Danny Krikorian

Barry Faulkner

The moniker, like his game, is simple, basic and to the point. For

while Danny Krikorian has made a name for himself as a four-year

varsity player at Costa Mesa High, those around his neighborhood know

him as “the Basketball Guy.”

“I’ve always been one of those guys who my mom had to call in for

dinner five or six times, because I’m outside shooting forever,” said

Krikorian, who shows the fruits of his driveway labor each time the

Mustangs take the floor. “A man who moved in two houses down about a

month ago was walking by when I was shooting the other day and he

asked me, ‘Hey, are you the basketball guy?’ He said all the

neighbors told him about me.”

The word has also spread throughout the Golden West League, where

opposing coaches have targeted the 6-foot-1, 170-pound sharpshooter

for extra defensive attention.

“Being the only returning starter makes him a marked man, so to

speak,” Costa Mesa Coach Bob Serven said. “Even before you look at

the stats.”

Those stats reveal consistent production, fueled by accuracy

behind the three-point line. He has posted more than half of his 294

points from beyond the arc, draining 52 three-pointers in 138

attempts (38%). Averaging 16.6 points per game, he scored a

career-high 27, including six three-pointers, in Friday’s 87-54

league win over visiting Westminster. He shared game-high honors with

14 in a Jan. 15 loss at crosstown rival Estancia.

The Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week had led the Mustangs in

scoring in 13 of their first 18 games, while also averaging four

rebounds. Heading into Wednesday’s game at Santa Ana, he was 50 of 60

from the free-throw line (83.3%).

“He has played real solid,” Serven said. “He’s kind of like a

coach on the court and it’s especially big to have somebody like him

when you’re starting two freshmen and a sophomore. He has gotten

better every year and his numbers have gone up every year.”

Serven began emphasizing scoring with his three-year starter

immediately after last season, in which Krikorian was the third

option behind seniors David Conte and Chad Vakili.

And while Krikorian is happy to promote the interests of the team,

he said it has been a struggle to balance taking more shots with his

pass-first mentality.

“(Serven) is constantly reminding me I need to shoot the ball,”

Krikorian said. “I know I’m expected to score, rebound and be the

leader. I think I’m starting to get more comfortable in that role.

But I still want to look for the best shot for our team, whether I’m

the one shooting or not.”

As with most shooters, his comfort level varies when it comes to

rhythm.

“For some reason, there are games you feel better than others,” he

said. “I remember a game in the summer when I had 11 three-pointers against a team from Alaska. I was happy to hit 6 of 9

(three-pointers) against Westminster, because I was a little upset

about my shooting against Estancia (2 for 12 from threedom). I felt

like if I had hit another couple of shots, the outcome (a 40-35

Eagles’ win) may have been different. I went home that night and shot

outside on my court for a couple hours. I felt good that I was able

to get back on track (against Westminster).”

Krikorian’s track toward college includes basketball and he is

optimistic about opportunities to play at Chapman University, as well

the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. He said he may

also attempt to walk on at UC Santa Barbara or UC San Diego.

But until then, those who live near Krikorian can expect to hear

the familiar thwack of a basketball bouncing on pavement. And, if

they listen real closely, perhaps even the swish produced by his pure

perimeter jumper.