FanNation - The Republic of Sport

(05-13) 21:14 PDT -- Exactly one month ago, Rex Walters was announced as the USF basketball coach. Not much has changed on some fronts. He still has a bare office, still hasn't found a permanent home and is still adjusting to the sticker shock of his new surroundings. So what has sexy Rexy - a college nickname - done if he's not decorating his office or moving his life from Florida to the Hilltop?

Apparently, just enough to bring some fans back to the Hilltop.

"He has us excited again," said Phil Fleig, an alum.

Walters, standing at a pulpit, fielded questions Tuesday from the 50-some alums and supporters who came to the school's first of three meet-and-greets scheduled for this month.

He was peppered with questions from recruiting to academics to what he would do if his team were up three points with six seconds left on the clock and the opposing team had the ball. His answer: depends on the circumstance.

A witty retort from a man described as a bright, straightforward guy.

Like the new kids on the block, Walters and his staff have been approached by basketball fans for the past month. People at the grocery store were giving Walters their two cents about the program and assistant coach Danny Yoshikawa felt the brunt of dealing with a longtime USF fan, who was working a ticket booth at Fisherman's Wharf. "I love that the people here are so passionate," Walters said. "They really want USF to be back where it should be and that's my goal."

Tuesday's meeting was another effort by the school to jump-start interest in a program criticized for its midseason coaching change and off-the-court issues.

Consequently, the staff has had to deal with remedying the past.

"It's more important than anything else," said Yoshikawa of bringing the program back into a positive light. "We're trying to change the culture here, but it's going to take longer than one month.

"We want to open the doors to get the alumni supporting us again. We want to build those relationships back up."

"There's no reason to look back at what happened one or two years ago," Walters said. "It's time to move forward."

Those close to the program have been pleased with Walters' ability to scramble on the recruiting front. Walters has addressed the need for more depth at the point-guard position and said he intends to use his last scholarship on a big man.

Granted, they're not top-flight players, but they are quality players who understand Walters' desire to be just as strong in the classroom as on the court.

"Everything looks terrific on the outside," said Larry Blum, who recently bought season tickets after having canceled them after last season. "He came in so late, but for him to get the players he did has been excellent."

With both assistant coaches, Yoshikawa and Calvin Byrd, immersed in the West Coast recruiting scene, USF is beginning to tap back into Bay Area talent. The inking of Skyline's Kwame Vaughn and Mitty's Angelo Caloiaro has high school coaches taking notice.

"I think overall, the coaching staff is making noise," Skyline coach Terrence Ransom said. "USF is taking and retaining local talent and letting them develop.

"Hopefully they can put together some solid years and make the program even more attractive."

The newest Dons

A look at new USF coach Rex Walters' 2008-09 recruiting class. He has one more scholarship available:

Angelo Caloiaro

Archbishop Mitty High, 6-7 forward

Senior year: 16.8 points, 8.6 rebounds

Dontae Bryant

Eastern Arizona College (JC), 6-2 guard

Sophomore season: 8.8 points, 7.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 steals

Kwame Vaughn

Skyline High (Oakland), 6-3 guard

Senior year: 23.9 points per game, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists

Evaluation

Vaughn is a fairly long and lean two-guard prospect with a smooth shooting touch out to 20 feet. Presently, he's more of a catch-and-shoot two guard prospect, mainly coming off screens, but he's quick enough to separate himself from defenders with the dribble. His handle is pretty solid, though he needs to polish up his left hand, and he makes enough savvy decisions to possibly be a one someday. Due to his shooting ability, Vaughn is able to get to the hole on occasion and finish, though he needs to get stronger. Look for most low-mid majors to start monitoring his progress during his senior season.

Chris O'Brien

Northwood High (Irvine), 6-4 small forward

Intended to attend Princeton, but wasn't admitted. Sat out last season.

Senior year: 19.6 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.4 steals

E-mail Bryan Chu at bchu@sfchronicle.com.