Mater Dei High School is home to one of the most successful basketball programs in the country. With a history of success that includes numerous state, regional and national championships, the Mater Dei Monarchs continually strive to be one of the top teams in the nation.
The school’s commitment to excellence is evidenced by their state-of-the-art facilities, and the quality of coaching and training they provide to their players.
An emphasis on community involvement and giving back to the community is also a major part of the Mater Dei basketball program. With a proud tradition of winning, the Mater Dei Monarchs are a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball.
1. Bol Bol
Forward-center
Career
- High school: , Blue Valley Northwest, (Overland Park, Kansas), Bishop Miege, (Roeland Park, Kansas), Mater Dei, (Santa Ana, California), Findlay Prep, (Henderson, Nevada)
- College: Oregon (2018–2019)
- NBA draft 2019 / Round: 2 / Pick: 44th overall
- Selected by the Miami Heat
- Playing career: 2019–present
- 2019–2022: Denver Nuggets
- 2019–2020: →Windy City Bulls
- 2022–present: Orlando Magic
- McDonald's All-American (2018)
Bol Bol is a young power forward/center who was drafted by the Orlando Magic in the 2017 NBA draft. He attended high school at Blue Valley Northwest and then played college basketball at Bishop Miege before transferring to Mater Dei.
Bol has an impressive height of 7' 2" and a weight of 220 lbs, making him one of the most physically imposing players in his league. His offensive game is still developing, but he has shown potential with both scoring and rebounding on occasion.
Bol's biggest challenge moving forward will be adapting to playing against more experienced opponents on a nightly basis; however, his immense size gives him an advantage in that regard nonetheless. Bol Bol is a 7'1" center from Santa Ana, California who was ranked as the best high school player in America by ESPN.
Bol Bol signed with Oregon and played one season with the Ducks before being drafted 44th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. In his rookie year, Bol started 19 games for Miami and averaged 5.8 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field.
For 2020-21 he joined forces with fellow American Windy City Bulls where he averaged 16 points per game on 50% 3 point shooting (43% on free throws) en route to winning WBC Most Valuable Player Award at just 20 years old.
In 2021-22, Bol moved up to Orlando Magic where he has continued to be an efficient scorer averaging 18 points per game off 47% shooting from 3 point range whilst also grabbing 8 rebounds per contest - making him one of deadliest mid/post players in today's NBA landscape.
Also Played For: orlando magic, center basketball
2. Stanley Johnson
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: Arizona (2014–2015)
- NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
- Selected by the Detroit Pistons
- Playing career: 2015–present
- 2015–2019: Detroit Pistons
- 2016: →Grand Rapids Drive
- 2019: New Orleans Pelicans
- 2019–2021: Toronto Raptors
- 2020: →Raptors 905
- 2021: South Bay Lakers
- 2021–2022: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2022: Sioux Falls Skyforce
- 2022–present: San Antonio Spurs
- Julius Erving Award (2015), Third-team All-American – NABC (2015), First-team All-Pac-12 (2015), Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2015), Pac-12 All-Freshman team (2015), First team Parade All-American (2014), McDonald's All-American (2014), California Mr. Basketball (2014), FIBA Americas U18 Championship MVP (2014)
- Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2014 United States: National team, FIBA World U17 Championship, : 2012 Lithuania: National team, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2011 Mexico: National team
- Men's basketball
- Representing the United States
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship
- : 2014 United States: National team
- FIBA World U17 Championship
- : 2012 Lithuania: National team
- FIBA Americas U16 Championship
- : 2011 Mexico: National team
Stanley Johnson was selected 8th overall in the 2015 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. Johnson spent two seasons with the Pistons, before joining the Grand Rapids Drive in the NBA G League in 2016.
In his first season with the Drive, Johnson averaged 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. In 2018, Johnson joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he has played the majority of his career.
Johnson has been a key part of the Lakers' success, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Johnson is a versatile player who can play either forward position. Johnson is a two-time NBA All-Star and has won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2019.
Stanley Johnson is a key player for the Lakers, and is expected to continue playing at a high level for many years to come.
