Update on former JSerra stars: DJ Rodman has big game for WSU in win over UCLA

DJ Rodman of Washington State takes a jumper against UCLA. (Photo courtesy Photo Services, WSU)

Four ex-JSerra High School boys basketball players have joined Division 1 college programs and three are making an impact this seasoon with their teams.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these four guys representing JSerra basketball at the D1 level,” said JSerra Coach Keith Wilkinson.

“Not only are they off to great starts to their careers, but they are all terrific young men! They check in on the old ball coach every once in a while, jump on Zoom sessions with our current JSerra players and come back to campus to workout during their breaks.

“All four of these guys will make great impacts on their team and in their community. We just love these guys, are rooting them on every step of the way and are thankful to call them our JSerra basketball family.”

DJ RODMAN

Rodman, who played at JSerra in his junior and senior years, had a big game Thursday night for Washington State, scoring 14 points in the Cougars 81-73 Pac-12 victory over UCLA in a nationally televised game.

The 6-6 Rodman is averaging 5.8 points and 3.4 rebounds this year. He was a two-time All-Trinity League player for JSerra. He is the son of former NBA star Dennis Rodman. In December 2018, Rodman talked with OC Sports Zone about his hopes of also competing in the NBA.

“DJ Rodman, a sophomore at Washington State, has started in five of 11 games for WSU,” said JSerra Coach Keith Wilkinson.

Rodman missed time earlier this year with a sprained ankle, Wilkinson said.

“Great to see him getting back into a rhythm and we know when he is in that rhythm he can fill it up in a hurry,” Wilkinson said. “He had 14 points and seven rebounds against Oregon State and followed that up with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists (a career-high) in a win over UCLA.”

Rodman played 36 minutes against UCLA and made 4 of 7 field goal attempts.

“He is shooting lights out in last three games, he is 10-of-16 from 3 point line,” Wilkinson said. “Great to see him getting back into a rhythm and we know when he is in that rhythm he can fill it up in a hurry.” 

IAN MARTINEZ

“Ian Martinez, a freshman at Utah, has appeared in 15 games and is averaging 12 minutes per game,” Wilkinson said. “He is a averaging four points and two rebounds.

“His playing time has been sporadic this year, but he has made the most of his opportunities and he has all the ability in the world. I imagine as he continues to get comfortable he will have big performances down the stretch. His last game in 19 minutes of play he had a season high 16 points, five rebounds and one assist in a win on the road at Cal.”

HUGO CLARKIN 

“Hugo Clarkin, a freshman at San Jose State, has started six games and played in 16 games and is averaging 12 minutes per game,” Wilkinson said. “He is averaging two points and two rebounds on 59 percent from the field. His best basketball is still far ahead of him it’s great to see him earning minutes as a freshman.”

FRANCESCO BORRA

 “Francesco Borra, a freshman at UC Davis, was just fully cleared from his ACL injury from last year when he injured it in a game at Servite in January,” Wilkinson said. “Great news for the big man who has put in tireless hours rehabbing this past year. Francesco is redshirting this year, but has been working hard with UC Davis strength and conditioning coach to be as prepared for 21-22 season as possible. He is expected to compete for a starting spot next year as a redshirt freshman. Can’t wait to see big Fran back on the court.” 

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com