Rebuilding UC Irvine Signs 3 Community College Players

UC Irvine began its attempt to recover quickly from a 5-23 basketball season by signing three community college players Wednesday, including the player likely to become the Anteaters’ starting point guard.

Gerald McDonald, who averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and nine assists for Compton College last season, signed Wednesday, along with Cornelius Banks, a 6-5 forward from Santa Monica College, and David Hollaway, a 6-2 guard from West Los Angeles College.

McDonald is likely to replace point guard Rod Palmer, Irvine’s only senior starter last season. McDonald averaged 30 points in three state playoff games this season.

“The difference between the regular season and the playoffs gives you an idea what kind of a winner he is,” Coach Bill Mulligan said.

Both Banks and Hollaway, who had made oral commitments to UC Irvine, played at Crenshaw High School. Hollaway also played at San Jose State, leaving as part of a player walkout against Coach Bill Berry, who was fired at the end of the 1989 season.

Banks has three years of eligibility remaining.

“I think all three are going to contribute right away,” Mulligan said. “All three are quick, and all three are willing to get up and defend.”

Gabe Higa, a 6-6 forward from Quartz Hill High, signed with UCI in November.