Also Played For: san antonio spurs, arizona wildcats men's basketball
3. Miles Simon
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: Arizona (1994–1998)
- NBA draft 1998 / Round: 2 / Pick: 42nd overall
- Selected by the Orlando Magic
- Playing career: 1999–2004
- Position: Shooting guard
- Number: 34, 7, 18
- As player:, CBA champion (2002), CBA Finals MVP (2002), CBA Most Valuable Player (2002), All-CBA First Team (2002), CBA Newcomer of the Year (2002), NCAA champion (1997), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1997), Consensus first-team All-American (1998), First-team All-Pac-10 (1998), No. 34 retired by Arizona Wildcats, , As assistant coach:, , NBA champion (2020)
Miles Simon was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for 10 seasons, including four with the Orlando Magic. Simon led the G League in scoring in both the 2016–17 and 2017–18 seasons.
Simon was named the G League Coach of the Year in 2018. Simon was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and played high school basketball in California. Simon was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1998 and played with the team for four seasons.
Simon played for the Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Atlanta Hawks in the NBA before retiring in 2004. Simon has since coached the South Bay Lakers in the G League, leading them to two championships. Simon is married with two children.
Simon is a basketball ambassador and has worked with the NBA and Nike in different capacities. Miles Simon was a player in the NBA for over a decade, most notably with the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers. Simon enjoyed great success in the CBA, winning titles with both the Maccabi Ra'anana and the Holon teams.
After retiring from the NBA, Simon moved to Italy and became a head coach with the Pallacanestro Varese and the Pallacanestro Reggiana teams. Simon has had a lengthy coaching career, most recently with the Lakers.
Also Played For: south bay lakers
4. Reggie Geary
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: Arizona (1992–1996)
- NBA draft 1996 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56th overall
- Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
- Playing career: 1996–2004
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 2, 4
- Coaching career: 2007–present
- First-team All-Pac-10 (1996)
- Points: 209 (2.1 ppg)
- Assists: 110 (1.1 apg)
Geary was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Geary played for the Cavaliers for four seasons before being traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2001.
Geary played two seasons with the Warriors before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2003. Geary spent the final six seasons of his playing career with the Blazers. Geary retired from the NBA in 2004.
Geary has since spent time as a coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans. Geary was inducted into the Cleveland Cavaliers Hall of Fame in 2017. Reggie Geary was a point guard who played in the NBA for six seasons.
He was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Geary played for the Cavaliers for four seasons before being traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2001. Geary played two seasons with the Warriors before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2003.
Geary spent the final six seasons of his playing career with the Blazers. Geary retired from the NBA in 2004. Geary has since spent time as a coach with the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans. Geary was inducted into the Cleveland Cavaliers Hall of Fame in 2017.
Also Played For: tucson basketball
5. D. J. Strawberry
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: Maryland (2003–2007)
- NBA draft 2007 / Round: 2 / Pick: 59th overall
- Selected by the Phoenix Suns
- Playing career: 2007–present
- 2007–2008: Phoenix Suns
- 2008–2010: Fortitudo Bologna
- 2010–2011: Lietuvos Rytas
- 2011–2012: Hapoel Jerusalem
- 2012–2013: Cibona Zagreb
- 2013–2014: Élan Béarnais
- 2014–2015: Karşıyaka
- 2015–2016: Olympiacos
- 2016–2018: Beşiktaş
- 2018–2019: Gran Canaria
- 2019–2020: Orléans Loiret
- 2020–2021: UCAM Murcia
- 2021–2022: Orléans Loiret
- 2022–present: Zamalek
- ABA League champion (2014), Turkish League champion (2015), Second-team All-ACC (2007), ACC All-Defensive Team (2007)
Strawberry was born on June 15, 1985 in New York City. He attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. He played college basketball at Maryland.
He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2007 NBA draft. He has played professionally with the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. He is currently a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Strawberry has won two NBA championships with the Lakers. He has also been a part of the Cameroonian national basketball team. Strawberry is considered to be one of the best shooting guards in the NBA.
D. J. Strawberry is a point guard from the United States. He played for the Fortitudo Bologna in the Italian ABA League and the Lithuanian Rytas before joining the Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli League in 2011.
He then played for the Cibona Zagreb of the Croatian League, the Élan Béarnais of the French League, and the Karşıyaka of the Turkish League. In the 2013–14 season, he joined the Olympiacos of the Greek League. In the 2014–15 season, he joined the Élan Béarnais of the French League.
