July 18, 2011
When Shawn Osborne moved his own NorCal Select club team to the Play Hard Play Smart program this current season, he was originally apprehensive about his decision because the Select enjoyed an amazing year in 2010. As Osborne looks back on the move to PHPS, be believes the decision was an excellent one as the best word that describes the program is "family." As an example, the All West Camp had 22 PHPS kids in attendance and the relationships between the players, parents, and coaches is the strongest that he has ever been a part of.
The spiky, blonde haired Osborne has been coaching for four years on the club circuit after playing at the junior college level himself. He has been involved with training kids from the Redding to the Stockton areas. Osborne's coaching philosophy invokes an early, attacking offense and a variety of trapping defenses.
Osborne's goal is to work harder than any other coach in the area when it comes to finding collegiate homes for his players. Though his day job is as a program director for a local homeless shelter, Osborne spends several hours each week texting, calling, and emailing college coaches for his players. Osborne has worked with 2011 graduates Chris Magalotti (Chico State), Justin Jeangerard (Nova Southeastern University), Ota Okungbowa (Cal State East Bay), and Ryan Schmitz (New England College).
Osborne breaks down his current Play Hard Play Smart Black roster and the rest of the summer schedule as such:
Eric Duncan (McNair 2013) 6-foot-0 PG - Eric is a hard worker and a pass first guard with a great basketball IQ. Tough as nails, can get to the hoop, shoot from anywhere, and do all the dirty work. Might be one of the most interesting players I've coached in terms of how effective he is. Projection low D1.
Ryan Edwards (Capital Christian 2012) 6-foot-6 F - Ryan is a tremendous talent who hasn't shown to anyone what he is really capable of. Can score off the dribble, nice touch, power moves, and shoots the ball well. Had an amazing performance in the All West all star game. I've been receiving a lot of phone calls from local schools regarding Ryan. Projection D2.
Miguel French (Lindhurst 2012) 6-foot-6 F - When Miguel has it going, he might be one of the best wings in the area. Touches the top of the backboard, can handle the ball, shoots ok, and can guard 1-5 at the high school level. Miguel had 25 points and two monster dunks in our final game at the Cream of the Crop against Hax Select. Projection D2.
Matt Hayes (Yuba City 2012) 6-foot-1 G - There isn't much Matt cannot do. He leads our team in points, assists, and rebounds. Matt reminds me of last year's team member Justin Jeangerard. Hayes is very coachable, passionate, and fearless. Matt was third in the Sac Joaquin section at 24ppg. He receives weekly phone calls from a variety of D1, D2 schools and will sign an LOI in April.
Mitchell Love (Burbank 2012) 6-foot-2 G - Mitchell is a boxer in basketball shoes. His energy and passion are unmatched and is a coach's dream as he always looks for guidance. He can score off the dribble on anyone, nice mid range shot, and plays very hard on defense. Projection D2.
Blake Williams (Kennedy 2012) 6-foot-2 G - Pretty rare to see a player who can drop step dunk at 6'2. Blake is strong, fast, and can dribble the ball well. He is a joy to see in the open court as you never know if you're going to see a 360, reverse, or east bay dunk. Projection D2.
Otar Pkhakadze (Liberty Christian 2013) 6-foot-1 Point Guard - Otar is the best point guard who you have never heard about. He is exchange student from the Republic of Georgia who plays on his national team. In a game earlier this year in Vegas, he had 20 assists. Otar attended Double Pump All West Camp and was beloved by players as he was able to get everyone going. He was selected in the final All Star game at the Camp and played great! Has had several D1 schools contact him and Otar is in constant contact with the University of Virginia. Look for him out in Vegas and Los Angeles at the end of the summer. Projection D1.
July and August Summer Schedule
Bay Area Showcase (San Francisco)
All West Camp (Los Angeles)
Cream of the Crop (Los Angeles)
Fab 48 (Las Vegas)
Best Buy Best of the Summer (Anaheim)
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