Category: Stanford Cardinal

JJ Arcega-Whiteside drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

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By: Ana Kieu

JJ Arcega-Whiteside was selected in the second round with the 57th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft on Friday night by the Philadelphia Eagles. A wide receiver from Inman, S.C., Arcega-Whiteside is the first Cardinal selected by the Eagles since Ed Reynolds in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

“JJ makes big catches that change field position and scores touchdowns,” Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football David Shaw said. “He is a difference maker that can make highlight catches and that is one of those traits that translates really well from college to the NFL.”

A 2018 team captain and Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, Arcega-Whiteside earned All-Pac 12 second team honors last season while tying a 41-year-old school record with 14 touchdown catches. He finished second in school history with 28 career touchdown receptions and third in school history with nine 100-yard receiving games. His 2,219 career receiving yards are the 12th-most all-time at Stanford and his 135 receptions rank 18th.

“His work ethic is unbelievable,” said wide receivers coach Bobby Kennedy. “He wants to be a really good player. I think he’s only scratched the tip of his potential. Play after play after play after play, if you look at him throughout his career at Stanford, he just continued to make plays. He’s not only a great player, but a great person. The Eagles are getting a player who will not only improve the organization as a player, but even more so as a person.”

Arcega-Whiteside totaled 63 catches for 1,059 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior in 2018. His 14 touchdown catches led the Pac-12 and ranked No. 3 in the country. His 1,059 receiving yards were the fifth-most in Stanford history for a single season and his five 100-yard receiving games were the fourth-most in a given year.

In 2017, Arcega-Whiteside earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention after totaling a team-high 48 receptions for 781 yards and nine touchdowns. He totaled 24 catches for 379 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore in 2016, earning Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention.

Bobby Okereke drafted by Indianapolis Colts

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By: Ana Kieu

Bobby Okereke was selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 89th overall pick on Friday night by the Indianapolis Colts. An inside linebacker from Santa Ana, Calif. Okereke is the first Cardinal selected by the Colts since Henry Anderson in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

“Bobby has intrigued the scouts during the pre-draft process,” Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football David Shaw said. “His length, speed and athleticism have truly put him on the radar for a lot of teams. From day one, he will probably be a starter on multiple special teams and will be battling to get on the field as a linebacker early in his career for the Colts.”

A 2018 team captain, Okereke was twice named All-Pac-12 honorable mention during his career. He played in 51 career games, totaling 240 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He also had nine passes defended, one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He added a touchdown and safety for the Cardinal.

“Bobby Okereke is an all-down linebacker,” inside linebackers coach Peter Hansen said. “He is long, he is fast, he has good hip flexibility and he can flip his hips and cover in space. He can tackle in space, too. He has extremely long arms so he can keep himself clean off blockers. He will fit in really well with the Colts.”

As a senior last season, Okereke was named a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and was on the watch lists for the Butkus and Bednarik Awards. He started all 13 games, leading the team for a second straight year with 96 tackles (52 solo). He also had 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, five pass breakups and a safety.

In 2017, Okereke played in 14 games and had 96 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He also had one forced fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown at Washington State. As a junior in 2016, he started all 13 games he played and made 41 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks. He played in 11 games with seven tackles as a sophomore in 2015.

Stanford football has a lot to solidify before season opener against Northwestern

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By: Ana Kieu

One of the biggest question marks entering spring practice was whether reduced hitting would delay the development of young and inexperienced Stanford Cardinal football players heading into fall camp.

After watching last Saturday’s Cardinal and White Spring Game, that doesn’t seem to be the case for the team.

Bodies were flying around Cagan Stadium, especially on defense, who recorded a 20-14 win by limiting the offense to two touchdowns. The defense recorded four sacks against four quarterbacks and played aggressively throughout.

“I like where our defensive backs and young linebackers are right now,” said David Shaw, the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football.

Due to injuries, especially on the offensive line, Shaw and his staff chose to limit physical contact and focus on technique and individual skill development this spring.

“We played fast and hard,” said freshman inside linebacker Ricky Miezan, who hopes to contend for one of two spots created by the departure of mainstays Bobby Okereke and Sean Barton. “All the work we put in this spring manifested itself.”

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Miezan and Jacob Mangum-Farrar are expected to battle converted outside linebacker Curtis Robinson, Andrew Pryts and Ryan Beecher for inside playing time.

“In the fall, I picked up so much from Bobby and Sean,” Miezan said. “The older guys kind of mentored us into what a Stanford linebacker is.”

For the record, Okereke led the team with 96 tackles each of the last two seasons.

