Bear Insider Video: 2022 Moraga PG Aidan Mahaney

2022 Campolindo point guard Aidan Mahaney‍ is one of the top hoopsters to come from the Lamorinda area East of Berkeley in years, garnering offers from Cal, Stanford, Arizona, St. Mary’s and more as a soph.

“The main three are Cal, St. Mary’s and Stanford,” said Mahaney. “There’s a couple other Pac-12 and some East Coast (programs) but I’d say the main three are Cal, Stanford and St. Mary’s.”

Would staying home and playing locally be appealing to the 4 star point guard?

“Absolutely,” said Mahaney. “But my goal is to play in the NBA so whoever gives me the best chance to do that, whether they’re close to home or far away. But it’s definitely something that’s a plus to play close to home and have my parents and brothers be able to come out to games and also being able to play in a comfortable spot that I’ve known since I was a kid.”

And what is the nation’s number 69 player overall looking for in a program?

“One is playing style,” said Mahaney. “I like to play a lot of pick and roll basketball. That’s kind of what the NBA has evolved into. Also, a coaching staff I have a good relationship with and really trust, someone who will put the ball in my hands and trust me.”

The Cougars won state in Mahaney’s freshman year, as the super frosh led Campolindo with 15.8 points, four rebounds and 2.8 assists a game. He was heading to another state championship his soph season after Campolindo won NorCal but COVID-19 halted play before they had a chance to accomplish back-to-back state championships.

“I think the biggest thing with me is I’m a leader and a winner,” said Mahaney. “I mean, my wins speak for themselves. Freshman year we won state. Sophomore year, I believe we were going to be back-to-back state champs after beating De La Salle. And if you go back earlier, sixth grade, seventh grade, eight grade, we were national champions with my AAU team.

“My big thing I pride myself on is winning. And in terms of leadership, I think that’s my best attribute because I bring guys together and elevate everyone’s play.”

Mahaney has strong relationships with all three of his favorites -Mark Fox at Cal, Jared Haase at Stanford and Randy Bennett at St. Mary’s, just miles from Campolindo’s Moraga campus.

“Starting with Coach Fox, Coach Fox was one of two coaches to call me right at 12 am, the only coaches to call me that late,” said Mahaney. “He told me they really wanted me and wanted me to be their point guard of the future so that really meant a lot.

“Coach Randy Bennett -I’ve known Coach Bennett since I was a little kid going through his camps. His kids play on my basketball team so I see him all the time. And before I became an eligible recruit, he coached me kindergarten through fifth grade. So I have really good relationship with Coach Bennett.

“Coach Haase, I was his first call for the 2022 class, which means a lot. And my mom went to Stanford, which is obviously something to look into. And Cal and Stanford especially have great academic programs, which my parents care a lot about and will play a role in my decision. But all three coaches and been really up front with me and have remained in really good contact.”

As a soph, Mahaney again led the Cougars, averaging 19.4 points along with 3.8 rebounrds and 2.4 assists per game. The Cougars are slated to play in the spring of 2021 this season.