College basketball coaches have a couple of reasons for holding a ID camp — to see their recruits one more time and possibly find that diamond in the rough.
RDC Kings head coach Craig Behan is no exception.
“There’s been no real surprises, although there’s a couple of guys out of Edmonton I haven’t seen that much of and they’ve caught my eye,” said Behan following the opening day of the Kings two-day ID camp at RDC Friday.
“But overall it’s been what I expected and hoped for. There’s some of our recruits not here because of the school holidays plus there’s several other ID camps this weekend. But overall it’s been good.”
Behan has around 30 players at the camp, including a number of his college players.
“A lot of the Kings are playing well,” added Behan. “With them being here it gives us a chance to see the younger guys up against them.”
Six-foot-eight Adam Weir, six-foot-seven Daniel Etoroma, guards Ryan Wachter and Tommy Watson and wing Andrew Cassidy will return next season while there’s still a chance guards Adam Shaw and Brett Gaudreau and forward Randy Davis will be back.
Davis is looking at going several universities and is attending the University of Saskatchewan camp this weekend.
One of Behan’s top recruits — six-foot-four Eric Bakker of Centennial High School in Calgary — is on hand and already committed to next season.
One of the more impressive new faces in camp is six-foot-nine Patrick Walker of George McDougall of Airdrie.
“Patrick is a very good post-up player, very mobile and athletic,” said Behan. “He certainly is one of the guys we want to come in.”
Raymond Comets point guard Lloyd Strickland isn’t on hand, but is high on Behan’s list.
“There’s a good chance he’ll commit, but it’s not final yet,” added Behan, who also hopes to have six-foot-eight Rea Salter from Israel in camp in the fall.
“He’s playing pro ball in Israel and has already registered at RDC, so there’s a good chance he’ll be here.”
Several players Friday caught Behan’s attention including guards Daniel Kabeya and Keon Montoute of Ross Sheppard of Edmonton, wing Joel Carrol, who has already graduated form Edmonton’s M.E. Lazerte, and forward David Shantz of Wetaskiwin.
Behan also has a number of Grade 11 students on hand, including post player Jared Rushton of Hunting Hills and forward Tim Finnigan of Notre Dame.
“It’s good to have some of the younger guys in. It gives them a chance to see where they stand and what they have to do over the next year, plus is gives us a chance to see them,” said Behan, who hopes to have next year’s team solidified in the next couple of weeks.
“By then everyone should know what they’re doing next season and made a commitment,” he said. “From what I see we should have a very good again.”
Queens coach Dawn Smyth will hold her ID camp April 3-4.
Contact Danny Rode at
drode@www.reddeeradvocate.com