Boys Basketball: SRV's Mark Tollefsen Commits to USF

San Ramon Valley High senior Mark Tollefsen will continue his basketball career at the University of San Francisco.

The versatile 6-foot-9 forward verbally committed to USF last week after taking an official visit to the campus the previous weekend.

"The whole visit went really well," Tollefsen said. "I liked all the guys and I liked the idea that my parents and family can come to homes games."

Tollefsen played an instrumental role in the Wolves' run to the CIF Division I Northern California semifinals last year and a 28-4 record. San Ramon shared the East Bay Athletic League title with De La Salle, which handed the Wolves three of their four losses.

A dynamic player with a unique combination of size and the ability to play on the perimeter, Tollefsen said the USF coaching staff told him they see him playing the "three or four" positions for the Dons.

"They told me my skill level and my height is a perfect fit for what they are trying to do," Tollefsen said. "I'll more likely be a three because it'll create mismatches, but it'll depend."

Denver and San Jose State also showed interest, along with UC Irvine, where Tollefsen's former teammate, Chris McNealy, is a freshman on the basketball team.

"Those are big shoes to fill," Tollefsen said of McNealy and the other departed seniors. "This year, the (SRV) team will consist of mostly seniors and we've all played together since CYO days and in AAU. We'll have some good goals to set and hopefully we'll reach them."

Longtime San Ramon coach John Raynor has sent several players to the Division I level.

"Mark has made tremendous strides," Raynor said. "He has put a lot of time and energy into the game. He loves the game of basketball and loves his teammates. I think he done a lot to develop his perimeter skills, which are unique for someone who is 6-9. He has good shooting touch and is a highly coordinated young man. There aren't too many 6-9 high school kids who can score inside and out and Mark has demonstrated that ability."

Raynor agreed the Tollefsen fits as either a three or four at the college level and said he's more effective offensively facing the basket.

"When he told me he committed, he had a grin from ear to ear," Raynor said. "It couldn't have happened to a nicer kid."

Tollefsen also plays for the local AAU team, Lakeshow.

USF was 12-18 last year and 7-7 in West Coast Conference play.

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