Publication Date: Friday, February 11, 2005
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
The new twin towers
The new twin towers
(February 11, 2005) 7-foot Lopez brothers commit to Stanford for 2006 season
by Keith Peters
Stanford men's basketball fans have two big things to look forward to in 2006 - the 7-foot Lopez twins from San Joaquin Memorial in Fresno.
Brook and Robin Lopez, both listed at 7 feet, 225 pounds, gave early commitments to Stanford last week, according to the Fresno Bee. They will be eligible to sign national letters of intent in November and will join the Cardinal for the 2006-07 season.
The twins, only juniors, said there were no other schools they wanted to attend other than Stanford. Their mother, Deborah Ledford, is a 1971 Stanford graduate. Their verbal commitment is the earliest such assurance the team has ever received.
"They've always wanted to go," Ledford told the Fresno Bee. "They are used to the campus because they've been on it since they were little guys. In terms of basketball, it's perfect for them."
Brook and Robin have attended summer basketball camps at Stanford and have been recruited by the Cardinal since their freshman year. Former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery started the process and formed a strong bond with the family, which reportedly was upset when Montgomery left to coach the NBA's Golden State Warriors this season.
When Trent Johnson was hired to replace Montgomery, he reportedly made it a priority to recruit the twins. Johnson was responsible for recruiting Jason and Jarron Collins, who played on The Farm from 1998-2001 before leaving for the NBA. The Collins brothers helped Stanford reach the NCAA Final Four in their freshman year of 1997-98.
According to the Fresno Bee, Johnson attended nearly every game the Lopez twins played during the summer with their EBO/EA Sports team. Brook was voted MVP at the adidas Super 64 camp in Las Vegas, scoring 14 points in the championship game to lead his team to the title.
Brook and Robin told the Fresno Bee that they were happy with their decision, which allows them to concentrate on basketball and "getting good grades."
"We were so positive about the decision," said Brook, who averages 14.7points and 10.4 rebounds. "We've been around Stanford our whole life."
The two attended Stanford's 88-69 romp over Oregon on Jan. 29 and, according to the Stanford Daily, hand-made signs in the Sixth Man Club section acknowledged the twins' attendance.
Brook is rated the No. 5 power forward and the No. 10 overall junior prospect in the nation by rivals.com while Robin is rated the No. 3 center and No. 26 overall junior prospect by the same recruiting web site. They have led their team to a 17-7 record this season, including a 6-0 mark in the North Yosemite League after Wednesday's 85-69 win over rival Sunnyside. Brook Lopez had 28 points, nine rebounds and nine blocks.
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