“Not having as many live periods definitely helped, just focusing in on us and building the inside linebackers,” said Miezan. “We haven’t had that much game experience, so we have been focusing on techniques. We need to start with the basics and build from there.”

The nation’s third-ranked high school lacrosse player, the Alexandria, Va., native, didn’t play football until his junior year, but caught on quickly. As a senior, he made 55 tackles and earned all-state honors.

“I was a midfielder, so the back and forth running really helped with conditioning,” he said. “I feel I can stay out and endure a lot of plays and stay fresh. Lacrosse really helped with my side-to-side movement and agility.”

As a true freshman last season, Miezan appeared in four Cardinal games on special teams. He quickly learned that skill does always translate to success.

“You can be a great athlete, but you need to know the scheme to be able to go out there and play,” said Miezan. “That’s the number one thing: hone-in on the details and understand what you’re doing so you can play fast.”

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New roles
Several young receivers stood out this spring, notably Connor Wedington, Michael Wilson and Simi Fehoko. Wedington was limited by injuries last year and appeared in four games and redshirted, while the 6’2″ Wilson played in all 13 contests with two starts, catching 14 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. The 6’4″ Fehoko returned after a two-year church mission and saw action in the last four games, grabbing one reception.

“It’s been so good to finally get back on the field and play the game I love,” said Fehoko, who teamed up with K.J. Costello for a 19-yard touchdown catch Saturday on a short crossing route.

“We’re young but we’re talented.”

Big contributions are also expected from Osiris St. Brown, Donald Stewart and Brycen Tremayne.

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“We’re cautiously optimistic,” said Shaw, looking to replace JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Trenton Irwin. “Michael and Connor had outstanding springs. Simi started off with an injury but was able to come back. I think the combination of guys we have right now is pretty exciting.”

So does cornerback Paulson Adebo. As a first-year starter, he led the nation with 24 passes defended and earned FWAA All-America second team.

“We have a chance to let them loose and do some good things,” he said of the Stanford wideouts. “We didn’t get to see that much of Connor last year, but I think he’s going to do some big things.”

Costello and the other quarterbacks spent extra time after practice working with the receivers to improve timing and chemistry. That will continue during voluntary workouts the next few months.

Fehoko and Costello have a long-standing connection.

“All the way back to high school,” said Fehoko. “We played in the Army All-American Game together. We’re close and we’re going to get there.”

Added Costello, “The second half of last season, every guy on the field, every route they ran, I just had insane confidence.”

Admittedly, it’s a process.

“Even with JJ, I remember barely missing on stuff for a year-and-a-half,” Costello said. “I’m going to do everything I can to help them develop. I want success from one-on-one and seven-on-seven to correlate to the team.”

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Not satisfied
Adebo intercepted one pass and nearly had another in the spring game.

“I gotta finish the second one,” he said.

After establishing himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the country last year, Adebo is looking to step up his game.

“I think the big thing for me is just trying to keep being aggressive, having good eye control, and knowing that there are going to be a lot of double moves since I’m jumping routes,” he said.

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Running backs, tight ends praised
Shaw singled out his running backs for their work this spring. A new starter is assured with the loss of Bryce Love.

“I like the way they are running right now,” he said, “there are a lot of things we worked on that we didn’t do (Saturday), but our guys are running hard.

“I think we used our tight ends well. Maybe not like we typically do, but our tight ends are in a good spot. I told them I really appreciate all they have done. I told them to execute and that’s what we did.”

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Sense of urgency
Fall training camp begins August 1 and the season opener is August 31 against the Northwestern Wildcats at Stanford Stadium. The Wildcats (9-5) were Big Ten West Division champs last year and capped their season by winning the Holiday Bowl 31-20 over the Utah Utes.

The Cardinal opens Pac-12 play at perennial rival USC on Sept. 7, then travels to Orlando to face UCF, who has lost one game in two years.

“Our offense needs to be ready to go by day one,” Costello said. “Last year, I feel like we started late. We got into a groove the last half of the season. If we can do that for the bulk of the season, everything else will take care of itself.”

Good stick
Costello, a scratch golfer, found time after the season to sharpen his game. He fired a career-best 3-under-par 69 at California Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Costello is a big fan of Cardinal alum Tiger Woods, who earned his 15th major championship on Sunday at the Masters. Costello was glued to his television.

Full effort
Stanford was short on offensive lineman this spring so Drew Dalman, Henry Hattis, Grant Pease, Dylan Powell and Foster Sarell played every down in the Spring Game. The team needed each of them on every play to make the game possible and they delivered. Tucker Fisk also played a key role for the offensive line as he filled in when needed during spring practices.

