Dons Basketball is looking towards the future with their most recent signing of graduating high school senior guard Ryan Beasley out of Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California.
Born in Berkeley and raised in the Dublin area, Beasley is a product of Bay Area basketball and has made a name for himself at Dougherty Valley, as well as within the California basketball circuit. Beasley already has an extensive resume of accomplishments.
Last season, Beasley was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Co-Contra Costa/Tri-Valley Player of the Year after finishing fourth in the state of California, scoring with an average of 30.6 points per game. He also led his high school team to the North Coast Section Division I finals before leading his West Coast Elite-Norcal team to the Under Armour Association championship game.
In an interview with the Foghorn, Beasley talked about the importance of the winning mindset he can bring to the Hilltop. “I just love to win. I’m very competitive, even in practice… I can bring that grit and confidence as well. I believe in myself and once I get [to USF] I know I can become a leader and really push everybody to that next step and back into the tournament. I’m a winner,” he said.
Beasley transferred to Dougherty Valley High School after his older brother, Robby Beasley, decided to play there for his senior year. “My brother was a senior when I was a freshman,” he said. “He’s the one who really made me pick up the basketball and he’s my inspiration.” In their one season together at Dougherty Valley, their team went 24-1 and made it to the league championship. Robby Beasley is currently a junior basketball player at the University of California, Davis.
The Dons had to compete with other Division 1 programs across the country to secure Beasley. Beasley selected the Dons over the likes of Washington State University, the University of Montana, Northern Illinois University, and San Jose State University. Despite the efforts of the other universities, once Beasley visited the Hilltop, he already felt like he was at home. “[During recruitment] I went through every school thinking which school is going to check the most boxes for myself in my journey,” he said. “[At USF], the coaches were genuine and they weren’t just trying to sell me a pitch. They are really cool people off the court as well and that was a big part of my decision.”
Some of the skilled guards that have come through the Hilltop, such as Khalil Shabazz, Jamaree Bouyea, and Washington State transfer Tyrell Roberts helped Beasley get a feel of what it is to be a USF Don. “When I went on my visit [to USF], [Tyrell Roberts] hosted me which was a great experience. I went to breakfast with Khalil, and Jamaree Bouyea also pulled up. Those are all the guards that have come through USF, and I’m going to be the next one coming through, which meant a lot to me,” Beasley said.
“They told me to never change, and stay you. You’re going to have some ups and downs but you have to stay on the right path. They didn’t really pressure me into going to USF, rather they told me to go to whatever school checks the most boxes for me. It’s my journey, not theirs.”
Beasley said he’s eager to make it to the Hilltop because he feels the Dons play style compliments his skills. “This team loves to get up and down the court and I love to play quickly, especially with the shooters like Julian [Rishwain] and Marcus [Williams] that will be there next year. They also run a lot of pick and roll which is exactly what I like to do.”
Upon his arrival at USF, Beasley looks to major in business and marketing and in his spare time, Beasley loves to play video games, work out, and has a hidden love for wakeboarding. “I went with my friend to the lake and we invested in a wakeboard and last summer I went with my family to do it again. I realized there are things outside of basketball and you have to have fun. ”
Beasley looks to finish up his final season at Dougherty Valley and bring his best to the Hilltop. “I’m staying home, and I believe in USF. We need the love and support and for everyone to come pack out the gym. Besides Frankie Ferrari I feel like I’m the next guard from the Bay to come play. So if you want to see a Bay Area kid ball at USF you gotta come out to the Hilltop.”
