Russell, James and Kawhi: Leaders of the New SoCal School of Hoops

Even though the Lakers are home, the Western Conference Finals is still a personal thrill for me. Three of Southern California’s finest are on display and not only am I proud of them, I’ve been able to watch them grow since I’ve been back home in 2006. All three are a great example of hard work, dedication and perseverance. As folks try to decry the state of L.A. hoops on a national level, I'd like to remind them that guys are still finding ways to succeed at college and the NBA.

My first year in the Los Angeles media, one of the first high school games I saw was Artesia vs. Mater Dei. The top 2 teams in the country with two of the best players in the state – James Harden (Artesia) and Taylor King (Mater Dei).

King had been a household name since he committed to UCLA in 8^th grade while Harden, then clean-shaven, was a rising recruit who committed to Arizona State after a stellar summer showing and because his old HS coach and point guard were there.

In a standing room only gym in Orange County, I watched both guys rise to incredible levels. I was most impressed by Harden, who showed the smooth skills, scorer’s touch and steady play that would define him. As he, Malik Story and his mates led Artesia to a comeback victory, I knew he’d be a star. It wasn’t that he was unstoppable, it was his maturity and calm to go along with his game that spoke volumes.