More on Matt Pollard

Spoke with Steve Walton, the general manager of the Houston Celtics (Matt Pollard's AAU team), and what he had to say about his protege was illuminating.

He began philosophically -- "you can draw from the character of a person how he will perform."

As for Pollard, Walton offered he came to the Celtics "really raw" as he was "new to the game" and "a diamond in the rough."

Pollard began making some noise during his senior season at Kashmere High in Houston. Stephen F. Austin, Wright State and some SWAC schools, along with various DIIs and junior colleges, were interested.

But it was decided the young man would benefit from a post-prep year so he put recruiting on hold and headed off to the Shooting 4 Greatness Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Pollard's improvement throughout the season resulted in schools such as Mississippi, Cincinnati, Seton Hall and South Carolina paying attention. Gamecock Coach Frank Martin came to a couple of games.

By late March-early April, Oklahoma, Kansas State and North Texas had interest.

Then San Jose State University Coach Steve Wojcik called, expressed strong interest and wanted to fly Pollard in on a recruiting visit.

According to Walton, once Pollard arrived in California and checked matters out, it was a done deal.

About Pollard the player and person, Walton said, ""Matt wants to be a winner, he has the will and drive to be the best, he is dedicated and focused on his craft. He has worked hard, lost weight but is strong with great hands."

Walton continued, "we call him Baby Bynum {after former Laker Andrew Bynum]. He has a million dollar smile and he's also the kindest person I've ever met."

But the young man isn't a finished project.

"He still needs polish and he's participating in off-season workouts."

Collectively, this all makes it sound like the Spartans are getting a quality prospect but, even better, a quality person. Character counts.