Fullerton

Mid-Major Player of the Week: Ahmad Nivins

Joey Whelan — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:04:12 -0500

As a companion to CHN's National Player of the Week, we will be presenting a Mid-Major Player of the Week as well this season. All non-BCS players are eligible for this award. In the case that the National POY is a non-BCS player, they will be repeated here as well.

Ahmad Nivins - Saint Joseph's

3 Games: 16 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 3 bpg

Sure there are plenty of guys that had better stat lines this week, but no one did it against stiffer competition than the Hawks big man in the middle. A double-double against a potential Final Four team in Texas and a strong 16 and 8 showing against a talented Alabama team in the Maui Invitational were enough to give Nivins the honors for this week. Yes, he beat up on an outmanned Indiana squad in his second game, but you can't deny the performances in his other two games. Don't be shocked to see Nivins pop up on this list several more times this year.

Just Missed Out

Josh Akognon - Cal State Fullerton

3 Games: 24.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2 apg

The Anaheim Classic turned out to be some entertaining basketball thanks in large part to the play of the undersized Akognon. He lit up stiff competition by dropping 24 points on both Wake Forest and Saint Mary's, then finished off the weekend with 26 against Charlotte. We knew the California native could score in bunches, and while he was a little trigger happy from the perimeter this week, he proved he could do it against big name programs.

Josh Heytvelt - Gonzaga

3 Games: 15 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.7 bpg

The Bulldogs announced themselves as a legitimate Final Four contender by winning the Old Spice Classic, and Heytvelt announced his return as a strong presence inside. He started slow in the tournament opener with Oklahoma State, but rebounded nicely for two fine showings versus Maryland and Tennessee. With the balanced scoring attack the ‘Zags have it is doubtful that the senior will put up huge numbers on a regular basis, but when Heytvelt is on his game, 15 and 6 should be the norm.

Stefon Jackson - UTEP

3 Games: 20.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 2 spg

Highlighted by a brilliant performance against Wake Forest, Jackson may have had the best showing from anyone at the Anaheim Classic, and with the cast of characters present this weekend, that's saying something. The senior torched the Demon Deacons for 31 points, hitting 13 of his 14 attempts from the free throw line. His 17 and 10 showing against Saint Mary's shouldn't be overlooked either.

Worth Noting

A.J. Slaughter - Western Kentucky

His numbers for the week aren't anything to write home about, but any time a player scores 25 points and grabs 9 rebounds in helping his team upset a top five opponent, that is worth some ink. So with that in mind, kudos to Slaughter and the Hilltoppers for pulling the major upset over then #3 Lousiville yesterday.

Top Lists: Unknown Gems, Comeback Players, Shot Blockers

Jason Brubaker — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:33:08 -0500

We’ve covered the preseason All-Americans, Final Four picks and individual team previews. Now it’s time for the fun stuff – the guys who make college basketball so fun to watch. Let the debates begin.

Best players you haven’t seen: These guys aren’t in the spotlight much, but they sure have the game to be

1) Marquis Blakely G/F, Vermont: Fills up the stat sheet as good as anyone in the country (19 ppg, 11 rpg)

2) Lester Hudson G, UT Martin: Big time scorer will eventually be in the NBA (25.7 ppg)

3) Josh Akognon G, Cal-State Fullerton: Lights out shooter introduced himself during the NCAA Tournament (111 3's, 20 ppg)

4) Ben Uzoh G, Tulsa: Does a little of everything, now must help lead Golden Hurricanes to the tourney (15.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg)

5) Osiris Eldridge G, Illinois State: Great leader, good shooter, good defender, dangerous scorer. Enough said (15.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Hospital breakouts: These guys will provide big boosts as they return from injury

1) Ronald Steele G, Alabama: When healthy, as good a point guard as anywhere in the country

2) Eric Devendorf G, Syracuse: Dangerous scorer will return Orange to the tournament

3) Jodie Meeks G, Kentucky: Meeks has all-SEC talent if he can stay on the floor

4) Korvotney Barber F, Auburn: One reason to get excited about Auburn basketball is his return to the floor

5) Solomon Alabi F, Florida State: Should provide a much-needed post presence for Seminoles

Shot blockers: Think twice before challenging these guys at the rim

1) Hasheem Thabeet C, UConn: Good luck getting your shot over his outstretched arms (4.5 bpg)

2) Jarvis Varnado C, Mississippi State: Remnicent of a young Kenyon Martin with the way he sends shots away from the basket (4.6 bpg)

3) Kleon Penn C, McNeese State: Owns the paint and the basket when he wants to (4 bpg)

4) Jerome Jordan C, Tulsa: Scary thing? He hasn’t even come close to his potential yet (3.7 bpg)

5) Hamady N'Diaye F, Rutgers: Great athlete has good timing, aggressive nature (3 bpg)

Yesterday: Top Dunkers, Shooters, Rebounders. Disagree with Jason's picks? Let us know your top lists below!