Familiar faces
Among the former players who attended the Spring Game to lend support were Toby Gerhart, Kevin Hogan, Brennan Scarlett, Frank Buncom, Kaden Smith, Trenton Irwin, Nate Herbig, Keller Chryst, Jake Bailey, Arcega-Whiteside, Okereke and Nick Wilson.

Many attended an alumni networking social the previous night. Gerhart, enrolled at Stanford Graduate School of Business, arrived wearing cleats and had gloves hanging out of his back pocket. He left early to play in an intramural football game for his GSB team.

KZ Okpala honored with Hank Luisetti MVP Award at Stanford men’s basketball banquet

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By: Ana Kieu

KZ Okpala captured the Hank Luisetti Most Valuable Player Award, as the Stanford Cardinal men’s basketball team celebrated the 2018-19 season at its awards banquet at Bing Concert Hall Monday.

The Cardinal highlighted the accomplishments of Josh Sharma and recognized the overall achievements of a roster that featured 11 of 15 student-athletes in their first or second year. Anne & Tony Joseph Director of Men’s Basketball Jerod Haase thanked both Sharma and senior manager Ryan Cole for their outstanding efforts throughout their respective Cardinal careers. Haase also expressed his enthusiasm for a promising future with an experienced roster back on The Farm for 2019-20.

Okpala, a First Team All-Pac-12 selection, First Team USBWA All-District pick and a Second Team NABC All-District selection this past season, took home the Hank Luisetti MVP Award. He averaged a team-best 16.8 PPG to go along with 5.7 RPG and a SPG. He finished fifth in the Pac-12 in scoring with the second-most 20-point games (15) in the conference. He also ranked 16th in the conference in rebounding and 12th in defensive rebounding (4.5 DRPG). During the Pac-12 regular season, he finished fifth in the conference in scoring (17.5 PPG).

Sharma and Oscar da Silva were each the recipient of the Howie Dallmar Coach’s Award.

Sharma was recognized following a standout senior season on The Farm. He was a candidate for the Pac-12’s Most Improved Player Award and established a school record for field goal percentage in a season. His mark of .673 was not only a program record, it was the eighth-best field goal percentage in a season in Pac-12 history. He completed his standout career eighth on Stanford’s field goal percentage list, shooting .563 for his career. He was an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention selection, after finishing the year as the conference’s field goal percentage leader and ranking in the top-10 in the league in offensive rebounds (3rd, 2.6 ORPG), blocks (7th, 1.4 BPG) and rebounds (9th, 7.1 RPG). He averaged 11.3 PPG and 8.2 RPG during Pac-12 play, posting double-doubles in five of his final seven games. He averaged 14.7 PPG and 11.1 RPG over those final seven contests. He was selected to play in the NABC College All-Star Game at the Final Four, which featured the top seniors in the nation.

da Silva was recognized for the second consecutive season. He was the lone Cardinal to start all 31 games. He averaged 9.5 PPG and 6.0 RPG. He averaged 28.3 MPG and finished second on the team in blocks with 40 on the season. He finished the season ranked eighth in the Pac-12 in blocks (1.3 BPG) and 13th in rebounding. He registered four 20-point games on the year, posting a career-best 23 points against both San Jose State and Oregon State. He recorded three double-doubles for the season.

Rodney Herenton was the recipient of the Peter Sauer Most Inspirational Award. Named in honor of the late Peter Sauer, who was the inspirational leader and captain of the 1998 Final Four Team, the award recognizes an individual who embodies the same qualities as Sauer did — enthusiasm, leadership and courage, which serves as an inspiration to the team. He has been a constant voice of encouragement and inspiration as a true representative of the Invested, Tough and Selfless pillars. He played in six games, highlighted by four points in four minutes of action in the win over Washington State in February. He has represented the program globally, earning a selection to the prestigious Rubenstein-Bing Student-Athlete Civic Engagement Program. He traveled to India, where he served as a mentor and teacher for English, math and athletics to children. Commanding the utmost respect of his teammates, he has exemplified the exceptional character and charisma that helps define the Peter Sauer Most Inspirational Award.

Bryce Wills captured the Roy Young Toughness Award, recognizing the individual who was a leader in floor burns for the season. Originally created at Kansas in honor of Haase, the floor burns stat was adopted by Stanford when Haase was hired as head coach. Floor burns recognizes individuals for diving for loose balls, taking charges and making the extra effort to help their team win. He collected 48 floor burns and was recognized for giving the extra effort on both ends of the floor, highlighted by scoring performances down the stretch to win games and blocks on the defensive end to help seal victories. He became a regular starter as a freshman. He averaged 7.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG and 2.2 APG from the guard spot, scoring in double figures in seven Pac-12 games. He also recorded multiple steals in five games, including four in the win over Middle Tennessee in the Battle 4 Atlantis. He scored four of his 11 points in the final 14 seconds, including the go-ahead basket in the 79-76 come-from-behind win over USC in February.

