Point guards are often an extension of the head coach. How the basketball team executes on the floor can be a reflection of the coaching. For Foothill of Palo Cedro, point guard Devin Crisosto allows the coaching staff to sleep well at night. As a junior last year, he averaged 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in leading his team to an 18-11 record in the Eastern Athletic League that ended with a 53-50 loss to St. Mary's (Stockton) in the state playoffs.
At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, Crisosto is a finesse player that can knock down the outside shots but also uses his driving skills to create open pull-up shots. He also throws opposing defenders off guard with his spin move that creates open shots or passing lanes. He compares his game to former Ohio State Buckeye Evan Turner, because he can shoot, get to the rim, and has play making abilities.
Cougars Coach Bill Elliot says, "Devin is very good with the ball in traffic. He never seems to panic as he always seems to find a way to take a good shot or make a great pass while being double teamed. He's also physically got a lot stronger over the last 2 years. He's a strong point guard but also can post up. Devin is a competitor. He loves to compete and he loves to win. He's been in enough big games and big moments to handle just about anything that's thrown at him."
Crisosto has been playing organized basketball for six years while starting on his varsity team for three years. During the off season, he spends the majority of time making his jump shot more consistent. In addition, he plays for his E-Time Hoops club team. His individual goals for his senior year are to average at least 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists while earning section MVP. His team goals would be to get a high seed in state and make a run in the tournament.
E-Time Hoops Coach Ernest Taubodo says, "Devin Crisostos' greatest strength is his high level of intelligence and knowledge of the game. Devin always appears to be two steps ahead of the competition. He has the gift of slowing the game down in his mind. This is a rare talent that very few athletes ever attain. Deceptive, best describes Devin's court presence. He is an unassuming player with a quick first step and 'wicked' crossover. At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, he also possesses the athleticism to attack the lane and finish with a strong dunk or power layup. Defensively Devin is able to use a fake set-up with on ball pressure; this creative technique deceives the ball handler, and creates steal opportunities."
Crisosto has been contacted by Chico State, Dominican, and Menlo up to now. He likes Chico State because of their campus, level of competition, and their playing style. He feels that their coaching staff has established a competitive and winning culture. Dominican is intriguing because a few of his former teammates are on the team, Connor Haysbert and Keenan Hale. Overall, Crisosto wants the college to have a fast pace team that is also defensive-minded. He would like the program to be in a college town that centers on the college.
Coach Elliot says, "I think that the sky is the limit for Devin. I've seen him grow both physically and mentally over the past two varsity seasons. He's a Division I athlete with a lot of upside. Devin is one of the most talented athletes that I've seen up north for a while. He's a very good basketball player but an even nicer, young man. He comes from a very athletic family but hasn't let the success he's attained thus far deter him from his goals. Devin is going to have a great senior season. He's worked hard and I think everyone will see the results of all that hard work. He's unique in his ability to take advantage of certain situations on the court. He has the ability to see a play or situation happen before it really happens. That's what all the really good players can do. You don't see an athlete come along very often that has that unique trait. In conclusion, I can only hope someone gives this kid a chance."
Academically, Crisosto has a 3.34 GPA with a 1670 SAT. He is interested in majoring in Sports Medicine. Expect Crisosto to be clutch for his Cougars in the upcoming season.
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