Big West Basketball Preview: 08-09

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:25:09 -0500

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Conference Rank: 19th

Conference Page

All-BIG WEST Team
Pos.	Player	Team	Yr.

G	Josh Jenkins	Northridge	Sr
G	Josh Akognon	Fullerton	Sr
G	Donovan Morris	LBSU	Sr
F	Chris Devine	UCSB	Sr
F	Tremaine Townsend	Northridge	Sr
CHN Award Winners		Returning Leaders
Mid-Major All-Americans Josh Akognon Donovan Morris		Points: Josh Akognon 20.2 Rebounds: Tremaine Townsend 9.8 Assists: Josh Jenkins 6.4

BIG WEST Standings
Nat'l	Team	League	Tourney

98	Pacific	Big West	1	NCAA
115	CS Northridge	Big West	2
138	UC Santa Barbara	Big West	3
166	CS Fullerton**	Big West	4
182	Cal Poly	Big West	5
210	Long Beach St	Big West	6
259	UC Irvine	Big West	7
281	UC Riverside	Big West	8
311	UC Davis	Big West	9

*Click on links for full Top 144 team preview

** returning conference champion

Note: A lot of changes have occurred at Pacific in the months since this preview was written. They would almost certainly not be our #1 choice as of today.

Poll: Who Do You Think Will Win the Big West?

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Rise & Fall: Big West

State of '08: California

Daily Conference Poll: Who Will Win the Big West?

Shawn Siegel — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:38:41 -0400

Fullerton Extends Contract of Coach Bob Burton

Press Release — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:54:31 -0400

Fullerton, Calif. - Head Coach Bob Burton has signed a contract extension that will keep him in charge of the Cal State Fullerton men's basketball program through the 2012-13 season.

Burton has compiled a 92-60 record in five seasons with the Titans including two wins in the 2005 Post-Season NIT and a first-round loss to Wisconsin in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, Fullerton's first berth since 1978. Last year's team won the Big West Conference post-season tournament after sharing in the school's first regular-season conference title since 1976.

"I think Bob's record speaks for itself and we are delighted we are able to keep him at Fullerton," said Director of Athletics Brian Quinn. "Not only have we enjoyed four consecutive winning seasons, but seven of his players are graduating in 2008."

With a .605 percentage, Burton is the winningest coach in school history. He was selected the NABC District 15 Coach of the Year for 2007-08.

"I appreciate the commitment from Brian and the University," said Burton. "They gave me a chance out of the community college ranks and I'm happy everything has worked out so well."

Burton's first Titan team in 2003-04 was 11-17 primarily with players inherited from predecessor Donny Daniels. The 2004-05 team went 21-11 and won NIT games at Oregon State and USF before losing at Georgetown. After a 16-13 season in 2005-06, the Titans have posted back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time at 20-10 in 2006-07 and 24-9 last season.

2008 NCAA Tournament Capsule: CS Fullerton

Joel Welser — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:26:04 -0400

Cal State Fullerton Titans

Big West (24-8, 12-4)

Big Wins: 2/2 at CS Northridge (80-72), 2/23 Portland State (85-69), 3/8 at UC Irvine (74-66)

Bad Losses: 12/8 at Central Michigan (76-79), 1/17 at Pacific (82-89), 2/28 CS Northridge (74-82)

Last NCAA Appearance: 1978, Elite Eight loss to Arkansas

Coach: Bob Burton (First NCAA appearance)

Probable Starters:

Ray Reed, Senior, Guard, 6.4 ppg, 2.6 apg

Josh Akognon, Junior, Guard, 19.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg

Frank Robinson, Senior, Guard, 16.0 ppg, 2.5 apg, 7.0 rpg

Marcus Morgan, Senior, Forward, 5.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg

Scott Cutley, Senior, Forward, 14.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.9 apg

Key Roleplayers:

Marcus Crenshaw, Junior, Guard, 8.9 ppg, 2.2 apg

Marcio Lassiter, Junior, Guard, 3.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg

Kenneth Alexander, Senior, Forward, 3.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg

Andrew Green, Senior, Forward, 3.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg

Why They Can Surprise:

Cal State Fullerton has a trio of guards that just fit perfectly in Coach Bob Burton’s style of play. The Titans will push the tempo at every possible moment and point guard Ray Reed leads the way. Reed is not a great scorer, but he has the speed to get up and down the floor and find the scorers. And Reed has a couple great scorers that he will find very often. Josh Akognon, a former Washington State Cougar, averages 19.9 points per game and knocks down 3.6 three-pointers per contest. Akognon is just a superb scorer from anywhere on the floor and he will rarely take a day off.