The banquet concluded with speeches by Sharma and Cole, who both shared their gratitude to everyone involved in the team.

All smiles at Stanford football’s spring game

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By: Ana Kieu

The Stanford Cardinal football team concluded its spring session Saturday with a spring game at Cagan Stadium in Stanford, Calif. The Cardinal will not be in action until the start of training camp. The Cardinal last edged the Pittsburgh Panthers 14-13 in the Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve 2018.

Cardinal and White fans flocked over to Cagan Stadium to snag sweet posters of KJ Costello, Cameron Scarlett, Malik Antoine, Colby Parkinson, Jordan Fox, Casey Toohill, Paulson Adebo and Walker Little; and, of course, stuck around for the game as well as postgame autographs.

It was a beautiful day at Cagan Stadium. Cardinal head coach David Shaw and his players were all set for the game. The Cardinal turned heads when Connor Wedington flawlessly caught a pass in the early minutes of the game. Paulson Adebo then caught a perfect pass near the 10-yard line.

Meanwhile, some members of the Cardinal women’s basketball team were in attendance to watch their fellow Cardinal student-athletes battle it out on the field.

Dorian Maddox made a fast burst for a big gain, which was very fun to watch. Maddox was able to get past several defenders on the field. Also, Simi Fehoko found himself a little bit of space, just like Maddox.

The game ended in one of the greatest ways possible — a pass for a touchdown!

The Cardinal host the Northwestern Wildcats at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, August 31.

KZ Okpala submits his name to the NBA’s Advisory Committee for evaluation

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By: Ana Kieu

Stanford sophomore standout forward KZ Okpala has declared his eligibility for the NBA Draft, submitting his name to the NBA’s Undergraduate Advisory Committee.

“After several discussions with my family and my coaches, I have decided to declare for the NBA Draft,” Okpala said. “The NBA is a dream and certainly a goal of mine. I am truly blessed to continue to learn from so many people here at Stanford as I grow as a person and a player. It’s exciting to apply what I have learned so far as I begin this journey and see where it takes me.”

Okpala has submitted his name to the NBA’s Undergraduate Advisory Committee for evaluation. Under NCAA policy established within the past year, undergraduates can submit paperwork to the NBA to be evaluated, attend the NBA Draft Combine, conduct workouts with NBA teams and sign with NBPA-certified agents, while remaining NCAA eligible. He has until May 29 to decide to either remain in the NBA Draft or withdraw his name to retain his NCAA eligibility.

“KZ has certainly put himself him in position to be evaluated by the NBA,” said Jerod Haase, Stanford’s Anne and Tony Joseph Director of Men’s Basketball. “He possesses tremendous talent and a skillset that fits the NBA. KZ is also an exceptional person and the consummate teammate. We wish him all the best and continue to support him throughout this process.”

Okpala earned First Team All-Pac-12 honors this past season, averaging a team-best 16.8 points to go along with 5.7 rebounds and a steal per contest. He was also a First Team All-District selection by the United States Basketball Writers Association and a Second Team All-District pick by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Okpala finished fifth in the Pac-12 in scoring with the second-most 20-point games (15) in the conference. The sophomore also ranked 16th in the conference in rebounding and 12th in defensive rebounding (4.5 DRPG). During the Pac-12 regular season, he finished fifth in the conference in scoring (17.5 PPG). He has averaged 13.8 PPG over his first two seasons on The Farm.

Okpala scored a career-high 30 points in the win at Cal in February. He recorded four consecutive 20-point games for the first time in his career in the middle of the conference season, achieving the mark against Arizona (29), Arizona State (21), Washington (22) and Utah (22). He earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors in November, after averaging 29.0 PPG in victories over Seattle and UNC Wilmington. He finished his sophomore season on The Farm with a pair of double-doubles, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Pac-12 opener against UCLA and 20 points and 10 rebounds in the season opener against Seattle.

Five Stanford football players named to NFF Hampshire Honor Society

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By: Ana Kieu

Five Stanford Cardinal football players were honored on Wednesday by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as members of the 2019 Hampshire Honor Society. Jake Bailey, Sean Barton, Frank Buncom, Jesse Burkett and Dylan Jackson were recognized for their high achievements in the classroom and on the field.

