plock

SoCalHoops Tournament News

Plock Leaves Fullerton, Italiano Arrives--(Aug. 24, 1998)

Danny Italiano (6'-5" Fr. SG) from Jerusalem, Israel, will begin basketball practices Monday with the Titans and not a moment too soon as Italiano's coming is conveniently timed with Dane Plock's going. Plock announced last week that he would not return to play this season. "I've been talking with the coach for a while," the Estancia product said. "We both decided that it would be best if we all went our different ways." Plock (6'-1" So. G) averaged 6.3 points as a freshman, but ran into personal problems his sophomore year. His point-per-game average dropped to just 3.5, all of which were scored from off the bench.

"Things were just up and down last season," Plock said. "I had a good freshman year, but then screwed myself," Plock told the LA Times. Plock was referring to the one-month suspension he received for violation the Cal State Fullerton drug-policy. "I had a month off and wasn't sure whether I wanted to play any more," Plock said. "Besides, I put myself in a hole as far as this season goes." Plock is unsure on whether he will return to basketball with another school. He plans to officially redshirt this season to maintain two years of eligibility while he decides. "I just got pretty burned out," Plock told the Times. "I need to decide if basketball is what I want to do and if so, where." In the meantime, Plock will be attending classes at Cal State Fullerton and will likely seek out a job as well. If he decides to play again, and some program is willing to give him a shot, Plock knows one thing for sure. "I won't make that mistake again," he said.