Washington Huskies Basketball: UW Recruits In West Coast All-Star Classic

Jerry Brewer posted a terrific story on today’s West Coast All-Star Classic, taking an in-depth look at the brand new game, which will take place at 6pm at the ShoWare Center in Kent, and the man behind the event, Rainier Beach head coach Mike Bethea. It’s a great read, and I’m not trying to rewrite a copy of his piece, but I figured it was certainly worth passing along both due to the number of high-level local players and the presence of a couple Washington Class of 2013 signees that will be taking part in the festivities.

The proceeds from the game will benefit the Urban Family Center and the Rainier Beach Foundation, and while it’s unclear exactly how much success the game will find in it’s very first year, the level of star power behind it is impressive. Of particular interest? Former Sonic and future hall of famer Gary Payton, Husky great and current Chicago Bull Nate Robinson, Beach product and LA Clipper Jamal Crawford (which explains the picture of Crawford…in case that was confusing.), and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.

As far as players who will be hitting the floor, two Class of 2013 seniors already signed on to play for Washington, Darin Johnson of Sheldon High in Sacramento and Jahmel Taylor of Pacific Hills in Los Angeles. I profiled Darin Johnson, and many of the other players who will be contributing for the first time during the upcoming season, just a few days ago. This game also appears to be part of Jahmel Taylor’s visit to the Seattle area this week, meaning he will be using the trip to get some basketball in while also seeing the University of Washington for the first time.