Who would of thunk it? Seriously. Was there anyone who believed Yuba College could be turned into a state community college basketball power? Plus, one primarily utilizing local and regional players? Luckily for the Marysville-based school and surrounding community, Doug Cornelius did.

With his Sacramento Kings and Monarchs basketball background as a lure, Cornelius has built quite the power in both the Bay Valley Conference (BVC) and the state and there's no sign of any abatement.

Look at Yuba's run of success under Cornelius:

2002-2003 - 22-11, BVC champions

2003-2004 - 24-7, advanced to the Elite 8

2004-2005 - 19-12, advanced to the Sweet 16

2005-2006 - 23-10, BVC runnerups

2006-2007 - 27-8, BVC champions, advanced to Elite 8

2007-2008 - 32-4, BVC champions, advanced to Elite 8

2008-2009 - 25-9, BVC champions, advanced to Sweet 16

Then peruse the various recent Yuba rosters and check the homegrown flavor and the success in getting student-athletes to the next level:

Zach Andrews, Cordova High - Bradley University

Cervante Burrell, Sacramento High: now at Seattle University

Casey Cutts, Rocklin High - now at Cal State Stanislaus

Royal Edwards, Capital Christian High - now at Pacific

Aaron Garner, River City High - Boise State

Rodney Hannah, Roseville High - last with the Dallas Cowboys, playing as a tight end

Sean Harris, Rocklin High - will be at Bradley University when his LDS mission is completed

Milos Milkosevic, Oakmont High - now at Valparaiso University

Maraceo Rutledge, Natomas High - UNLV

Mayse Walker, Valley High - now at Southwest Baptist University

Lawrence Wright, Wheatland High - Bradley University

Yet another tough 49er squad is expected in 2009-2010, this despite two 49er talents recently deciding to sit out this coming season after agreeing to sign a letter-of-intent come November with Seattle University.

6-foot-7 Bobby Evans out of Sacramento High and 6-foot-6 Tyler Monroe from Inderkum High have cast their D-1 lot with Cameron Dollar in the Emerald City. The latter was certainly going to be in the running for the BVC Most Valuable Player honor.

But fret not as there is plenty of talent remaining.

Marysville High's Keenan Prince is back for his second season as the 49er two guard. Cal Poly bounceback Bo Henning, a Christian Brother High graduate, is settling in as the new point. Former Natomas High star athlete Jovan Daniels was an all-league selection last season at College of the Sequoias but has returned to his roots and will play for Cornelius this season.

6-foot-3 Mike McChristian averaged 16.9 points per game and 12.2 boards a contest at Will C. Wood High in Vacaville and is now in a 49er uniform. Sacramento High's 6-foot-5 Kyle Allen is aboard too as is 6-foot-3 David Wilson of Wheatland High, the most valuable player of the Butte View league last year.

Size may be somewhat lacking in Marysville this season but there's always 7-0 Josh Figueroa, a sophomore out of Pleasant Valley High.

"Buy local" is now a catchphrase for supporting businesses and sustaining communities. Doug Cornelius has adopted a basketball version of such and all involved are benefiting.