In its 13th year, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society honors student-athletes who have:

• Completed their final year of playing eligibility in 2018; or graduated players who have remaining eligibility but will not return to collegiate play
• Achieved a 3.2 cumulative GPA throughout the entire course of undergraduate study
• Met all NCAA-mandated progress toward degree requirements
• Been a starter or significant contributor throughout the 2018 season

Jake Bailey (3.22 GPA; Science, Technology and Society), a punter from Solana Beach, Calif., was a three-time All-Pac 12 honoree during his career. He was also a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention honoree and finished as Stanford’s all-time career leader in punting average (43.81). He also kicked off for the Cardinal, in addition to his punting duties, and had 173 career touchbacks.

Sean Barton (3.49 GPA; International Relations), an inside linebacker from North Salt Lake, Utah was twice named to the Pac-12 All-Academic second team during his career. He finished with 141 career tackles (76 solo) with 10.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He also forced three fumbles, had three fumble recoveries and an interception in his career.

Frank Buncom (3.31 GPA; Human Biology; minor in Communication), a free safety from San Diego, Calif., was a three-time Pac-12 All-Academic honoree during his career. He finished with 115 tackles (66 solo) in 39 career games with five interceptions and 17 passes defended. He also had one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a touchdown in his career.

Jesse Burkett (3.50 GPA; Japanese; minor in Computer Science), a center from St. Augustine, Fla., was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2017 and was CoSIDA Academic All-District three times during his career. He was also a four-time Pac-12 All-Academic honoree. He played in 42 career games and made 37 starts, earning All-Pac 12 honorable mention in 2018. He was also a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy last season.

Dylan Jackson (3.32 GPA; Political Science; minor in History), a defensive end from Maryville, Tenn., earned first team Pac-12 All-Academic twice and earned Pac-12 All-Academic honors a total of three times. He posted 84 tackles (33 solo) with 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup and two fumble recoveries in 39 career games.

Stanford hosts the Cardinal and White Spring Game on Saturday at Cagan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 pm PT and will be live on Pac-12 Networks. In addition to the Spring Game, fans can take advantage of all of Saturday’s events on campus during the Cardinalpalooza.

Stanford men’s basketball selected to play in 2020 Maui Invitational

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By: Ana Kieu

The Stanford Cardinal men’s basketball team has been selected to play in the 2020 Maui Jim Maui Invitational, which will be held from November 23-25, 2020 at the historic Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii.

The Cardinal is part of a stellar eight-team field that includes Alabama, Davidson, Indiana, North Carolina, Providence, Texas, and UNLV. The event will mark the 37th edition of the annual tournament, held in Maui.

The Cardinal will make its fourth appearance in the prestigious tournament, previously competing in the event in 1987, 1992, and 2004. Stanford oowns a 3-6 all-time record in its three previous appearances with wins over Baylor (1987), BYU (2004) and Chaminade (1987). In its most recent appearance in the Maui Invitational in 2004, Stanford went 1-2, defeating BYU, and dropping decisions to Tennessee and No. 14 Louisville.

“Each year, the Maui Jim Maui Invitational prides itself on bringing the best college basketball teams and talent to the island of Maui,” said tournament chairman Dave Odom. “2020 is no different, with the Lahaina Civic Center hosting some of the game’s most historic programs of all time.”

The Jim Maui Invitational is excited to announce a new element of the event. The tournament has a longstanding tradition of presenting each team with its very own hand-made, customized surfboard, and will now host a contest that sources the surfboard designs directly from the students of the participating schools. Contest winners will be announced in the fall and honored at the schools’ surfboard presentations in 2020.

Ticket and travel packages will be available at a later date. For more information, visit MauiInvitational.com.

15 Stanford football players showcased their talents at Pro Day

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By: Ana Kieu

JJ Arcega-Whiteside had hoped to turn a few heads Thursday in Stanford’s annual Pro Timing Day. He did just that in front of representatives from 32 NFL teams, totaling more than 100 personnel, including more than 20 position coaches, four general managers, and San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan Facing scrutiny and evaluation in the weight room and on the field, he ran 4.49 in the 40-yard dash and posted 34 inches in the vertical jump and 9’10” in the broad jump.

“I thought it went as good as it could go,” Arcega-Whiteside said. “I got mostly everything that I wanted accomplished.”

Once he strapped on his gold cleats and got loose, Arcega-Whiteside’s butterflies disappeared.

“It was nerve-racking for about six days because it’s Pro Day,” Arcega-Whiteside said. “At the end of the day, we’re playing football. As soon as I touched the field, it was like nobody else was here. Once you get here and get warmed up, the nerves go out the window.”

Some have speculated that Arcega-Whiteside (6-2 1/8, 223-pounds) could be a late first or early second selection in the NFL Draft from April 25-27.

