SoCalHoops Recruiting News

Utah State Signs Upland HS Alum
Desmond Penigar--(Nov. 14, 2000)

Desmond Penigar (6'-7" So. PF) from Ventura JC, a graduate of Upland HS two years ago, who failed to qualify and instead went the JUCO route, and in the process went from averaging 18.5 ppg in high school to 23 ppg in the JUCO  ranks to become the second leading scorer in California last season, has now signed a National Letter of Intent with the Utah State Aggies.   This actually happened last week, and the announcement was made on the second day of the fall signing period, but we just missed it, but rather than fail to note it entirely, here it is, better late than never. 

Junior College Standout Penigar Signs With USU
Penigar was second leading scorer and rebounder in California.
Nov. 9, 2000

LOGAN, Utah - The second-leading scorer and rebounder among California junior college players a year ago has signed a basketball letter of intent at Utah State University it was announced today by Aggie head coach Stew Morrill. 

Desmond Penigar, a 6-7, 240-pound forward from Ventura Junior College has become the second player to sign with USU this week, as he joined Nate Harris, from Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah. 

"Desmond is both a scorer and a rebounder who is very versatile in that he has post up skills as well as three-point range," Morrill said.  

Penigar (pronounced Pin-uh-Gar) was the second leading scorer (23 points per game) and rebounder (12) among California junior college players in 2000. The Sporting News magazine listed him as one of the top 10 junior college power forwards in the country. He was also a first-team all-conference and all-state selection and shot just below 40 percent from three-point range. 

"We are extremely excited and pleased to have Desmond join our program," Morrill said. "He possesses outstanding basketball skills as well as tremendous leadership potential. With the loss of five seniors from this year's team, we know that Desmond will be a huge factor in striving to keep our program at a high level." 

Penigar attended Upland High School in Upland, Calif. before attending Ventura JC. 

"Desmond is a very good player," said Ventura head coach Greg Winslow. "He is one of the few kids that can play with his back to the basket as well as facing the basket. He is a complete player and can play inside and outside. He works very hard on the floor.

"Desmond is a better person than he is a player," Winslow added. "He is a class act. He goes to school. He has a great rapport with his teachers and students that are not in the athletic arena. He is a class act and you are going to be really pleased with him. I think it is a great fit for him at Utah State." 

"Greg Winslow has provided excellent coaching at Ventura College and we expect Desmond to be a very good Aggie player," Morrill said.

 
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