October 6, 2009
Kurtz goes off the board
Mike Kurtz of Woodcreek High and the E-Time Academy club basketball team has finalized his college decision and won’t have to travel far.
At 7-foot, 190 pounds with a high basketball IQ and excellent mobility, Kurtz offers a world of potential come his move to college hoops. Coach Gary Stewart of UC Davis, who is building up quite the collective of California-based players, is going to be the recipient of Kurtz’ talents.
Kurtz is Big West bound
"I chose UC Davis because I love the area, it’s close to home and my family can see me play and you can’t beat UC scholastics," Kurtz offered, adding, "plus there is a multi-million dollar renovation of the sports pavilion taking place."
As with many student-athletes heading into their senior season, Kurtz wished to end the recruiting process in order to focus on the upcoming season. "Now I don’t have to worry about where I might be going to college," Kurtz said.
Ernest Taubado, coach of the E-Time Hoops Academy offered this on his protégé: "Michael Kurtz is very deserving of the opportunity that the UC Davis coaching staff has offered him. With their guidance, Michael could develop into the player needed for UC Davis to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament."
He added, "Michael’s best attribute is he wants to be coached. In order to meet and exceed your basketball goals, you have to be a student in the arena of basketball. Mike may have a 3.7 GPA but he has a 4.0 in basketball preparation."
Here is Kurtz on the upcoming Woodcreek basketball season: "I think with the guys we have that it’s going to be great. We have some very good juniors and seniors and we’ve played together since the 6th or 7th grade."
The Timberwolves are coming off a 21-8 season, 7-5 in Sierra Foothill League play, one in which Kurtz averaged 11.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.6 blocked shot per game as he was one of five double-figure scorers for Woodcreek.
Perennial powers Rocklin High and Del Oro High will be the primary competitors for the ’Wolves.
Kurtz wanted to thank "God, my parents and family, my friends, Coach [Rich] Sondhi, Coach [Ernest] Taubodo and Coach [Burnel] Pinkerton, for helping me become who I am."
Speaking of Stewart’s recruiting bounty, there is 6-foot-10 freshman DeAndre Madlock, out of the Fresno area -- the only other ‘big’ currently on the Aggie roster who will be there a year from now -- plus Mark Payne, Joe Harden, Dominic Calegari, Ryan Sypkens, Julian Welch and newly-arrived Eddie Miller as the other locals and regionals dotting the Davis roster.