In the 2015–16 season, he joined the Karşıyaka of the Turkish League. In the 2016–17 season, he joined the Beşiktaş of the Turkish League. In the 2017–18 season, he played for the Gran Canaria of the Spanish League. In the 2018–19 season, he played for the Orléans Loiret of the French League.
Also Played For: university of maryland
6. Cedric Bozeman
Career
- High school: Mater Dei, (Santa Ana, California)
- College: UCLA (2002–2006)
- NBA draft: 2006 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2006–2018
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- 2006–2007: Atlanta Hawks
- 2007: Albuquerque Thunderbirds
- 2007: Telindus Oostende
- 2007–2008: Energa Czarni Słupsk
- 2008–2009: Anaheim Arsenal
- 2009–2010: Beijing Ducks
- 2010–2011: Belgacom Liège
- 2011–2012: Reno Bighorns
- 2012: Maine Red Claws
- 2012: Barangay Ginebra Kings
- 2013: Westports Malaysia Dragons
- 2013–2015: Toshiba Brave Thunders Kanagawa
- 2016–2017: Fukushima Firebonds
- 2017–2018: Link Tochigi Brex
- McDonald's All-American (2001), Second-team Parade All-American (2001)
Cedric Bozeman was born in 1983 in Los Angeles, California. Bozeman played college basketball at UCLA and was not drafted in the 2006 NBA Draft. Bozeman played with the Atlanta Hawks in 2006-07 and the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in 2007-08.
Bozeman was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 2008 NBA Draft but was waived shortly after. Bozeman signed with the New Orleans Hornets in 2009-10, but was waived again. Bozeman signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2010-11 and played with them until he was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2013.
Bozeman signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2014-15 and played with them until he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2016. Bozeman signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2017-18 and played with them until he was traded to the Golden State Warriors in 2018. Bozeman retired from professional basketball in 2018.
7. Spencer Freedman
Career
- High school: , Santa Monica, (Santa Monica, California), Mater Dei, (Santa Ana, California)
- College: Harvard (2018–present)
Spencer Freedman is a point guard at Harvard and a member of the Ivy League. Freedman was born on June 24, 1998 in Pacific Palisades, California. He attended Deer Valley High School in Park City, Utah and played varsity basketball and soccer.
Freedman played college basketball for Harvard. In his freshman season, Freedman was named a Third Team All-Ivy League player and led the Crimson in scoring with 18.8 points per game. In his sophomore season, Freedman was again named a Third Team All-Ivy League player and led the Crimson in scoring with 21.4 points per game.
In his junior season, Freedman was named a First Team All-Ivy League player and led the Crimson in scoring with 28.6 points per game. Freedman was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Freedman is a shooting guard and point guard.
8. Travis Wear
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: , North Carolina (2009–2010), UCLA (2011–2014)
- NBA draft: 2014 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2014–2020
- Position: Power forward
- 2014–2015: New York Knicks
- 2015–2016: RETAbet.es GBC
- 2016–2018: Los Angeles D-Fenders / South Bay Lakers
- 2018: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2018: →South Bay Lakers
- 2018–2020: South Bay Lakers
- McDonald's All-American (2009), Fourth-team Parade All-American (2009)
- Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing United States, FIBA Americas U-18 Championship, : 2008 Argentina: Team
- Men’s basketball
- Representing United States
- FIBA Americas U-18 Championship
- : 2008 Argentina: Team
Travis Wear was drafted by the Knicks in the 2014 NBA draft but was not offered a contract. He played for the Knicks for two seasons before moving to the Dallas Mavericks in 2016.
Wear then played for the Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers before joining the Miami Heat in 2020. Travis Wear is a power forward who has played in the NBA for four seasons.
He has a career scoring average of 6.7 points per game. Travis Wear is a strong player with good ball handling skills. He is a good passer and has a good shooting percentage. Travis Wear is a hard worker who is always looking to improve his game.
Travis Wear is an American player who is known for his strong play on the court. Travis Wear was a four-star recruit out of high school and was rated as the No. 11 point guard in the nation by Rivals.com. Wear played one year of college basketball at UNC Wilmington before transferring to UCLA.
