Rod Singleton’s last two coaches characterize him as a “coach’s dream”, and Montana State coach Brad Huse, the next to call Singleton his point guard, couldn’t be happier.
Singleton joined the Bobcat program Monday, when the Los Angeles native signed a National Letter-of-Intent to attend Montana State University next fall. The 5-10 transfer from Antelope Valley College averaged 14.2 points and 2.8 assists at the Lancaster, Calif., school last season. He earned First Team All-Foothill Conference honors in both his seasons in the program, and Huse praised Singleton as a player and person.
“It’s reassuring to add an experienced winner like Rod,” Huse said. “I’ve watched him over the past couple of years and his toughness and grit have always stood out. He’s a tremendous team player, a great passer, and can really score when needed. When you sum it up with Rod, it’s all about winning and he’ll do whatever is required to have success.”
A veteran junior college coach who joined the USC staff as an assistant after the 2009-10 season, Dieter Horton called Singleton a unique player. “He is one of the toughest kids that anyone has ever seen,” said Horton, who coached Singleton the past two seasons at Antelope Valley. “He absolutely is a joy to be around. He is going to come in and do a phenomenal job at Montana State. His sheer toughness and will to compete is about as good as anyone I’ve coached in my 14 years at the intercollegiate level. He’s a winner, that’s the bottom line. He’s a flat-out winner.”
Horton said Singleton’s numbers were skewed by his role at Antelope Valley over the past two seasons. “He had to do more scoring” at Antelope Valley, Horton said. “A lot of times he was on a different level than the other kids and that hurt his assist-turnover ratio. I know he looks forward to really upping his assist total (at MSU).”
Citing his strength and basketball intelligence, Horton said Singleton is the complete package. “He really gets up and down the floor,” Horton said. “He has exceptional quickness. His basketball IQ is exceptionally high. He has ability to create and run the floor, and I know he will (succeed at MSU because he) played for one of the best high school programs in the nation and one of best junior college programs in the nation. He can flat-our guard. He’s a fantastic on-ball defender, as well as off-ball defender. In my opinion, he is a steal for (Montana State).”
The 5-10 guard was a highly-decorated performer at Fairfax High in Los Angeles, helping lead his 2007 squad to a Los Angeles City Championship and a California State title. He was a senior captain that season, earning first team all-city and all-league honors and honorable mention all-state kudos.
His high school coach echoed Huse and Horton. “Rod is the epitome of a true point guard,” said Fairfax coach Harvey Kitani. “He is a coach’s delight. He has tremendous character, his leadership is outstanding. Montana State will do well with Rod as the point guard. He is quick, defends, hits the open shot, and also will finish attacking the basket as well. He can score points for you and more importantly will win for you. Everyone that supports the program there will really enjoy having Rod at Montana State.”
Singleton adds perimeter experience to a youthful 2010 Bobcat team. “Our league is full of very good guards and it’s encouraging to know we have an accomplished player like Rod to add to add to that mix,” Huse said. “Rod has played in highly successful programs and for outstanding coaches dating back to high school, so we’re benefiting from that. His past coaches all use words and phrases such as high character, winner, and toughness. I have no doubt that Rod will step in and be a leader for us on and off the court and he’ll be someone our fans will really enjoy watching. Our roster will include a number of freshman and it is encouraging to have seniors like Bobby Howard, Erik Rush, and Danny Piepoli, and juniors Cody Anderson, Jourdain Allou, and Rod Singleton leading them.”
MSU SIGNEES – SPRING 2010
Rod Singleton, G -– 5-10, 185, Jr, Los Angeles, CA (Antelope Valley College/Fairfax)
Jourdain Allou, F -– 6-7, 200, Jr, Ivory Coast, Africa (Navarro, Tex., College)
Tre Johnson, F -– 6-7, 200, Fr, Reno, NV (Hug)
Jordan Salley, P -– 6-7, 240, Fr, Glendora, CA (LaVerne Lutheran)
MSU SIGNEES – FALL 2009
Blake Brumwell, C -- 6-8, Fr, Big Sandy, MT (Big Sandy)
Chris McCall, G -- 6-3, Fr, Las Vegas, NV (Cheyenne)
Shawn Reid, F -- 6-5, Fr, Post Falls, ID (Post Falls)
Casey Trujeque, G -- 5-8, Fr, Los Angeles, CA (Price)