Palisades boys basketball transfer implosion: How it started, how it's going
The Pacific Palisades High boys basketball program was not shy about promoting its influx of transfers this past offseason.
Nine notable transfers to be exact.
The team's social media accounts — Twitter/X and Instagram — introduced each new player with graphics and/or highlights. It was similar to what you might see when high school prospects commit to a college program.
As the transfers piled in over the course of the summer, the Dolphins were being pegged as a top contender for the LA City Section Open Division title. However, that's not the case anymore as basketball season approaches.
Of the nine transfers, just one will be eligible immediately, two will serve sit-out periods and the remaining six will not play varsity basketball for the program. Four have left the school.
- Jon Mani, a transfer from Beverly Hills, was denied eligibility and is no longer at Palisades. Mani is now at DNA Prep Academy.
- KJ Perry, transfer from Arizona, was denied a hardship transfer, according to sources. Perry is no longer at Palisades. Perry is now at Southern California Academy, confirmed by SCA coach Julius Von Hanzlik.
- Milan Kis, a transfer from Santa Monica, was denied eligibility, but is still at Palisades.
- Souljah Niles, a transfer from Taft, was denied eligibility, but is still at Palisades.
- OJ Blankson, a transfer from Nevada, never filed paperwork with the City Section and is no longer at Palisades.
- Brenton Banister, a transfer from Santa Monica, never filed paperwork with the City Section, and is currently in 'Holding' status on the CIF Southern Section website for a transfer back to Santa Monica.
- Devin Carey, a transfer from Loyola, is still at Palisades and will serve a sit-out period.
- Elijah Levi, a transfer from Santa Monica, is still at Palisades and will serve a sit-out period.
- Muhammed Butler, a transfer from IMG Academy, is still at Palisades and is eligible immediately.
"I had believed Palisades was the right opportunity," Mani said. "It is really unfortunate how everything panned out. I hope everyone involved is able to make the most out of the situation, especially my former teammates."
MORE ON THE DOLPHINS
Mani, a senior 3-star recruit with offers to Cal and Arizona State, could've gone back to Beverly Hills High and been eligible, according to the CIF's A-B-A rule. Instead, he chose to go to DNA Prep Academy.
"I wanted an opportunity where I would be challenged and tested. DNA is playing the best teams in the country, such as IMG and Montverde," Mani said. "It is a better opportunity for me to prepare for college."
Palisades head coach Donzell Hayes is not currently with the team, according to sources. His status is in question, whether he's on leave or suspended. Palisades wouldn't comment on Hayes due to confidentiality.
However, Palisades athletic director Rocky Montz was able to share an important detail.
"Right now, Darren Morrison is the interim coach of the varsity team running their practices," Montz wrote in an email Wednesday.
Palisades' first two games are against Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks and Harvard-Westlake on Nov. 13 and 18, respectively.
