 when Asbury was an assistant coach ... Dane Suttle Sr. is still the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,702 points) and he also went on play in the NBA. 
Tom Asbury says: “Dane is probably a little bit farther ahead offensively than he is defensively. He’s very good with the ball and is a big, tall, rangy guy. He’s got a lot of his dad’s instincts in terms of having the knack of getting the ball into the basket. His range will develop as his career progresses.”
Summit College Prep Coach Amadou Koundoul says: “Dane was raised and educated as a basketball player. He understands all of the equations of the game and his basketball IQ is very high. He’s not the fastest player, but he knows how to beat guys off the dribble. Since he’s a tall guard, he has the ability to post up other guards and abuse them with his size. He likes to compete and works hard all of the time. He has very good character and showed strong leadership.”
Keion Bell, a 6-3 combo-guard out of Pasadena, Calif., has decided to be part of Asbury's rebuilding project at Pepperdine. Bell joins fellow recruit Corbin Moore (Los Alamitos, Calif.) as the Waves begin to put the pieces together in what could be a special class. "There are rumors floating around that Lorne Jackson (Simi Valley, Calif.) may have pledged to the staff, but nothing has been confirmed," reports ESPN's Recruiting Coordinator Joel Francisco.
"Bell is one of the most explosive prospects in the west," said Francisco. "His athleticism may be second only to leaper extraordinaire Demar DeRozan (Compton, Calif.). What separates Bell from most perimeter prospects in high school is his ability to get to the basket and finish in a variety of ways. He is a tremendous scorer and make the nifty pass on occasion as well. Bell needs to continue to smoothen up his jump shot and play with more purpose in mind. However, there is no doubt the Waves are getting one of the more gifted talents on the west coast."
Lorne Jackson – 6-foot-2 guard – Simi Valley High School
Named the Ventura County Star Player of the Year as a 2008 senior ... On the Ventura County all-time lists, finished second in career steals (308) and ninth in career assists (439) ... Also named CalHiSports.com all-state second team, All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division I-AA first team and Marmonte League co-Player of the Year ... Led Ventura County in scoring (22.9 ppg) and steals (4.3 spg) and was second in assists (6.8 apg) ... Added 6.7 rebounds per game and shot 50% from the field, 38% on three-pointers and 84% from the free throw line ... Set a school record with a 20-for-22 free-throw performance against Dominguez High School en route to a season-high 39 points ... Scored 20 or more points 19 times and 30 or more points three times ... Helped Simi Valley to a 26-2 record, an unbeaten record in the Marmonte League and the second round of the CIF playoffs ...As a 2007 junior, made the CalHiSports.com all-state junior second team and the All-Ventura County first team while averaging 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 4.0 steals ... As a 2006 sophomore, averaged 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals ...
His personal trainer was former NBA player Pooh 
Richardson ... Comes from the same high school as Pepperdine associate head coach Marty Wilson.Tom Asbury says: “Lorne is our point guard of the future. He’s an intelligent, active player who can score and involve his teammates. He’s a very solid defender. He should have the opportunity to come in and play a great deal as a freshman.”
Simi Valley Coach Christian Aurand says: “It was a huge luxury for us to have someone with the great feel for the point guard position that Lorne had. He had an incredible season. If he’s not the top scoring point guard in school history, he’s pretty close.” (as told to the Ventura County Star)
Corbin Moore – 6-foot-10 forward/center – Los Alamitos High School
Named to the All-SCIBCA Southern Section Division I-A first team and was the Sunset League co-MVP as a 2008 senior ... Was a McDonald’s All-American nominee ... Left as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds (916) ... Averaged 15.8 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks and shot 55% from the field ... Had 22 double-doubles in 29 games and scored 20 or more points seven times ... As a 2007 junior, made the All-CIF second team and All-Sunset League first team ... Averaged 12.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while shooting 64% from the field and notching 17 double-doubles ... As a 2006 sophomore, averaged 5.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks ... Played three years on the varsity and was a two-year starter ... Los Alamitos won CIF Southern Section Division I-AA championships in 2006 and 2007 and reached the state semifinals in 2006 ... Team went 78-19 in his three seasons.
