Grier brings aboard five new recruits

Two years ago, Torero basketball fans were still reeling from the amazing ride Brandon Johnson, Gyno Pomare and company took them on through the craziest March this campus has ever seen.  The next season saw all players from this team coming back. Expectations were high, and Bill Grier had effectively turned USD into Gonzaga South.
Fast-forward to 2010 and the environment around the basketball program is much different.  Devastated by transfers, injuries and a glaring lack of athleticism, the Toreros have struggled mightily over the past two seasons. 
Grier's critics in the stands and the media point to the fact that his early success came as result of Brad Holland's recruits.
However, with an incoming recruiting class that is ranked as the best in the WCC, Grier has a chance to put those concerns to rest. The incoming class of Simi Fajemisin, Trevor Fuller, Dennis Kramer, Ben Vozzola and junior college transfer Darian Norris next season could very well determine how long Grier is at the reigns for this program.
Fajemisin is a 6'9'', 260 lbs center from Washington who chose USD over Pacific, Gonzaga and St. Mary's.  He will be looked upon to provide the Toreros with some serious bulk on the interior.
"Simi is a big-bodied low-post player. He will give us a true back-to-the-basket scorer," Grier said.
Fuller is a 6'8'', 215 lbs forward from Dallas who averaged 16 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.  Along with Fajemisin, he will be counted on to contribute right away on the block.
"Trevor Fuller gives us a much needed athletic presence on the interior with his ability to defend, block shots and rebound," Grier said.
Kramer is a 6'10'', 220 lbs local product out of La Costa Canyon High School.  ESPN had him rated as the 41st best power forward in the country when he signed with the Toreros.
"Big and skilled would be the best description for Dennis. He has the ability to shoot the ball from three but also has good footwork and scoring instincts in the post," Grier said.
Vozzola is a 6'5'', 175 lbs shooting guard out of Centennial High School in Las Vegas. The Matt Dorr look-alike will attempt to contribute outside shooting and playmaking to next year's squad.
"Ben is a high-level recruit for our program.  He is a fearless competitor and is extremely passionate about the game," Grier said.
Norris is a 5'10'', 180 lbs junior point guard who also hails from Las Vegas.  The JUCO transfer from Salt Lake City Community College will more than likely be the most important newcomer next season. He will be called upon to fill the void left by the departures of De'Jon Jackson and Johnson. 
Freshmen Patrick McCollum and Cameron Miles each got significant time at the point position last year, but Norris will head into fall practice as the frontrunner for the starting spot.
"I really want to play point guard at the Division I level," Norris said.  "The thing I like is having the responsibility that comes with the position."
It is hard to go anywhere but up following an 11-21 season, but these five new players have the potential to make the Toreros a serious contender within the next two years. With a few lucky breaks, Torero players and fans could be partying like it is March 2008 very soon.