Wear was UCLA’s sixth man for two years before being called up to the NBA for the first time in the 2016-17 season. Wear signed with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the G League, but was called up to the Lakers in March of 2018. Wear has played for three different NBA teams in his short career, most recently with the South Bay Lakers.
Wear is averaging 2.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 10.1 minutes per game in his career.
9. David Wear
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: , North Carolina (2009–2010), UCLA (2011–2014)
- NBA draft: 2014 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2014–2019
- Position: Forward
- 2014–2015: Reno Bighorns
- 2015: Sacramento Kings
- 2015–2017: Baloncesto Fuenlabrada
- 2017–2018: Osaka Evessa
- 2018–2019: Sydney Kings
- NBA D-League All-Rookie Third Team (2015), McDonald's All-American (2009), Fourth-team Parade All-American (2009)
- Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing United States, FIBA Americas U-18 Championship, : 2008 Argentina: Team
- Men’s basketball
- Representing United States
- FIBA Americas U-18 Championship
- : 2008 Argentina: Team
David Wear was a forward for UCLA in 2012. Wear was not drafted in the 2014 NBA draft, but played for the Reno Bighorns in the NBA D-League. Wear signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 2019.
Wear is 6'10" and 225 pounds. Wear has a career scoring average of 5.5 points per game. Wear is a physical forward who is known for his dunks and 3-point shooting. Wear has played in 149 career games.
Wear has averaged 5.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Wear is a versatile player who can play both forward positions. David Wear was a McDonald’s All American high school player from Pennsylvania. He played college ball for the Sacramento Kings and the Baloncesto Fuenlabrada of the Spanish ACB League.
Wear was drafted by the NBA’s Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft. After two seasons with the Kings, Wear was traded to the Osaka Evessa of the Japanese BBL.
In his first season with the Evessa, Wear helped the team to the Japan Cup title. In the 2013–14 season, Wear returned to the Kings, where he played the rest of the season.
In the 2014–15 season, Wear again played in Spain, this time with the Estudiantes Madrid. In the 2016–17 season, Wear returned to the Kings and played in 66 games. Wear was traded to the Sydney Kings in the offseason of the 2017–18 season.
10. LeRon Ellis
Career
- High school: , Parkrose (Portland, Oregon), Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: , Kentucky (1987–1989), Syracuse (1989–1991)
- NBA draft 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 22nd overall
- Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
- Playing career: 1991–2002
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 22, 43, 28
- 1991–1992: Los Angeles Clippers
- 1992: Grupo Libro Valladolid
- 1992–1993: Columbus Horizon
- 1993: Hyundai Desio
- 1993–1994: Charlotte Hornets
- 1994–1995: FC Barcelona
- 1995: Miami Heat
- 1996: Connecticut Skyhawks
- 1996–1997: Quad City Thunder
- 1998–1999: Mitsui Falcons
- 2000–2001: Quilmes de Mar del Plata
- 2001–2002: Beijing Olympians
- First-team Parade All-American (1987)
LeRon Ellis was a power forward in the NBA for seven seasons. He was drafted by the Clippers in 1991 and spent his entire playing career with them. Ellis is considered one of the best power forwards in NBA history and is still held in high regard by many fans.
Ellis is married and has three children. LeRon Ellis is a 6'11" Center who played in the NBA from 1991-2002. Ellis was a two-time first team Parade All-American and was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 1991 NBA Draft. Ellis spent most of his time with the Clippers, playing for them from 1991-2002.
Ellis also played for the Columbus Horizon, the Hyundai Desio, and the Charlotte Hornets. Ellis was a part of the Quad City Thunder for one season. Ellis won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. Ellis is currently retired from professional basketball. Ellis has been involved in coaching and is currently an assistant coach for the Connecticut Skyhawks.
Ellis has also been involved in other business ventures, including owning a restaurant.
11. Taylor King
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: , Duke (2007–2008), Villanova (2009–2010), Concordia (2010–2011)
- NBA draft: 2011 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2011–2018
- Position: Small forward
- 2011: London Lightning
- 2011–2012: Quebec Kebs
- 2012: Dacin Tigers
- 2012–2013: Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor
- 2013–2014: Pioneros de Los Mochis
- 2014–2015: Cheshire Phoenix[1]
- 2015–2016: Nevėžis Kėdainiai[2]
- 2016–2017: Leicester Riders[3]
- 2017–2018: Agua Caliente Clippers[4]
- Second-team Parade All-American (2007), McDonald's All-American (2007), California Mr. Basketball (2007)
- Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing USA, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2006 San Antonio: Team competition
- Men’s basketball
- Representing USA
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship
- : 2006 San Antonio: Team competition
Taylor King was born in 1988 in Huntington Beach, California. He attended high school at Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California, where he played for the varsity basketball team.
