Since Nick Jones took over Monte Vista in
2012-2013, the program has had season win totals of 20, 32, and 27. In
the current 2015-2016 season, the Mustangs are 14-3 and look to be on
pace with the previous seasons’ win totals. A big reason for this year’s
success has been the play of transfer combination guard, Austin Fadal.
The
former Dougherty Valley standout transferred to Monte Vista as his
family moved to Danville during the summer. Jones said about the
transition period, “Austin has transitioned very well into Monte Vista. I
still think that everybody is learning how to play together and his
teammates are learning his strengths and he is learning theirs as well.
He had to play point guard early in the season (he has never played PG
before) due to injuries and that was an adjustment for him but things on
our team have resolved themselves and he is only playing the point
about half the game now.”
As a junior,
Fadal has been averaging 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two
steals while making 50 percent of his 3-point shots (33-of-66
shooting). Six of the Mustang victories have been by more than nineteen
points. As a result, player minutes are spread out more evenly through
both the first and second rotations.
Jones
had a successful stint at Castro Valley High where he developed several
college level prospects. Talking about Fadal’s abilities, Jones said,
“Austin really has knack for scoring. He has a tremendous first step and
can really get to the rim. He has been a consistent 3-point shooter as
well.”
This year’s East Bay Athletic
League (EBAL) may be a two team race between Monte Vista and De La
Salle. As Fadal gels with his teammates, Jones wants to see his junior
improve in certain areas as well. “We are pushing him everyday in
practice to become an outstanding defender, both on-ball and off the
ball. I think he has the skill set to be an excellent defender who is
getting 3-5 steals a game.”
During the
summer, Fadal will continue to play with Team Superstar in the Under
Armour Association. Fadal felt that his previous summer helped him
improve most in his ball handling, shooting accuracy, explosiveness to
the basket, shooting off the dribble, and playing the combo guard
position. Fadal currently sports a 3.20 GPA.
The
programs that are either in contact with him or have seen him in open
gym practices include Montana, Nevada, San Jose State, St. Mary’s, UC
Irvine, San Francisco, and Weber State. Aside from his AAU and high
school basketball involvement, Fadal trains with Teohn Conner and Kelvin
“KP” Potts.
The 2014-2015 EBAL regular
season ended with Monte Vista and De La Salle tied at 12-2 while San
Ramon Valley was 11-3. The 2013-2014 EBAL regular season had Monte Vista
at the top at 13-1 while De La Salle and San Ramon Valley were 11-3.
Expect the current EBAL season to be a wild scramble to the top as Fadal
runs wild with the Mustangs in Danville.
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