The East Union High basketball court could have its own name inside the Pete Dalben Center.

The Manteca Unified School District board on Tuesday is considering forming a committee to name the East Union High basketball court as well as possibly appointing two community members to such a committee when they meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the district office, 2271 West Louise Ave.

A group of East Union alumni and boys basketball boosters have been lobbying to have the basketball court named in honor of retired coach Bill Stricker.  The longtime coach’s final year of heading Lancer’s boys basketball was the 1999-2000 season. He started coaching East Union teams in 1977.

Dalben’s family members last year had expressed displeasure with East Union administrators that they’d even consider such a thing fearing it would somehow diminish his contributions. Also, several other alumni have other names they’d like to see considered including current East Union girls basketball coach Jim Agostini.

Stricker, 69, played at the University of the Pacific from 1966 to 1970 – the Tiger squad with John Gianelli and Keith Swaggerty battled Lew Alcindor-led UCLA down to the final minutes – and enjoyed a stellar colligate career.

Later, he was afforded the opportunity to coach college hoops at the lower levels (prior to freshmen eligibility) with Pete Newell, Jr.

Among his former East Union players were Lancer coaches Eric Simoni and Gary Kron as well as former NBA player and now Washington Wizards coach Scott Brooks.

Lincoln School

teacher Tammy

Dunbar featured

Lincoln School fifth grade teacher Tammy Dunbar and how she deploys “Genius Hour” is featured in the January/February edition of California Educator.

“Genius Hour” is a set time during the day when students explore what motivates them using research, experimentation, communication, and collaboration,

The magazine article is posted on the Manteca Unified School District website.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com