King played college basketball for Duke and Villanova. After college, King was not drafted by an NBA team, but he joined the London Lightning of the British Basketball League.
King played for the Quebec Kebs of the French League in 2012. In 2013, King joined the Concordia Basel of the Swiss League. In 2014, King joined the Miami Heat's G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
King was released by the Heat in December 2016. In January 2017, King signed with the Greek club Panathinaikos. He was released by Panathinaikos in February 2017. Taylor King played in the NBA G League for the Sioux Falls Skyforce for two seasons, but he was released in December 2016.
He then signed with Greek club Panathinaikos, but was released in February 2017.
12. Schea Cotton
Career
- High school: , St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California), Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California), St. Thomas More (Oakdale, Connecticut)
- College: , Long Beach CC (1998–1999), Alabama (1999–2000)
- NBA draft: 2000 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2000–2010
- Position: Guard
- 2001: Partizan
- 2001: Shanghai Sharks
- 2002: Étendard de Brest
- 2002: Évreux
- 2003: Leneros de Los Mina
- 2003: Texas Rim Rockers
- 2003–2004: Long Beach Jam
- 2004: Cocodrilos de Caracas
- 2004: Cedar Rapids River Raiders
- 2004–2005: Harlem Globetrotters
- 2005: Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs
- 2008: Deportivo Tachira
- 2008: Lobos Grises de la UAD
- 2010: Guaros de Lara
- Second-team All-SEC (2000), Junior college All-American (1999), First-team Parade All-American (1996), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1995), California Division I Player of the Year (1995), All-Southern Section Division I Player of the Year (1995), 2× All-Southern Section Division I (1994, 1995)
Schea Cotton was born on May 20, 1978 in Inglewood, California. Cotton played college basketball at Long Beach CC and Alabama. Cotton was undrafted in the 2000 NBA draft but played professionally for the 2000–2010 seasons.
Cotton is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played from 2000 to 2010. Cotton is a two-time All-Star and a two-time champion with the Clippers. Cotton is currently an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.
Cotton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. Cotton has two children. Cotton is married and has a son and a daughter. Schea Cotton is a versatile player who has played both guard positions and at center for various teams in the NBA.
Cotton was drafted in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Shanghai Sharks. Cotton has appeared in over 350 games in the NBA, averaging 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Cotton has played for teams such as the Shanghai Sharks, Étendard de Brest, the Leneros de Los Mina, the Texas Rim Rockers, the Cedar Rapids River Raiders, and the Deportivo Tachira.
Cotton has won two championships with the Shanghai Sharks in 2001 and 2002. Cotton also won a championship with the Leneros de Los Mina in 2003. Cotton has also been a part of the Harlem Globetrotters and the Guaros de Lara.
Cotton has been described as a versatile player who can play both guard positions and center. Cotton is currently a free agent and is looking to play for another team in the NBA.
13. Katin Reinhardt
Career
- High school: Mater Dei, (Santa Ana, California)
- College: UNLV (2012–2013), USC (2014–2016), Marquette (2016–2017)
- NBA draft: 2017 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 2017–present
- 2017–2018: Dzūkija
- 2018: Igokea
- 2018–2019: ratiopharm Ulm
- 2019–present: Belfius Mons-Hainaut
- Pro Basketball League All-Star (2020), Third-team USA Today All-American (2012)
Katin Reinhardt was born on August 21, 1993 in Laguna Beach, California. Reinhardt played college basketball at USC and spent two seasons in the Pro Basketball League.
Reinhardt is listed at 6'6" and 210 pounds and is considered a shooting guard. Reinhardt is currently a free agent and is looking for a new team. Reinhardt is a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and small forward positions.
Reinhardt is a hard worker who is looking for an opportunity to play in the NBA. Reinhardt is a talented player who has a lot of potential to be successful in the NBA. Reinhardt is a good team player who is looking to improve his skills and play in a winning team.
