Glendora, CA (Men’s Basketball) -- Three more Fighting Owls: Buchi Awaji, AJ Gasporra, and Ralph Monday, have signed with four-year universities to continue their playing careers. Awaji headlines the three, having inked a scholarship offer with NCAA Division I and Big 12 member Kansas State, in what is arguably the biggest signing in California Community College Basketball this season.
“We are so proud of Buchi and excited to watch him continue to develop. Kansas St. is getting a winner, leader and an exceptional person,” said Citrus Head Coach Rick Croy. “Buchi's legacy in our basketball family is the stuff of legend - we love him.”
Awaji (left), who was named WSC Co-MVP, All-State, and the State Tournament MVP, will take his 1,000 career points and 15.5 points per game average to Manhattan, Kansas and the Wildcats who made it to the second round of this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Awaji will try and help fill a huge void for Kansas State, who lost All-American Michael Beasley and All-Big 12 guard Bill Walker (a combined 42.3 ppg), who both declared for the NBA draft.
For Awaji, the choice came down to K-State because of their commitment to him and their ability to provide him with a place to play right away.
“I respect the fact that they were recruiting me all year long, they never shied away, and throughout the whole recruiting process I got to know all of the coaches, when they came out to games and through talking to them on the phone,” said Awaji.
“On my visit I loved the atmosphere of the school. The players treated me very well, I got along with Coach Martin, and I even got to meet the president (of K-State) and have lunch with him,” Awaji said. “It’s a great conference to play in, and they lost two guards to graduation, which gives me an opportunity to come in and play right away. It gives me a chance to do what I can do, and that’s score the ball and defend.”
All of this however, wouldn’t have been possible without his two years at Citrus. “Being here for two years, I’ve never worked so hard, throughout high school or even at FIU (Awaji red-shirted the 2005-2006 season at Florida International University). The coaches here [at Citrus] definitely prepared me for where I’m going. Coach Dunaj’s work in the weight room and Coach Croy’s basketball IQ helped prepare me for this.”
Joining Awaji in the NCAA Divion I next year will be Gasporra, who signed last week with University of Texas San Antonio. Gasporra, who will have three years of eligibility remaining with the Roadrunners, averaged 10.8 ppg on 47.2% shooting from the floor and was named to the All-WSC Honorable Mention team. UTSA also signed fellow Fighting Owl Richard Frohlich earlier in the season.
“I really liked UTSA’s family atmosphere because it was similar to Citrus’, and they have they can provide me with a strong education,” said Gasporra. “I think I can provide them with a winning mentality, and play as a hard worker who can shoot the ball.”
“From day one Coach Croy always said that our practices weren’t like any other practices. Between the drills that we ran, the focus that we needed to have, and the speed at which we worked, it all prepared me,” Gasporra said. “Through that, and all that we accomplished, I feel like he and the coaching staff got me ready me for the next level.”
“Our program is about moving winners on to the next level - and AJ is ready to help UTSA win big,” Croy said. “They have a great staff that truly understands AJ's game and character. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to mentor AJ Gasporra.”
Rounding out this week’s signings was sophomore Ralph Monday. Monday averaged 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds a game this season for Citrus, and signed with NCAA Division II Northeastern State in Oklahoma. Monday will join former Fighting Owl, Aaron Arango who signed with Riverhawks last season and was named a 2nd team All-Lonestar Conference honoree this past season.
“I don't know if I have ever seen a player grow on and off the court in one year as much as Ralph Monday. We would kill to coach him again,” Croy said. “Northeastern St. is getting an unselfish warrior - they will be champions.”
“They have a great atmosphere, and it’s a great place to continue my education,” Monday said. “Citrus played a big role in helping me get to this point. They helped shape my character, in getting me to class. The overall program was like a family, and the coaches played the biggest part helping me with my attitude and preparing me for the next level”
With the addition of Awaji, Gasporra, and Monday, Citrus has had five players sign with four year universities this year, including four with Division I schools. The Fighting Owls, who went 35-1 and won the CCCAA State Championship during the 2007-2008 season, have matriculated over 14 players and counting in the past three seasons.