Gavilan's Van Vliet a Big Draw
Saturday, December 23, 2006
By Marc David
Gilroy - Scouts from Purdue, Northwestern and San Jose State were among the crowd at Thursday's Gavilan-City College of San Francisco basketball game.
Their object of attention was Gavilan's man in the middle, 7-foot center Eric Van Vliet. The freshman transfer had missed his previous two games with a knee injury, but he was ready to play against CC-SF.
With 15 points, 16 rebounds and eight blocked shots, Van Vliet didn't disappoint. And he admits he wouldn't be disappointed to be playing in the Big Ten next year.
"That's big-time basketball right there," Van Vliet said. "They have so many games on TV, they have great fan support and facilities. It's a whole different level than, say, the mid-majors."
Van Vliet was at one of those mid-majors last year. He went from Santa Cruz High's state championship team two years ago to the University of Montana. But things didn't work out in Big Sky country.
A knee injury cut short his season. He received a medical redshirt to retain four years of eligibility. Off the court, he had his problems as well. After getting into a fight with another student, Van Vliet was asked to leave the university.
Van Vliet doesn't hide behind the past, which is what Gavilan coach Tito Addison likes most about him.
"Guys come to junior college for all different reasons," Addison said. "Some come because of grades, for financial reasons, for family reasons. He is one of those rare young men who holds himself accountable. He's a great example for the other players."
Van Vliet is one of those rare 7-footers who combines toughness with height. While he is not one to look for trouble, he won't back away from contact. Addison marvels that the only way you'll get the ball from him is to break his arm.
"He's one of the toughest athletes I've ever coached," Addison said. "He's a very fierce competitor and is very aggressive."
"I was never the type of kid to take something from people," said Van Vliet, who is as competitive in the classroom where he gets all As and Bs as on the court.
At Santa Cruz, he was one of four Division 1 players on his team. There may yet be six off his high school team if Gavilan teammates Jessie LoBue and Jango Evans continue to perform well.
Asked whether he felt any pressure to perform Thursday with Division 1 scouts on hand, he shrugged.
"I played in the Big Time Tournament in Las Vegas (one of the elite summer high school tourneys in the country) and there were so many Division 1 coaches there," Van Vliet said. "You learn to play and, not ignore it but not let it faze you. You just have to play your game."
If he continues to play his game, Gavilan could be the biggest beneficiary. Addison acknowledges that he will only have Van Vliet for one year. And yet he also recognizes the impact the big fella' could make once Coast Conference action begins.
"He goes away from the stereotype of 7-footers," Addison said. "He's a very responsible young man. He's always been seen as a guy who stands up for his teammates. He's looked up to at school, in the classroom or on the court. He's always been as big brother to his friends."
Addison has known Van Vliet as a player and person since his AAU days of basketball. He knows what Van Vliet can do for Gavilan, but he also anticipates the impact his center will make at the Division 1 level.
"At this point, I want to improve as a player, have fun and do what I need to do to get back to Division 1," Van Vliet said.
If Thursday was any indication, Van Vliet is certainly on the right track.
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