Greetings Torero Friends:

We're officially a month into summer training, and our staff is encouraged by the camaraderie, work ethic and promise our squad has exhibited on the court and in the weight room.

Last month, I gave you the scoop on our incoming transfers. Allow me to introduce you to our incoming freshmen, who will have an opportunity to contribute in our upcoming relaunch season.

Alejandro Aviles (6'9" F – Dream City Christian [AZ], Houston, Texas): Ale is a 4-star recruit per Rivals and McDonald's All-American Nominee. He has been named to the All-Tournament Team twice, earned All-Star Game honors, and was runner-up at The Grind Session. Competing internationally for his home country (Puerto Rico), he's won FIBA championships at several youth levels, and in 2023 was the youngest player ever called up to the Puerto Rican first team for the Pan American Games. Alejandro also merited multiple scholar awards, including a spot on the Principal's List, posting an unblemished 4.0 GPA.

Brandon Benjamin (6'6" G – Canyon HS/Mater Dei HS, Yorba Linda, Calif.): Brandon has excelled since his freshman year, when he started on varsity and was named league MVP, First Team All-County, First Team All-Division and the school's Athlete of the Year. He repeated those honors as a sophomore and collected a John Wooden Award before going to Mater Dei where he was again All-League. His senior year back at Canyon HS, he earned a second John Wooden Award, broke the school record for points with 2,204, and averaged 30.1 ppg – 50th nationally – on 57% shooting while also tallying 11.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks.

D'Arrae Goodwin (6'7" G – Linsly School, Wheeling, W.V.): D'Arrae is a very mature, poised leader with strong character. His senior year he averaged 18.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 48% FG and 33% 3PT. A multiple-time First Team OVAC All-Conference selection, he led his team to a conference championship and Prep Nationals Diamond championship as a sophomore and the best record in school history at 25-2, a Platinum Division National Championship as a junior. Last July, he was invited to attend the NCAA Basketball Academy in Rock Hill, S.C.

Caleb Versher (6'3" G – St. Bernard's HS, Los Angeles, Calif.): Caleb is another coveted SoCal talent, a multiple-time First Team All-League honoree, who led his team to a league and CIF DI Championship. He notably earned MVP honors at the Collision All-Star Game and his senior year averaged 18 ppg, 7 rpg, 5 apg and 2 steals per game. Caleb is also actively involved in community service, including hosting a food bank for a local homeless shelter.

We're pleased by the strides already being made during our first four weeks in the Basketball Performance Center lab.

In recent news, you may have seen that alumnus Mike Brown ('93), one of five former Torero hoopers to become an NBA head coach, was named the New York Knicks Head Coach. Join me in congratulating Mike and wishing him the best of luck on this next endeavor!

On a related note, the USD Basketball Coaches Clinic with David Fizdale and James Borrego, and others is coming up on Aug. 9.

As always, we appreciate your unwavering support of Torero Basketball.

Respectfully,