Tom Asbury says: “Corbin will have the opportunity to play right away as a freshman. He’s a big, strong, developing post man. He’s been a really good rebounder and we’re going to need that with our lack of size. We’ll have to see how quickly he can develop into a scorer at this level but he will be a very solid, intelligent player.”
Los Alamitos Coach Russ May says: “Corbin is a tremendous rebounder. He’s a very consistent, trustworthy kid who you know is going to be there very day. He’s got loads of experience and I believe he can match up with anybody down low. Rebounding and shot blocking are his strongest areas but offensively, he’s got a lot of skills that will really blossom in the next four years. He has very good touch and is a very good athlete.”
Dane Suttle Jr. – 6-foot-6 wing – Westchester High School/Summit College Prep
Attended Summit College Prep, located in Simi Valley, Calif., in 2007-08 ...
Joined the nationally ranked team partway through the season, won a starting position and averaged around 12 points per game ... Averaged 19 points at the Carolina Prep Classic, where Summit Prep defeated the nation’s top-ranked and previously undefeated team, Patterson Prep ... Battled injuries his senior year at Westchester High School, but as a junior, he was named the 2006 L.A. City Player of the Year ... Averaged 22 points that year and was also named All-CIF City Section first team and CalHiSports.com all-state second team ... Helped team win the CIF City Section title in 2006 ... Westchester High won the state championship his sophomore year ... His father, Dane Suttle Sr., starred at Pepperdine from 1980-83 when Asbury was an assistant coach ... Dane Suttle Sr. is still the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,702 points) and he also went on play in the NBA. 
Tom Asbury says: “Dane is probably a little bit farther ahead offensively than he is defensively. He’s very good with the ball and is a big, tall, rangy guy. He’s got a lot of his dad’s instincts in terms of having the knack of getting the ball into the basket. His range will develop as his career progresses.”
Summit College Prep Coach Amadou Koundoul says: “Dane was raised and educated as a basketball player. He understands all of the equations of the game and his basketball IQ is very high. He’s not the fastest player, but he knows how to beat guys off the dribble. Since he’s a tall guard, he has the ability to post up other guards and abuse them with his size. He likes to compete and works hard all of the time. He has very good character and showed strong leadership.”
Varsity Times Insider -->
Basketball: Battle of the Valley is Sunday at CS Northridge
Get ready for lots of scoring and three-point attempts when the Battle of the Valley senior all-star basketball games take place for boys and girls on Sunday at Cal State Northridge.
The girls' game is at 3 p.m., followed by the boys' game at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for the doubleheader.
Tennessee-bound Renaldo Woolridge from Harvard-Westlake, pictured, will play for the East team in the boys' game. He's always entertaining and should be competing in the dunk contest. The East also has Paul George from Palmdale Knight and 6-9 Paul Anderson from Canyon Country Canyon who's headed to Montana State.
The West team is led by Simi Valley guard Lorne Jackson, Crespi football standout Joseph Fauria and Taft three-point specialist Bryce Smith.
Kim Brandon from Chatsworth is one of the top players on the West girls' team.
-- Eric Sondheimer
Basketball: Battle of the Valley is Sunday at CS Northridge
Get ready for lots of scoring and three-point attempts when the Battle of the Valley senior all-star basketball games take place for boys and girls on Sunday at Cal State Northridge.
The girls' game is at 3 p.m., followed by the boys' game at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for the doubleheader.
Tennessee-bound Renaldo Woolridge from Harvard-Westlake, pictured, will play for the East team in the boys' game. He's always entertaining and should be competing in the dunk contest. The East also has Paul George from Palmdale Knight and 6-9 Paul Anderson from Canyon Country Canyon who's headed to Montana State.
The West team is led by Simi Valley guard Lorne Jackson, Crespi football standout Joseph Fauria and Taft three-point specialist Bryce Smith.
Kim Brandon from Chatsworth is one of the top players on the West girls' team.
-- Eric Sondheimer
AND NEXT...LANGSTON IS GOING TO....??????