“You always wonder,” Arcega-Whiteside said. “Wherever I go is where I’m going to go. I know the team that drafts me is the team I want to go to because they want me.”

David Shaw, the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football, thinks someone will be happy they chose Arcega-Whiteside.

“I would say the two things I know for sure are that JJ Arcega-Whiteside can change field position and he can score touchdowns,” Sha said. “You can look at his game and pick it apart, but those are two things that have been consistent on this level, in high school, and will be consistent on the next level.”

Asked why Stanford has become a pipeline to the NFL, Arcega-Whiteside said, “We’ve got ballers here. I play with them and practice with them every day and they make me better. I’m just proud to be part of this program.”

Other former Stanford players who participated were Joey Alfieri, Jake Bailey, Isaiah Brandt-Sims, Jesse Burkett, Keller Chryst, Brandon Fanaika, A.T. Hall, Nate Herbig, Alijah Holder, Trenton Irwin, Bryce Love, Alameen Murphy, Bobby Okereke, and Kaden Smith.

Following a welcome from Shaw, players who did not attend the recent NFL Combine were available for classroom questions. Then, everyone moved to the weight room for the vertical jump, broad jump and bench press.

Former Cardinal standouts Solomon Thomas and Joshua Garnett, now members of the 49ers, were among the interested onlookers.

“Got some work in and came back to see the young bucks,” Garnett said.

Thomas did the same and sprinted down the back steps just in time to watch Alfieri hoist his first bench press.

“Come on, Joey!” Thomas yelled.

Nervous family members watched and paced in the back. While they were under strict orders not to cheer, current and former players picked up the slack, encouraging, clapping and cheering.

Burkett and Fanaika led the group with 23 bench press reps. Hall hit 18 reps, Alfieri completed 17, and Okereke had 16.

Brandt-Sims ran the fastest 40 time at 4.47 and Alfieri ran 4.49. Okereke timed 7.03 in the three-cone drill.

Alfieri’s vertical leap measured 33.5 inches, while Chryst also touched that same mark.

Late-season injuries sidelined Love and Irwin, but both were present and vocal supporters of their former Cardinal teammates.

“Right now, I’m just getting on the straight line running,” said Love. “Starting to get on the treadmill and all that. I’m feeling good. Workout-wise, I’m pretty much doing all the exercises I want to do. On-the-field, hopefully in a few more weeks.”

Love hasn’t given much thought to when he will be picked in the NFL Draft. He’s training in Pensacola, Florida.

“Right now, I’m just focusing on the things I can control,” Love said. “At the end of the day, making sure I am in the physical shape I need to be. From there, I know what I am as a player. I’m confident in that. Whatever team I go to, I know what I’m working for and towards.”

Stanford Pro Timing Day was broadcasted by ESPN3 and taped by the NFL Network. Notables in attendance included ex-Stanford standouts John Lynch, GM of the 49ers, and Christian McCaffrey, a breakout star for the Carolina Panthers. In addition to Shanahan, Oakland GM Mike Mayock, Buffalo General Manager Brandon Beane and New England Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio were also on hand.

Under Shaw, the Cardinal has produced 30 draft picks, including six first-round selections since the 2012 NFL Draft, the most of any Pac-12 conference program. Andrew Luck was the No. 1 overall choice in 2012. In 2017, Thomas was taken third overall by the 49ers, the highest defensive pick in program history. McCaffrey was selected eighth in the same draft by the Panthers.

Stanford has produced 25 NFL Draft first-round picks and has had 263 players drafted by NFL teams since 1936. Four Cardinal players have been chosen in the first round in the last four years.

“They’re showing off all the hard work they’ve put in,” Shaw said. “We remind them your film is the most important thing. But you want to come out here and show you’re willing to work and execute. Our guys ran fast, jumped high, and as usual, knocked out all the interviews, because they’re great kids. It’s been a great day.”

Asked why Stanford continues to churn out so many NFL players, Shaw said it wasn’t by accident.

“We talk about recruiting the trifecta,” Shaw said. “We want high academics, high character and great football players. We want to bring in guys who have aspirations to play this game at the highest level. We want that to be the mentality here. We run NFL schemes in all three phases.”

Shaw and McCaffrey had a long conversation on the field.

“It was great to see him,” said Shaw. “He has always said he wants to come back during the offseason and be around this place. He loves this place and the people. It’s such a great time here, on the field and off. And his best friends are here. I love that fact that he’s here to be around our current players, because he’s the example of how to train hard, how to work hard and play at a high level. And at the same time, be a great person and a great leader. He’s doing the same thing on the next level, which is not a surprise to any of us.”

McCaffrey is a Love fan.

