Feb. 6

Allen Crabbe, SG

Los Angeles, CA

Allen Crabbe's 24 powers Price

L.A. Price routed La Verne Lutheran 79-45 on Friday night behind 24 points from ESPNU 100 shooting guard Allen Crabbe.

Aug. 7

Richard Solomon, PF

Los Angeles, CA

Cal lands 2010 PF Richard Solomon

Richard Solomon, a 6-9 power forward out of Los Angeles/Price, committed to Cal-Berkeley after contemplating offers from Oregon State and Oregon, according to sources close to the situation.

ESPN.com Recruiting Coordinator Joel Francisco has seen Solomon's stock take off this summer.

"Solomon shot up the recruiting ranks during his junior campaign due to his extraordinary length and improved skills," he said. "He is more comfortable out on the perimeter and possesses the shooting touch and athleticism to be a face-up 4-man at the next level.

"His shot has steadily improved over the years, but it's still a tad too flat. However, that should improve with added strength.

"He does have a slender frame and will struggle scoring in the paint area until he bulks up, but he does have an intriguing amount of upside."

Francisco likes the effort Solomon brings on a nightly basis.

"Although he needs to convert more consistently on the inside, he does play hard and he isn't afraid of contact. He uses his length and bounce to finish at the rim either off the dribble or in transition.

"Defensively he gets off the floor quickly to block shots and he has a solid amount of lateral quickness to stay with other power forward types."

This is a solid get for Cal and should pay dividends down the road.

"He's a good pick-up for the Bears and with the coaching of Mike Montgomery he should improve considerably before he leaves Berkeley," Francisco concluded. "With his high school teammate Allen Crabbe already in the fold and the addition of Solomon, Montgomery and his staff are off to a solid start heading into the November signing period."

May. 28

Brandon Smith, PG

Concord, CA

PG Brandon Smith earns scholarship from Cal

Brandon Smith, a point guard from De La Salle High in Concord, Calif., has accepted a full scholarship from California, reports ESPN's Chris Lawlor. Smith, who was guaranteed a walk-on slot for the Golden Bears for the upcoming school year, was granted the scholarship when one became available this spring.

"Brandon leaves De La Salle as the greatest winner in school history amassing a 114-10 record in his four years," De La Salle Coach Frank Allocco said. "I am sure that his basketball talents, leadership skills, and winning ways will enhance Cal's formidable program."

Smith, a first team all-state selection, averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 assists and 3.1 steals while making 78.5% of his free throws. This season he was named Most Valuable Player of the East Bay Athletic League and in two in-season tournaments. Smith guided the Spartans, No. 33 in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 final rankings, to their fourth straight league title.

"He's considered the finest defender in school history," Allocco said. "Brandon's savvy play enabled him to dictate our offensive tempo and lockdown defensively on his man."

Smith's commitment wraps up another banner year for DLS recruiting. Previously, 6-6 Beau Levesque signed with Saint Mary's and 6-7 Jefferson Powers with Denver.

Oct. 23

Bak Bak, PF

Sun Valley, CA

Golden Bears land PF Bak Bak

Bak Bak, a 6-foot-10, 200-pound power forward from Village Christian (Sun Valley, Calif.), has given a Class 2009 commitment to the California Bears and head coach Mike Montgomery. Bak also drew interest from Louisville, Oregon State, Gonzaga, Pittsburgh, San Diego State and Southern California.

"Cal is a great place," he told the Los Angeles Times. "They have good academics, a great program and a great coach in Mike Montgomery. Cal is a good fit for me."

Originally from Sudan and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Bak has a 6-foot-11 brother who is 10 years old and his father is 7-foot-1. Arriving in the United States just prior to his 16th birthday, Bak enrolled at American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.), but did not play basketball. In October 2007, he transferred to Village Christian and sat out the 2007-08 high school season.

ESPN.com's Recruiting Coordinator Antonio Williams has the goods on Bak Bak.

"Mike Montgomery has in Bak Bak has a versatile big man that can be effective in several spots on the court," Williams said. "Bak has the ability to stretch defenses through his surprisingly reliable shooting from the perimeter and can also easily man the high position in a high-low offensive set.

"His shooting ability makes him more a face-up 4-man at this point of his career," Williams continued. "Bak can also connect on jumpers from the 3-point line, though his consistency from that range needs some improvement."

Once he adds some strength, Bak will really flourish.

"He sometimes relies too much on his jumper because he doesn't want to bang with bigs down low," Williams said. "But he does run the floor well and has good athletic ability. Once he gets stronger his rebounding and his post defense will really improve."

Bak should see plenty of opportunities when he arrives at Berkeley.

"With point guard Brandon Smith (Concord, Calif./De La Salle) joining him, Bak should see a number of opportunities to get his jumper off," Williams said. "Smith will use his quickness to penetrate to the hoop and find Bak spotting up at the 3-point line for jumpers or in the corner."

Jul. 31

Michael Dixon, PG

Lee's Summit, MO

Dixon is headed to Missouri Tigers

ESPN Top 100 guard Michael Dixon, rated No. 47 overall in Class 2009, has given a commitment to Missouri over Oklahoma, Purdue, Arizona and California.