Mad Baller shedding the sleeper role

Antioch High (Calif.) basketball normally incurs thoughts of Tim Williams but one of the critical components in the Panthers' resurgence the last few years has been the steady play of Calvin Douglas. The 6-foot-3 combo guard was looked upon as a shooter and solid role player on the team in the past, but now, his game has evolved as Douglas is beginning to come into his own as a player.

John Woolery, Antioch's coach recalls a recent fall league. In two games, Douglas had 58 points displaying his entire offensive arsenal.

"Calvin was knocking down jumpers, driving and really scoring in the open court," said Woolery. "When a play needed to be made, he made it."

Douglas' strong play began last season on an Antioch team that was 22-6. The athletic guard then laced up his shoes for Joe Fuca's Lake Show club team, where his leadership and scoring were some of the reasons for the team's No. 1 club team ranking in NorCal.

While his recruitment has been slow, it is starting to pick up for the versatile guard. Schools showing interest include UC Davis, St. Mary's, Florida Atlantic, Cal Poly, Portland State, Long Beach State and Cal State Fullerton.

Mike Kidd, Calvin's father said he is looking for a school that can help his son develop on and off the court. "I am looking for a school that Calvin will grow as a young man," said Kidd. "A place were he can flourish academically. A school that he can play under some good leadership with solid coaching to make him better as a player and a young man."

Douglas said that environment is something that will be important for him. "I am looking for a school that I can be comfortable around the players and coaches," said Douglas. "Playing style does not matter to me, as I can fit into any type of style, rather fast or slow. "

Woolery, a former standout player at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles and then Santa Clara University, began as Antioch's varsity coach in May. Over the past few months, he has seen Douglas evolve and get better as a player.

"His play has gotten better as he has worked on his game, but he has more of an attitude on the court," continued Woolery. "I call him the 'mad baller', as he just comes after people."

To sum up his game, Douglas is a combo guard who can shoot the ball from deep. He is physically strong and athletic and he has a good feel for the game. He plays with a high level of intensity and is a very good defender.

Kidd credits his son's workouts and playing against Newark Memorial's Chris Jones and St. Mary's William Brew, at Norcal Elite practices when they were all playing for the same club.

"That really helped Calvin develop as a player was when he got to practice and play against them," said Kidd. "It was a chance for him to see other players his age, his size and how they worked on the court. That changed his game around."

A student of the game, Douglas patterns his game after Washington Wizard guard Gilbert Arenas. "I like his leadership on the court and his shooting ability," said Douglas. "Arenas is an all around guard, especially the way he uses his body and strength. He is always confident and he wants to take the winning shots in games. I like that."

While Douglas has some schools interested in him, he says he is going to wait and play out his season. The one thing certain is that he will play with a chip on his shoulder for the entire season.

"He sees a lot of these guys committing and this motivates him," said Woolery. "He is out there playing and trying to prove something."