Valley High’s Daniel Young picks Cal-State Fullerton basketball

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 | 7:33 p.m.

Daniel Young knew he could be a better basketball player.

Despite having minor success last year as a junior, the 6-foot-8 Valley High power forward wasn’t satisfied with himself. He averaged 8 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game last year in helping the Vikings win the Northeast League title.

Often being the tallest player on the court, Young surely didn’t play like someone with a size advantage.

So, this spring and summer, he worked on being more aggressive on the inside. He also hit the weights and added 10 pounds to his frame, getting up to 195 pounds.

The changes have resulted in a college scholarship.

Young verbally committed to Cal State-Fullerton on Saturday after taking a weekend recruiting visit. He also had scholarship offers from Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, and Sacramento State was on the verge of offering.

The general consensus is Young is a diamond in the rough — especially if he continues improving.

“The kid jumps out of the gym,” Valley coach Brian Farnsworth said. “He is still getting so much better every day.”

Young spent most of the offseason in the gym and weight room. The results were obvious.

Playing with Compton Magic, he shined at multiple tournaments and recruiting showcases in finally becoming a force on the inside. Soon, the college coaches started calling.

“(I started) attacking the basketball more. Everything is a dunk now,” Young said.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.