But if Akognon’s shot happens to not be falling, the Titans will look to Frank Robinson. The 6-4 senior is not as great of an outside shooter as Akognon, but he does a great job of getting to the basket and finishing around the rim. Those two average 35.9 points per game and that is a tough backcourt to stop when it is clicking on all cylinders.

Why They Can Disappoint:

There is not a whole lot of size on this team. Scott Cutley is only 6-5, but the forward is a wide body who tilts the scales at a lean 235 pounds. He will take the ball into the paint, run some people over and do a lot of scoring. He is also a solid passer from the inside and actually leads the team with 2.9 assists per contest. Yet, the size can be a major concern against bigger opponents. Marcus Morgan is Cutley’s partner in the paint and he is just 6-5 as well. Morgan is not a scorer and will do the all the dirty work in the paint. Cutley and Morgan are both decent rebounders, but toughness can only get you so far if the opposition is six inches taller than you are. It is also that lack of size which allows the opponents to shoot 46.8 percent from the floor. The Titans just do not have a shot blocker and that makes it easy to get into the paint against Fullerton.

Who To Watch:

There is not too much depth on this team, but Marcus Crenshaw is certainly a great sixth man to have on any roster. The 5-10 junior will mostly take three-pointers, but he does it extremely well. Crenshaw hits 2.2 per contest at a 42.0 percent mark. If the offense happens to be sputtering, Crenshaw can come into the game and immediately turn things around.

By the Numbers:

Scoring Offense: 82.7 (5^th in nation, 1^st in conference)

Scoring Defense: 73.1 (266, 9)

Field-Goal Percentage: 47.4 (34, 2)

Field-Goal Defense: 46.8 (295, 8)

Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.8 (25, 1)

Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 38.7 (36, 3)

Free-Throw Percentage: 70.9 (112, 5)

Rebound Margin: 1.5 (130, 3)

Assists Per Game: 15.6 (45, 1)

Turnovers Per Game: 13.5 (104, 3)

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Daily Poll: Who Will Win the Big West?

Shawn Siegel — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:43:22 -0400

2007-08 Fullerton Basketball Preview

Joel Welser — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:47:34 -0400

Cal State Fullerton Titans

Overall Rank: #126

Conference Rank: #2 Big West

2006-07: 20-10, 9-5, 2^nd (t)

2006-07 postseason: none

There are all sorts of fun storylines with the 2007-2008 Cal State Fullerton squad. There are four players in the five foot range that deserve a spot in the regular rotation. There is only one underclassman on the roster and all six newcomers are juniors. Balancing classes seems to have taken a backseat to building towards one big year. And maybe that will work, because more importantly than size and class numbers is the fact that the Titans have a good team that will compete for a Big West title.

Who’s Out:

Being without Bobby Brown is bad news for Fullerton fans and writers who enjoy making obvious Bobby Brown jokes. Brown averaged 20.2 points and 5.1 assists during his senior campaign and a go-to-scorer will need to be found sooner than later. Forward Justin Burns started 29 contests and averaged 10.5 points and 6.7 rebound per contest. Chris Minardo has opted to transfer after earning three starts during the 2006-2007 campaign. The absence of that duo leaves depth a concern up front. Seldom used big men Jarrel Lake and Curtis Battles have wrapped up their collegiate careers.

Who’s In:

The big name newcomer is Josh Akognon, a transfer from Washington State. The 5-11 shooting guard led the Cougars with 10.3 points per game during the 2005-2006 season and should put up much bigger numbers in Fullerton’s high paced offense compared to Washington State’s anything but high paced offense. Junior Russell, at a hefty 5-6, should at least be a quality backup point guard during his first year in Fullerton. Marcio Lassiter, who spent some time at San Francisco City College, will add some unnecessary depth to the backcourt. The need is up front and the Titans are taking a gamble on the junior college transfers. As long as the team gets some production out of 6-6 forward Gerard Anderson, 6-9 center Eddie Lima or 7-2 center Adam Thomas, it will be worth the risk. The best five players on the team are 6-5 or under and getting some quality minutes from the juco’s is a necessity.

