Major interest in 2006 Deane

Daniel Deane, the No. 117 ranked player in the class of 2006, first made a splash on the national scene with his stellar play at the Nike Hoop Jamboree in June. The 6-foot-8, 230-pound power forward from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Park City, Utah continued to play well for Utah Pump N Run and at the adidas Superstar Camp. Several high majors are now tracking him closely and three have made offers.

“Assistant coaches from Gonzaga, Oregon, Arizona and Marquette came in to watch me this fall,” said Deane. “Coach Howland from UCLA and Coach Johnson from Stanford came in, and all the Utah coaches have been in. UCLA, Stanford and Utah have all offered already.”

Although Deane does not have a steadfast list of schools, he did say that he was only interested in the schools that have made the effort to watch him this fall. He also noted that the schools that did come in to watch him are all equal and that he does not have a favorite.

Deane, a bruising rebounder with a relentless work ethic on the court, is now focused on expanding his game.

“Our school just got the ‘gun,’ and it has really helped my shot,” he said. “I started out hitting 41 percent from 19-feet. Now I am up to 78 percent.

“It is unbelievable what it has done for my game. It has changed my game from a drive and post up game to a game where I am a threat to catch and shoot. The treat to shoot has opened up the drives even more.”

One of the aspects Deane is searching for in a school is the opportunity to utilize his expanding offensive game.

“I want to go to a great academic school,” he said. “I would also like a chance to be an impact player my freshman year. I want to play a diversified role also. I want to be more than just a rebounder and banger.”