“Everything he brought to Stanford in college he can bring to the NFL,” McCaffrey said. “He’s an every-down back with all of the attributes you want in a back. He’s dedicated, he breaks tackles, he’s smart. It was an honor to play with him and watch him. Wherever he goes, he’s going make a team better.”

The second session of spring practice resumed this week and culminates with the Spring Game on April 13 in Cagan Stadium at 1 pm. An open practice will be held on Saturday from 10:10 am- 12:10 pm.

Stanford men’s basketball news and notes

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Photo credit: gostanford.com

By: Ana Kieu

It’s the offseason and there’s not much to cheer about the Stanford Cardinal men’s basketball team, but I’m going to compile a list of the latest news and notes for those of you who still happen to be interested in the team.

March 21st

Sophomore forward KZ Okpala named to the NABC All-District Team.

Okpala continued to earn postseason accolades. The Cardinal standout was a Second Team All-District selection by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Okpala, who was also a First Team All-Pac-12 selection and a First Team United States Basketball Writers Association pick, was voted a semifinalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award.

Okpala led Stanford in scoring at 16.8 PPG in his second year at The Farm. He ranks fifth in the Pac-12 in scoring with the second-most 20-point games (15) in the conference. He also ranks 17th in the conference in rebounding (5.7 RPG), and 12th in defensive rebounding (4.5 DRPG). During the regular season, he finished fifth in the conference in scoring (17.5 PPG).

Okpala scored a career-high 30 points in the win at Cal in February. He recorded four consecutive 20-point games for the first time in his career in the middle of the conference season, achieving the mark against Arizona (29), Arizona State (21), Washington (22) and Utah (22). He earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors in November after averaging 29.0 ppg in victories over Seattle and UNC Wilmington. He finished his sophomore season at The Farm with a pair of double-doubles, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Pac-12 opener against UCLA and 20 points and 10 rebounds in the season opener against Seattle.

Stanford completed the season 15-16 overall and 8-10 in the Pac-12.

March 27th

Stanford joins Butler, Missouri and Oklahoma as part of standout field in Kansas City.

Stanford will play in the 2019 Hall of Fame Classic at Sprint Center in Kansas City this November.

“We are excited to be a part of the Hall of Fame Classic,” said Jerod Haase, Stanford’s Anne and Tony Joseph Director of Men’s Basketball. “It is a great field at an outstanding venue. Playing in Kansas City and exploring the Hall of Fame will be a great experience for our team. We look forward to the opportunity to compete in a high-level tournament against some of the best teams in the country.”

The Cardinal is part of the championship rounds of the tournament alongside Butler, Missouri and Oklahoma. The semifinal rounds will be held on Monday, November 25, with the finals taking place on Tuesday, November 26. All four contests will be aired on the ESPN family of networks.

Matchups and game times for the tournament will be announced at a later date.

This marks Stanford’s second appearance in the Hall of Fame Classic. Stanford was part of the 2006 tournament, then named the CBE Classic. Stanford fell to Air Force in the second round of the 2006 tournament.

Stanford is 2-1 all-time against Oklahoma, with its last meeting against the Sooners coming in the 1997 NCAA Tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Stanford’s 1-2 all-time against Butler, having last faced the Bulldogs in 2011. Stanford fell in its only meeting against Missouri, dropping a 78-70 decision to the Tigers at the 2012 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas.

The Hall of Fame Classic is part of Hall of Fame Weekend, which also includes the 14th annual induction ceremony for the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. That event will take place on Sunday, November 24 in Kansas City.

For more information on the Hall of Fame Classic, visit www.halloffameweekend.com.

April 1st

Todd Lichti will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

One of Stanford’s all-time greats is set to be recognized among college basketball’s all-time greats. Todd Lichti, who starred at Stanford from 1985-89, will be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

Lichti is part of a prestigious 2019 class that includes Indiana’s Calbert Cheaney, Duke’s Shane Battier, Purdue’s Terry Dischinger, Providence’s Ernie DiGregorio, UNLV’s Larry Johnson, and former coaches Homer Drew, Lute Olson and the late Rick Majerus. The induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 24 at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.

“I thought my basketball award days were long behind me,” Lichti said. “It’s humbling to be part of this conversation so many years on, let alone to now be a member of this select group. I struggle somewhat to put this into context coming from everyday beginnings, the son of two school teachers, and returning there in my life now where I suppose I’m most comfortable.”

“I must thank my teammates and coaching staff while at Stanford,” Lichti continued. “They worked as hard as I did to achieve what we did and from whom I learned much. My family has always been an incredible support system since my childhood — and now my wife and son are.