Who to Watch:

Along with newcomers Akognon and Russell, Marcus Crenshaw and Rey Reed will man the two guard positions. Crenshaw, who averaged 11.4 points and 2.3 assists last year, has the experience and should be the starting point guard this year unless Russell blows everybody away heading into the season. The problem is Crenshaw is 5-10 and Akognon is 5-11. Akognon is too talented not to start and that leaves Reed as the odd man out. Reed started 29 games last year, but it is tough to run a three guard lineup that is 5-10, 5-11 and 5-11. If Coach Bob Burton wanted to run a sub six foot trio of guards that would force Frank Robinson, who is a 6-4 guard, to the power forward position. Robinson, who averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 boards last year, is tough enough to handle the four spot, but it creates way too many problems to consider doing for long stretches of time.

Final Projection:

Playing small is not an option mostly because the best player on the team is 6-5 senior Scott Cutley. Cutley averaged 15.6 points and 9.5 rebounds last year, but just is not big enough to spend a lot of time at center. That is why the development of newcomers Lima and Thomas is so important. However, there is another option in 6-6, 255 pound senior Andrew Green. Green did not put up big numbers during his first season with the Titans, but at least has some experience in the system and is a big body who can battle under the basket.

Projected Post-season Tournament: none

Projected Starting Five:

Marcus Crenshaw, Junior, Guard, 11.4 points per game

Josh Akognon, Junior, Guard, DNP last season

Frank Robinson, Senior, Guard, 11.9 points per game

Scott Cutley, Senior, Forward, 15.6 points per game

Andrew Green, Senior, Forward, 3.6 points per game

Complete Top 144 Ranking | 2007-08 Preview | Discuss the Preview

Bobby Brown: NBA Draft Profile

Jeff Fox — Tue, 15 May 2007 11:48:59 -0400

NBA Draft: Bobby Brown

College: Fullerton

Class: Senior

Stats: ESPN.com

Position: PG

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 175lbs

Accolades: First Team All-Big West (07), Big West All-Tournament Team (07), First Team All-Big West (06), Honorable Mention All-Big West (05), Big West Conference Freshman of the Year (04).

Scouting Report: An explosive scoring point guard.

Strengths: A lights-out three-point shooter – hit over 300 in his college career. Also shoots it for a respectable percentage – 37.7% for his career. Able to hit threes with a man on him. Can create his own shot. Very fast pushing the ball up the floor. Can also blow by his man. Good leaping ability. Good playmaker – over 500 assist for his collegiate career. Very solid free throw shooter.

Weaknesses: Didn’t play his college ball in a big conference. Needs to take better care of the ball – averaged over three turnovers a game each of his last three seasons. Needs to add some weight/strength for the pro game. May actually be closer to 6’1” – a little short for the NBA.

Projected 2007 Draft Range: Early to mid second round pick.

Consensus: Brown is looking to join Pape Sow and Bruce Bowen as the third Titans’ player currently in the NBA. His deadly outside shot and good speed will make it almost certain he’ll hear his name called draft night. Whether or not he can elevate his game from a smaller NCAA conference to the NBA is the question.

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A CigarBoy Adventure: Butler and Wright State

Bill Kintner — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 01:08:59 -0500

DAYTON – The day’s adventure starts at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on a snowy afternoon in Indianapolis as Butler faced off against Southern Illinois and it ends on a snowy night at the Ervin J. Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University. Tonight’s game featured Cal State Fullerton and the Raiders.

Now some basketball fans around Tobacco Row, Mississippi or South Carolina or about anywhere else that BCS schools are located might actually know nothing about the Bracket Buster matches. But hardcore hoops fans look forward to this day as a chance to get to see a lot of great action and unusual match-ups from schools that are not always in the limelight.

Today’s game drew a near sellout of 10,827, which if you have been following the Horizon League is the exact same number of fans as Wright State drew against Butler a week earlier.

It was loud and it seemed like a tournament atmosphere. Of course, a large number of Saluki fans that made the trip certainly helped make the atmosphere very special.

Today No. 16 Southern Illinois put in end to No. 13 Butler’s 22-game home court winning streak as they upset the Bulldogs 68-64. The Salukis were led by Jamaal Tatum’s 20 points and it was their ninth straight win.

