From San Diego to New Haven: local basketball products star for Yale

SPOKANE (KUSI) — When Yassine Gharram and Devon Arlington suit up for Yale in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, their hearts and families will be split between the Bulldogs and their hometown Aztecs.

“It’s a team that we’ve always wanted to play,” Arlington said. “Never thought we’d get the chance to play them unless it’s in a tournament like this.”

Maybe someone on the Selection Committee knew that this would be a perfect match – the two guards have played a major role in San Diego’s hoops community. Gharram played point for several star-studded Foothills Christian teams, and continues to suit up for the Swish Pro-Am. Arlington followed the same path at San Marcos High School.

Now the duo has led the Ivy League champs to a Round of 64 win over the SEC champs in Auburn, including Gharram making a last second free throw to clinch the game.

“I felt that I was comfortable at the line,” Gharram said. “I stepped to the line and put us up four, and it was really cool.”

“We plan to continue it all and keep dancing,” Arlington said.

While San Diego State stands in the way, both are familiar with the history involved.

“I grew up around Malcom Thomas and Matt Mitchell,” Gharram said. “They’ve left a great legacy, so it’s cool to have that tied in.”

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