“One of the first things I did upon hearing the news was look at the list of players already inducted searching for one name — Hank Luisetti,” Lichti added. “He was there and that made it okay for me to be included.”

Lichti will be the second National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame inductee from Stanford in the last three years. Mike Montgomery was a 2016 inductee.

“When I arrived at Stanford, there was a group that was very hungry for success,” said Montgomery, who coached the Stanford program from 1987-2004. “Todd was the clear leader of this group and commanded the respect from everyone around him. He was very talented and possessed the charge to lead our program to success it had not seen in nearly five decades. I am very proud of his accomplishments at Stanford and beyond. He is an outstanding person who deserves to be recognized among college basketball’s greatest of all-time. I look forward to celebrating his enshrinement this November.”

A three-time All-America selection, Lichti is one of only four players in conference history and the lone Cardinal to earn all-conference honors each of his four years. One of the most decorated players in program history, Lichti completed his career as Stanford’s leading scorer with 2,336 career points. More than three decades after his graduation, the total ranks second all-time. He scored in double figures in 121 of his 124 career games at The Farm.

Noted as the pioneer behind Stanford’s national rise to basketball prominence, Lichti guided Stanford to its first NCAA Tournament berth in 47 years as a senior in 1989. He was honored as a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press in 1989, also receiving All-America laurels from the United Press International his junior and season seasons. He led Stanford to 76 wins over his four years as a Cardinal.

Lichti’s career scoring average of 18.8 PPG ranks third all-time. Along with his scoring totals, the standout guard ranks among the leaders in program history in field goals made (second, 820), rebounds (15th, 697), assists (11th, 304), steals (fourth, 156), three-point field goal percentage (second, .477), field goal percentage (14th, .538), free throws made (third, 584), free throw percentage (fifth, .840), and starts (fourth, 119).

“Todd was the greatest player I had the good fortune to play with,” said Andrew Vlahov, Lichti’s Stanford teammate for two seasons. “His intelligence, competitive spirit and friendship played a large role in shaping my own attitudes as a student-athlete at Stanford and beyond. His basketball talents were incredible and are well documented, but people should also know that his character, integrity and humanity are also world class. A deserving recipient and one that all Stanford past and present students and faculty can be extremely proud of.”

Lichti was the 15th overall selection and first pick of the Denver Nuggets in the 1989 NBA Draft. He played five seasons in the NBA, where he averaged nearly eight points per game for his career. He later starred for several seasons in the Australian National Basketball League for the Perth Wildcats until he retired from basketball.

Lichti was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.

“Todd is certainly one of college basketball’s all-time greats,” Stanford head coach Jerod Haase said. “It has been a true privilege to get to know him since I arrived at Stanford. His tremendous achievements on the court are only a piece of what he has accomplished as a professional, a husband and a father. This is a well-deserved honor and we look forward to celebrating along with Todd in Kansas City in November.”

The Hall of Fame’s 14th induction celebration in Kansas City will precede the 2019 Hall of Fame Classic, which will feature Stanford in its four-team field alongside Butler, Missouri and Oklahoma.

April 2nd

Josh Sharma has been selected to play in the NABC College All-Star Game at the Final Four.

All-Pac-12 standout Josh Sharma has been selected to play in the National Association of Basketball Coaches College All-Star Game, which features 20 of the nation’s most outstanding seniors in NCAA Division I men’s basketball.

The College All-Star Game will be held this Friday, April 5 at 1:30 pm PT on the court at the NCAA Final Four at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game is free to attend and open to the public. The contest will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

Sharma was selected to the 10-man West All-Star Team after a standout senior season on The Farm. He was a candidate for the Pac-12’s Most Improved Player Award and established a school record for field goal percentage in a season. His mark of .673 was not only a program record, it was the eighth-best field goal percentage in a season in Pac-12 history. He completed his standout career eighth on Stanford’s field goal percentage list, shooting .563 for his career.

Sharma was an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention selection as a senio  after finishing the year as the conference’s field goal percentage leader and ranking in the top-10 in the league in offensive rebounds (third, 2.6 ORPG), blocks (seventh, 1.4 BPG) and rebounds (ninth, 7.1 RPG). He averaged 11.3 PPG and 8.2 RPG during Pac-12 play, posting double-doubles in five of his final seven games. Sharma averaged 14.7 PPG and 11.1 RPG in those seven games.

Sharma collected Pac-12 Player of the Week honors twice during the season. He was first recognized in late December after a 23-point, 18-rebound performance in the win over Long Beach State. He was honored again after posting a double-double in a sweep of UCLA and USC in February.

The full rosters for both the East and West teams for the NABC College All-Star Game are available on the NABC’s website.