Men's Basketball: Brown, Viney Sign with Oregon

Oregon graduates two seniors from the 2006-07 team, point guard Aaron Brooks and forward Adam Zahn.

Oregon head coach Ernie Kent signed a pair of highly-ranked players from California on Wednesday. Photo: goducks.com

EUGENE - Two of California’s top high school basketball players, guard Kamyron Brown and small forward Drew Viney (pronounced VY-nee), have signed National Letters of Intent with Oregon, head coach Ernie Kent announced Wednesday.

"Signing Kamyron and Drew will allow us to continue to play fast and run and shoot the ball well for years to come," said Kent. "They both come from winning programs that emphasize hard work, which should ease their transition to the college game."

The 6-2 Brown, from Santa Ana, Calif., averaged 10 points, 8 assists and six rebounds per game as a junior for Mater Dei High School and has led that team to consecutive appearances in the state title game.

"Kamyron comes from an outstanding program," said Oregon coach Ernie Kent. "Nothing but winners come from Mater Dei. Kamyron is a smart, hard-nosed point guard who knows how to play the position."

Rivals.com said Brown was the best point guard in the state of California and No. 18 at the position nationally, while Scout.com rated Brown as a three-star recruit and the top senior point guard on the West Coast.

"A very good-looking young point guard, Brown has the frame and quickness to play at a high level; good-sized point with quickness and strength. Good defender with a chance to be exceptional. Can defend the one or two. Decisions need to improve, but a high major prospect," stated Scout.com on its web site.

Brown’s uncle is current Arizona assistant coach Miles Simon, who played for the Wildcats from 1994-98.

Viney, listed as a four-star recruit, was ranked as the 20th-best small forward in the country by Scout.com, and is listed in that service’s top 100 recruits overall.

"He is one of the most skilled perimeter players in the West," said Kent. "He is a pure shooter who can also score off the dribble as well."

The 6-7 wing averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game as a junior for Villa Park High School.

"A good athlete, Viney has a very nice frame and a terrific stroke with good range. He moves well, but is still not completely grown into his body. Looks like he may still be growing. Among the top wing prospects in the west for 2007," Scout.com described Viney.

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