In the recent Super 100 event in El Cerrito, certain players stood out from this select group of Northern California basketball athletes. One such player was Vinnie Toor who dons the Eagle jersey for his American High team in the Mission Valley Athletic League (MVAL). Toor was one of the 26 participants selected to play in the event's all-star game. Toor says about the Super 100 experience, "I really liked the super 100 camp. There was a lot of good competition at the camp and I felt that it was a good fit for me."
On more than one fast break, he was able to elevate and finish with ease. When asked about his above the rim ability, Toor says, "I feel that my above the rim game is getting better off of one foot but I am still striving to become a high flying two foot dunker."
As a junior last year, Toor averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game as a wing player for the Eagles who went 9-18. At 6-foot-3 and 173 pounds, Toor considers himself to be a finesse player. He can shoot from behind the arc but can get past his defender and finish at the rim as well. He compares himself to former Texas Longhorn Kevin Durant because he has the same lean body type and his game is somewhat like Durant because of his scoring capabilities from anywhere on the court.
This wing player has been playing organized basketball since the fourth grade and has been on varsity for three years with two years as a starter. His individual goals for his senior year are to average 20 points a game and become a lock down defender. His team goal is to make a run for the NCS title. American High Coach Steve Kline says, "Vinnie can shoot it, drive it, and is better than the average passer. He is capable of scoring 20 plus on any given night. He is capable of taking the ball to the basket. Nice young man off the court. I think with some work, he could play at the NCAA level in the right situation."
During the summer, he played for his High Intensity club team that is based in Oakland. During his free time, he works on his perimeter shot and his ball handling. Glen Graham, a Charlotte Bobcats scout and Super 100 advisor, says, "I thought Vinnie had a great feel for the game. He's athletic, good body, nice mid-range game, gets to the rim with ease, can finish with either hand in traffic, and nice bounce for his size. I would like to see him work more on his 3-point range, develop a counter move off the dribble, and play better on the ball defense. If he can incorporate these suggestions in his game, I think DI schools would come running."
Toor is academically eligible but is still early in the recruiting process. Colleges have viewed him play at his school's open gym sessions. He has been working hard during the off season to prepare himself for a breakout season this year. He is looking to continue his basketball experience in college with a preference in California. High Intensity Coach Duke Despanie says, "Vinnie has excellent shooting range and great leaping ability. On the court, Vinnie is a competitor who competes to the max and takes on personal challenges. At any moment, Vinnie can turn into a highlight reel session. At the next level, Vinnie will fit into any NCAA coach's game plan. He will be a true two guard at the NCAA level for sure."
Toor's best subject is math. He is currently taking AP Calculus with plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Another unique aspect of Toor is that he is Indian Punjabi but was born in Hayward. Since South Asian Indians are not commonly known to be avid basketball players, Toor gets many amazed observers when he showcases his skills. Toor's cousin first introduced him to basketball at the neighborhood YMCA league. Ever since then, he has been showcasing his basketball moves in the MVAL and the summer AAU leagues. The proverbial sky is the limit for this Eagle in Fremont during this upcoming season for American High.
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