Jabari Bird is ready to soar

Radar Watch
Opposed to his game, Bird is grounded off the court and fundamentally sound on it. That's why Washington coach Lorenzo Romar was at Salesian's shoot-around Friday and why Kansas coaches are planning to fly out later this month to watch him.

He's on everyone's radar. 

"Before he could dunk, he developed a really strong mid-range game," Attles said. "The best I'd ever seen at that age. He's also an excellent offensive rebounder."

Attles coached Bird at Benicia High last season, but then left – "the school wasn't ready for a big-time basketball program" – so did Bird, who transferred to Salesian, which won its first state title in 2009 before being upset in the NorCal finals last season.

Brown was the team's leading scorer on the 2008-09 team, but was also a superb passer, as he proved by assisting on the game-winning basket, a last-second layup from Kendall Andrews in a 65-64 win over Bishop Montgomery-Torrance at Arco Arena in Sacramento.

"(Brown and Bird) are very similar in how advanced they are as players and scorers," Mellis said. "(Brown) was a better shooter and passer at that stage, and (Bird) is more athletic and active around the basket."

Bird leads the undefeated Pride in scoring (17.5 per game) and rebounding (8.5).

Last year, according to Attles, Bird averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds.

"Had he transferred to a less balanced system, I'm pretty sure he would have broke the state career scoring record," Attles said. "He has that rare type of ability."

But thankfully, Mellis said, Bird isn't into numbers. His transition to the team has been fluid, fast and natural as a Salesian fastbreak hoop.

"He's extremely coachable, hungry to learn and has meshed in beautifully with the team," Mellis said. "He really didn't want to ruffle the dynamics of the team and the kids accepted him right away. He's one of the most popular kids around school. He's always got a smile on his face."

Bird, who wears No. 23 - his idol is Michael Jordan - said he knew many of the Pride players from AAU basketball.

"It's been a great fit," Bird said. "The guys are great. The team is great. I couldn't be happier."