Former Oakland star Erik Kangas has signed with Rosalia of Santiago, Spain according to OU Athletics. Rosalia plays in the LEB Silver League.

"This is a once in a lifetime experience, not many people can say they've done this," Kangas told OU Athletics. "I get to go to a great country, where there are a lot of neat cities to visit and I'm getting paid to play basketball. You can't really get much better."

Kangas ended his career as arguably the best outside shooter in Oakland history. He owns the school record for career 3-pointers and 3-pointers in a season, as well as the Summit League single-season recored for 3-pointers. He averaged 3.9 3-pointers per game last season, which was third in the nation.

The sharpshooter also had a knack for hitting big shots, nailing several game-winners during his time at Oakland.

"Since I got to play a lot and showcase myself at OU, that really helped out," Kangas told OU Athletics. "The coach over there watched my games from OU and really liked me. Going through, learning all our offenses and the toughness our coaches taught here have prepared me to go over there."

Kangas is the second member of the 2009 senior class to sign a professional contract. Earlier this month, Dan Waterstradt signed with CSU Pitesti in Romania.

"I'm really happy to sign with Pitesti," Waterstradt told OU Athletics. "I am chasing my dream of playing basketball professionally. I want to thank all the OU fans and alumni that helped and encouraged me to keep working hard. Also I want to thank the OU coaching staff for helping me get to where I am as a player and person."

North Farmington’s Jenna Bachrouche knew exactly who to turn to when she needed advice on the recruiting process, her sister Katya, who is a swimmer at Virginia.

With the help of Katya, Jenna Bachrouche decided Oakland was the best place to continue her basketball career and verbally committed to the Golden Grizzlies.

“She went on the official visit with me,” Jenna Bachrouche said of her sister. “She told me it’s a good program and growing. (Coach Beckie Francis) really cared. Some coaches just recruit, Oakland really wanted me and that played a part. They really cared about my family, me and everything.”

The 6-foot Bachrouche picked Oakland over offers from Vermont, Cincinnati, UMKC and IUPUI among others. Oakland’s campus being so close to home also helped Bachrouche make her decision.

“My grandma really loves watching me play and it’s close enough for her to watch me, which is good,” Bachrouche. “My parents and friends can all watch me too.”

Bachrouche’s family played an important role in her decision and posed the perfect question to help her make up her mind.

“I had been talking to my family about it and they asked, ‘Why you wouldn’t go there?’ and I couldn’t really come up with a reason,” Bachrouche said. “I think basically it seemed like the right time, it wasn’t too late and it wasn’t too early. It just felt right.”

Bachrouche has had plenty of battles over the years against Oakland’s incoming freshman and former Lake Orion star Bethany Watterworth, who also helped her decide on Oakland.

“I’ve been playing against her for a long time in AAU and high school,” Bachrouche said. “I met her when I went to an open gym at Oakland and she was really nice. I look forward to playing with her.”

Bachrouche averaged 15 points and eight rebounds last year for the Raiders and helped North Farmington reach the Class A semifinals as a sophomore. Bachrouche hopes to have a memorable senior season and is glad the recruiting process is over so she can concentrate on high school.

“I just want to mentor the younger kids, get them to get better,” Bachrouche said of her goals for her senior year. “Just help lead the team as much as I can. Hopefully we will make it far this year and just have fun.”

Collegehoops.net has the Oakland men's basketball team ranked No. 113. A bit low in my opinion, but then again the Summit League doesn't get much respect nationally. I don't know enough about every college team in the nation to rank them myself, but 113 still seems low to me. Oakland is ranked the No. 1 team in the Summit League, which with what the Grizzlies have returning is a no-brainer at this stage. Overall it's a solid article on Oakland and worth checking out.

The women's basketball team received some good news Wednesday when North Farmington's Jenna Bachrouche verbally committed to the team. I'll have more on that later in the week.

The Oakland men’s basketball team picked up its first recruit for the 2010 class when Utica Eisenhower center Corey Petros verbally committed.

The 6-foot-10, 235 pound Petros averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for Eisenhower last year and choose Oakland over several other offers, including Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Detroit Mercy.

“I talked with my parents about it and I thought Oakland was the fit for me out of all the schools,’ Petros said. “I like how the coaches run their offense and I think the system will fit me perfectly. I really like the coaching staff.”

Petros said Oakland being close to home was a bonus, but wasn’t a factor in his decision. He wanted to pick the school that fit him the best.

“I’m glad I made my decision and can move on and enjoy the rest of my summer and my senior year,” Petros said.

Utica Eisenhower coach Brandon Lemley has worked with Petros since he was a freshman and said he thinks Oakland is getting a heck of a player.

“He’s got great hands, great footwork, and a nice touch around the basket,” Lemley said. “He’s still developing and growing. He needs to put on weight and get stronger, but he’s got a huge upside. … He’s only 16. He’s a year younger for his age. He has a whole extra year of development than your typical senior. As he grows into his body, he will continue to develop. He gets better everyday, if he can continue at the pace than it’s good for his future.”

Petros also plays AAU for Team Detroit, which recently won the Reebok Summer Championships in Las Vegas. Petros’ teammates on Team Detroit include Birmingham Detroit Country Day’s Ray McCallum Jr. and Mount Pleasant’s Trey Ziegler.

Petros is a versatile player, who can go inside and also play on the perimeter. Lemley said Petros was shooting 300 3-pointers a day before the AAU season started.

“He ‘s worked hard on his perimeter game,” Lemley said. “He can face up to the basket. He has good handles and can put the ball on the floor. He can be a face-up type player or go in the post if that’s what the defense is giving him.

“I’m very proud of him and his work ethic, and the way he has represented Eisenhower basketball. He’s been a great representative of what we stand for at Eisenhower. Oakland is going to be thrilled when they get him on campus and he can start playing for the Golden Grizzlies.”