Basketball and Academics: Best Californian Colleges?

I'm a high school junior with dreams of playing college basketball. I am also very focused on my education. Can anyone here suggest what the best colleges for basketball in California are, that also have solid academic programs?

Certainly, there are several universities in California that are known for both their strong academic programs and competitive basketball teams. Here are a few you might want to consider:

1. Stanford University: Stanford has a history of competitive basketball and it's also considered one of the top academic institutions not only in California, but in the U.S. They are part of the Pac-12 Conference, a very competitive athletic conference.

2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Known for both their incredible athletic and academic programs, the UCLA Bruins have a very successful basketball program that consistently competes in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference.

3. University of California, Berkeley (Cal): Another university part of the PAC-12, Cal also offers competitive basketball and strong academics, especially in STEM and humanities.

4. University of Southern California (USC): USC Trojan’s basketball team is also part of the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference and the university offers excellent academics, especially in Film, Business, and Engineering.

5. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) - Great option if you're considering public colleges. The Titans are part of the competitive Big West Conference and the university is recognized for programs in Business, Nursing, and Art.

Remember, a successful college athlete must balance the demands of sports and academics. Therefore, as you look for colleges, consider factors like coaching staff, playing opportunity, the team's competitiveness, alongside academic offerings, student support services, and potential career opportunities post-graduation. Good luck to you!