Brew speaks on his recruitment

The Nike-sponsored Norcal Elite club team boasts an impressive list of guards in its five years of existence including Rico Tucker (Minnesota/Pepperdine), Demarcus Nelson (Duke), Antonio Kellogg (UConn/USF), Trae Clark (Cal Poly) and Josh Akognon (Washington State/Cal State Fullerton) to name a few. This summer, the tradition continues with rising junior and 6-foot-3 guard William Brew.

Brew is a strong, physical guard who has a nice feel for the game. He was named all-state as a sophomore at St. Mary's High School in Berkeley last season, and he has had solid showings on the spring and summer circuits. As a result, his recruitment is starting to pick up.

"The schools that are taking a look at me include Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA and all of the WCC schools," said Brew.

Norcal Elite coach Mark McKelvy said his player's recruitment has only scratched the surface. McKelvy believes Brew is improving and getting better each game and that the St. Mary's star will be playing in a high-major conference when it is all said and done in two years.

"[Brew's] strengths are his 3-point shooting, defense and leadership," said McKelvy. "He is an extraodinary defender. He is long and can get in the passing lanes and cause problems."

Brew was a freshman on a St. Mary's team that lost in the California state Division IV championship game under the leadership of Larry Gurganious, who is now playing at Gonzaga University. When many pundits thought the Panthers were in a rebuilding stage, Brew assumed the role as team leader last season and helped lead his team to a 23-7 record, losing in the North Coast Section Division IV semi-finals.

Brew continued his strong play on the summer circuit with solid performances at the Boo Williams tournament in Virginia, Las Vegas Spring Showcase, Nike Memorial Day tournament and Nike Hoop Jamboree camp in St. Louis.

"His energy level every game has been high," continued McKelvy.

Brew is the son of William Brew Sr., a former standout at Berkeley High and later at Oregon State under Ralph Miller in the late '70s through early '80s. The elder Brew plans to take his son to Oregon State on an unofficial visit next year, when the school will honor the 1981-82 team, which is being enshrined into the Beavers' Sports Hall of Fame.

Brew Sr. wants his son to go to a school with a team and defensive orientated environment. "Right now, Will's recruitment is really getting started, but he is wide open. I like what I am seeing with the Washington program, UCLA and others including my old school, Oregon State," said the elder Brew. "The Oregon State program is on the upbeat. Jay John is doing a good job of bringing it back to prominence."

However, right now, Brew has some business to take care of on the basketball court. Norcal Elite will compete at the Main Event in Las Vegas starting this weekend, which will conclude their summer schedule.