Jacobson Is Set to Transfer

Alex Jacobson isn’t yet the type of impact player who will substantially boost the hopes Santa Ana Mater Dei has of winning a state, section or even a league boys’ basketball title this season.

But Serra League coaches said Monday that the impact of Jacobson leaving Bellflower St. John Bosco to join the Monarchs will probably resonate within the Serra League for years.

He is, after all, already 7 feet 1 -- and only a freshman.

“Good for Mater Dei, bad for everyone else,” Santa Margarita Coach Jerry DeBusk said. “They’re going to have a big man for the next three years; I don’t like the sound of that.

“I’m sure any of us would love to have a guy like that.”

Said Anaheim Servite Coach Brian Kenney: “He’s a player with tremendous potential.

“Anybody that tall would make a team better.”

Jacobson’s transfer between league rivals has not been completed, school officials from St. John Bosco and Mater Dei said Monday.

However, Mater Dei Coach Gary McKnight said Jacobson’s family “started the process” of enrolling on Friday and the move could be final by midweek.

McKnight did not say when, or if, Jacobson would play for Mater Dei this season. The Monarchs (19-2, 3-0 in league play) are ranked No. 3 in the Southland by The Times.

Jacobson averaged 4.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots in 22 games for St. John Bosco, which is 15-10, 0-3 in league.

Mater Dei will play host to St. John Bosco in the regular-season finale for both schools Feb. 12 at Concordia University in Irvine. The Monarchs defeated the Braves, 79-67, in their first league meeting Jan. 23.

Jacobson started for St. John Bosco in its most recent game, a 77-75 loss to Servite on Wednesday. He had four rebounds, three blocks and scored 10 points -- his fifth game scoring in double figures.

St. John Bosco students had midterm exams last week and classes were not in session Friday or Monday.

Randy Held, St. John Bosco’s second-year coach, said Jacobson did not practice with the Braves on Monday. He referred other questions to Athletic Director Monty McDermott.

McDermott said Jacobson had not officially checked out of school, but there would be no ill feelings if he did leave.

“Alex is a great kid,” McDermott said. “It was a pleasure having him here. There was never any bad blood. It’s a family choice to come here.”

To be eligible to play for Mater Dei, Jacobson’s parents or guardians must show proof to the school of a change of address, said Paul Castillo, Southern Section assistant commissioner.

The Monarchs play at Servite on Wednesday, then travel to New Jersey to play the nation’s top-ranked team, Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy, on Friday.