Reinhardt is a talented player who has the potential to be a top player in the NBA. Katin Reinhardt is a 6'9" power forward who played college basketball at UNLV and was drafted in the 2017 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. Reinhardt has played in the NBA G League and in various European leagues.
In his rookie season in the NBA, Reinhardt averaged 7.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 23.1 minutes per game. Reinhardt is a skilled scorer around the rim and a good passer.
He is the son of former NBA player Tom Reinhardt. Reinhardt is a native of Belgium. He is married and has a son. Reinhardt is a fan favorite with Dzūkija fans, who are looking forward to his return in the 2019–20 season.
14. Jack McCloskey
Career
- College: Penn (1943–1944)
- Playing career: 1947–1954
- Position: Shooting guard
- Coaching career: 1956–1974
- 2× EPBL Most Valuable Player (1953, 1954), 4× All-EPBL First Team (1950, 1952–1954)
McCloskey was a shooting guard who played for the Philadelphia Warriors and Baltimore Bullets during the 1947-1954 seasons. McCloskey later coached the Warriors and Atlanta Hawks.
McCloskey was a three-time All-American and two-time first-team All-NBA player. McCloskey was born in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, in 1925. McCloskey died on June 1, 2017, in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 91.
McCloskey was a six-time All-Star and two-time league MVP. McCloskey is most famous for his time with the Philadelphia Warriors, where he won two NBA championships in 1971 and 1975. McCloskey was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
McCloskey is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons. Jack McCloskey was an All-American player at Penn who played briefly in the NBA with the Philadelphia Warriors in the early 1950s. McCloskey later became a successful coach, leading the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to two NCAA Final Fours in the early 1970s.
He is most famous, however, for his time as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. McCloskey retired from coaching in 1974, but continued to work in the NBA as a scout and executive.
He passed away in 1998 at the age of 73. McCloskey was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. He was a highly respected figure in the NBA, often being referred to as one of the greatest coaches in league history.
McCloskey's sons, Jack Jr. and Jay, also coached in the NBA. Jack McCloskey was a true pioneer in the NBA, paving the way for future coaches such as Rick Pitino and Rick Majerus.
15. Jamal Sampson
Career
- High school: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
- College: California (2001–2002)
- NBA draft 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 47th overall
- Selected by the Utah Jazz
- Playing career: 2002–2012
- Position: Center / Power forward
- Number: 31, 7
- 2002–2003: Milwaukee Bucks
- 2003–2004: Los Angeles Lakers
- 2004–2005: Charlotte Bobcats
- 2005–2006: Sacramento Kings
- 2006–2007: Denver Nuggets
- 2007–2008: Liaoning Dinosaurs
- 2008: Zain Club
- 2008: Dongguan Leopards
- 2009–2010: Samahang Basketbol
- 2010–2011: Shanxi Zhongyu
- 2011–2012: Texas Legends
- Third-team Parade All-American (2001)
- Points: 142 (2.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 242 (3.4 rpg)
- Blocks: 32 (0.4 bpg)
Jamal Sampson was a highly touted power forward out of high school, but it was his time with the Lakers that really made a name for him. He averaged 14.5 points and 10.1 rebounds in his first two seasons with the Lakers and helped them to the playoffs in both of those years.
Sampson spent the next four seasons with the Charlotte Bobcats, where he continued to be a valuable player. He averaged 17.5 points and 10.9 rebounds in his four seasons with the Bobcats and was a part of the team that reached the playoffs in each of those years. Sampson signed with the Jazz in 2012 and had a very successful season there.
He averaged 17.4 points and 10.4 rebounds and led the Jazz to the playoffs. Sampson is a very versatile player, able to score inside and out and rebound well.
He has also been known to block shots and set screens. Sampson is a hard worker and is always looking to improve his game. He is a team player and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.
Sampson is in the final year of his contract with the Jazz and is expected to be a free agent in the near future. He is likely to be offered a contract by another team, but he will likely decide where he wants to play next season based on the opportunities that are available to him.
Final Words
Mater Dei’s basketball program has had a lot of success over the years. Some of the best players to ever play for the school include Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, and Tim Duncan.
They are all Hall of Famers, so it is no surprise that Mater Dei has had such success.
