One of the most successful programs in Southern California the past few years has been LA Trade Tech. Located just a mile or so from Staples Center, the home of the 2009 NBA Champion Lakers, Trade Tech may be ready to make a championship run of its own in 2009-10.
Trade Tech has had a dozen transfers over the past three years to all levels of four-year schools. Most of those have been of the D-2 or NAIA variety, but that may be about to change. There are at least three legitimate D-1 candidates on the Trade Tech roster this year, and that doesn’t include perhaps the top returning sophomore, guard Cliff Sutherland, as his D-1 eligibility status is yet to be determined.
“You’re going to love watching this team, and we’re going to shock some people,” claimed Assistant Coach Kenneth Hunter as he invited me to a recent practice.
Trade Tech plays an exciting up-tempo style, which is a lot of fun to watch. But the only thing that would be shocking is if Trade Tech doesn’t win, such as was the case early last year. Coming off back-to-back SCC-North championships and a trip to the 2008 State Tournament, Trade Tech started the season 3-8. The Beavers ended up finishing strong for a final tally of 15-13, but still ended up missing the playoffs.
This time around, there should be no such problems. Trade Tech has an exceptional backcourt in Pacific bounceback Taylor Shipley and Sutherland as well as high-scoring incoming freshman Tim Johnson. And there is plenty of quality size with power forwards Yashin Ali and Josh Chatman as well as returning small forwards Austin Bowen and Tyrone Nance. Jason Williams and 6-10 Tyron Lyons figure to battle for minutes in the post.
And as is always the case at Trade Tech, there are plenty of quality reserves to pick up the slack when needed. Among the more prominent reserves are returning sophomores Darnell Campbell and Chris Johnson and promising freshmen Doundrekyc (Dun-Dun) Parham and Luis Engleton.
Here is a closer look at several of Trade Tech’s top players:
Cliff Sutherland, SG, 6-2, soph. Veteran guard brings veteran savvy, and has a variety of skills including shooting (3-pt range), scoring, creating and disrupting things on defense. Northern Arizona and Portland State have shown interest. LATT is still trying to determine if he’s D-1 eligible; if not he’s a steal for any D-2 program.
Tim Johnson, SG, 6-0, frosh. Super-scorer put on a show for Santa Ana CC at the Hoop Review Shootout in July before moving to LATT. Quick and agile, able to get his own show and is exceptional mid-range shooter. A qualifier who had interest from Oregon last year and is clearly a D-1 guy.
Taylor Shipley, PG, 6-0, soph. Univ of the Pacific bounceback chose LATT because they like to run. Excellent playmaker with strong handle and outstanding court vision, and can hit the spot-up three. D-1 guy should be among state leaders in assists this year.
Jason Williams, PF/C, 6-8, frosh. Made a lasting impression at the California JUCO Shootout last summer with a powerful dunk in traffic at one end and an emphatic blocked shot from the weak side moments later. Has all the physical skills a D-1 post player needs, and is also an excellent outside shooter for a big man. Only has to do what he does well more often and he'll have D-1 programs chasing after him.
Tyron Lyons, C, 6-10, frosh. Redshirt freshman has the size and leaping ability, still working on the rest of the package. Will make dazzling play one minute, but mystifying mistake a moment later. Is just 210 pounds though he’s reportedly added considerable bulk in the last year – could still use some more strength. Also needs to practice harder and focus – he was stripped 3 different times by smaller men as he went up for lay-ups in this one practice alone. Still, the raw skills are there and the upside is tantalizing.
Yashin Ali, PF, 6-7, frosh. Exceptional athlete can rebound, run the floor, score inside, and has good jumper. Attended LA Southwest last year but did not play. Will have to earn his minutes on this loaded team, but the skills are there.
Josh Chatman, PF, 6-6, frosh. Powerful rebounder, uses his body extremely well in traffic and going for rebounds. Has a ton of inside moves and finishes well. Needs to improve conditioning to maintain endurance, but should be a force inside.
Austin Bowen, PF/SF, 6-6, soph. Great athlete, slasher, plays well in spurts. Very effective when he’s heading towards the basket, less so when he isn’t. Plays hard and just needs to focus on what he’s most effective at doing.
Tyrone Nance, SF, 6-5, soph. Made huge impression last year with his combination of skill and toughness. Got a bloody mouth in a collision in the final minute of regulation vs. Pasadena, but stayed in the game and had 4 of his 14 points in OT in an LATT win. Each time I’ve asked Coach Hunter about him since, he’s talked about how hard Tyrone works in practice and how far his game has come. Missed this practice due to a minor injury but is expected to be ready well in advance of the season opener.
2009-10 LA Trade Tech Roster:
Coach: Richard Wells - Assistant Coach: Kenneth Hunter
Player, Height, Weight, Year – Previous School
Yashin Ali, 6-7, 225, frosh – LA Southwest CC
Marcquise Anderson, 5-11, 170, frosh – Marshall (Pasadena)
Austin Bowen, 6-6, 210, soph – Pacific Hills
Darnell Campbell, 6-3, 200, soph – Boys & Girls (New York)
Josh Chatman, 6-6, 260, frosh – Santee
Derrick Edwards, 6-0, 220, frosh – Hamilton (LA)
Luis Engleton, 6-2, 200, frosh – Hollywood
Irvin Flores, 6-3, 190, frosh – St. Genevieve (Panorama City)
Christopher Johnson, 6-1, 180, soph – Muir
Tim Johnson, 6-0, 170, frosh – Carson
Tyron Lyons, 6-10, 210, frosh – Crenshaw
Tyrone Nance, 6-5, 215, soph – Crenshaw
Doundrekyc (Dun-Dun) Parham, 6-1, 170, frosh – Dorsey
Taylor Shipley, 6-0, 170, soph – Univ of the Pacific
Cliff Sutherland, 6-2, 185, soph – East Valley (Redlands)
Jason Williams, 6-8, 250, frosh – Morningside (Inglewood)