These two schools share a similar history. Both reached the Sweet 16 since 2000, they are both ranked in all the major polls and both defenses rank among the best in the NCAA.

In the first half it was pretty much the Salukis’ Traveling Road Show. Butler’s biggest lead in the first half was just two points at the 17:45 mark on a lay up by Mike Green to make it 2-0 Butler.

At the 7:25 mark in the first half Butler (24-4) had their last lead of the game on a 3-pointer by Brandon Crone at 18-17.

In the second half Southern Illinois (23-5) went on a 6-0 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 45-35. But Butler was not finished as Pete Campbell went to work making three 3-pointers Then Willie Veasley hit one of two free throws to cut Southern Illinois’ lead to 50-48 with 6:30 remaining in the game.

The Salukis pushed the lead back up to 60-52 and Butler again got close. This time they got to within three points on Crone’s 3-pointer at 63-60 with 1:28 left.

The Salukis got it up to 68 points by making five of six free throws to finally seal the victory.

Butler was led by Mike Green’s 18 points. A. J Graves only scored five points which was his lowest output of the season.

It was two evenly matched games and it was too bad there had to be a loser.

The night cap was a little different. As the fans fought the snow to get to the Nutter Center it was probably halfway through the first half before all 9641 fans found their seats.

There were over 10,500 tickets out for tonight’s game but a few decided to not brave the cold and snow tonight. The brave who turned out seemed to be pretty hardcore because they were loud, creating a great college basketball environment. There were even a few UNC-Wilmington fans that traveled up for the game to see their former coach Brad Brownell coach his new team, the Wright State Raiders.

It took a second half surge but Wright State took care of business against the Titans to win their ninth straight game 77-62.

In the first half Fullerton lead most of the half behind 14 points from Scott Cutley.

It wasn’t until Vaughn Duggins hit a 3-pointer with 54 seconds left in the first half that Wright State (21-8) was able to get their first lead at 33-31.

But Fullerton (18-7) let the air out of the Raiders’ tires when Bobby Brown hit a 3-pointer right at the buzzer to give the Titans a one point lead at 34-33.

Fullerton’s Ray Reed hit a jumper to make it 40-38 and that was the last lead the Titans would have in the game.

Vaughn Duggins hit another trey to start the Raiders on a 12-0 run that didn’t stop until Marcus Crenshaw hit a 3-pointer with 12:35 to play to make it 50-43 Wright State,

Wright State kept hammering away led by DaShaun Wood’s 19 points to get their lad up to 20 point when Wood hit a trey to make it 73-53.

It appeared that that the combination of the Raiders’ hot play, tough defense, a great crowd, senior night, the cold and snowy weather and the long trip out to Dayton, Ohio allowed the Raiders to pound out a victory.

For the Raiders Duggins scored 15 points, Will Graham 12 points and Scottie Wilson 11 points.

Fullerton’s 20 point a game stud Bobby Brown 12 points on a 5-13 shooting performance and Cutley finished with 20 points.

It was a long day of basketball, but it fun. Now back to conference play for all the teams

Bracket Buster notes:

*Poll Sitting—The Salukis are ranked 15th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll and 16th in the AP poll. Butler is ranked 12th in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll and 13th in the AP poll.

*This is Southern Illinois sixth straight 20 win season.

*This is the first is the first time that a nationally ranked Butler team will host a nationally ranked team at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

*Since it was senior night at Wright State Coach Brownell started all four seniors and played them all until the first timeout at the 15:05 mark. All three of the other Bracket Buster teams in this column play more home games.

This is what he had to say about them:

-Renaldo Smith….”He always has a smile on his face and probably one of the funniest guys on our team. He is a very good defensive player and he has made some big shots for us this year.”

-Tyrone Scott…”He is a tremendous worker with a good attitude especially for a guy with so many injuries. He is a great role model for our freshman and he has a great work ethic.”

-Drew Burleson…”I think one of the better players in our league the last six weeks. It took him a little while to understand out system but once he did he just took off and played with a great deal of confidence. He will be a big loss for us.”

-DeShaun Wood…”One of the best guys to ever play at this school. He is a guy that can beat you in a lot of different ways. He is a great success story both on and off the court. He is really a great model for college athletics.“

*Southern Illinois’ next game is Wednesday at Indiana State at 7 p.m.

*Butler’s next game is on Monday at Green Bay at 8 p.m.

*Wright State’s next game is Thursday at Youngstown State at 7 p.m.

*Fullerton’s next game is Thursday night when they host UC Santa Barbara at 10:05 p.m.