Does Fresno State miss Steven Shepp?

Fresno State is shooting 41% from the floor this season, 21% on 100 three-point attempts and a jaw-dropping 57% at the foul line.

To date, the Bulldogs has been credited with 55 assists while committing 87 turnovers.

As for the shooting numbers, Shepp (who is sitting out the first semester due to academics) posted these numbers last season:

* 37% overall shooting
* 33% from long distance
* 57% at the charity stripe

He totaled 146 assists to 71 turnovers (but keep in mind there is no Paul George and no Sylvester Seay aiming and firing this season).

It's very difficult, if not impossible, to determine cause-and-effect when the samples vary so wildly from season to season but it seems a case can be made that Shepp's ballhandling and passing absence is negatively affecting the Bulldogs so far this season.

Would his shooting be opening up room so that Greg Smith would be less double-teamed? That's appears harder to 'quantify' if you will but seems not so much although 33% looks mighty inviting vis-a-vis 21%.

Steven Shepp signs on at Fresno State

As with all recruiting situations, it would be fascinating to know the particulars surrounding Steven Shepp's signing with Steve Cleveland and Fresno State. Did the Dogs seek his commitment during Shepp's earlier visit? Was he the one who wanted to explore other possibilities? Was FSU waiting on other possible point prospects but eventually returned to Shepp? We'll never know but what is known is that Steve Cleveland has a bonafide and ready to contribute 'quarterback' who more than likely will be a member of the starting five.

Bulldogs secure point guard
Junior college transfer could fill biggest need
Daniel Lyght
Fresno Bee
April 27, 2009

Fresno State men's basketball coach Steve Cleveland and his staff have been searching high and low, from coast to coast, since abruptly losing point guard Reggie Moore last summer. The highly regarded Seattle player sent the staff scrambling when he pulled out of his signed letter of intent.

Hopes now are that Steven Shepp alleviates that pain...

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Here's more from Daniel Lyght on Shepp:

Newly signed Fresno State PG has NYC flair
Daniel Lyght
Fresno Bee
April 27, 2009

The quote that stood out to me most when talking to Steve Shepp tonight was this one:

"I'm not really a fan, I'm more a student [of the game]. I watch [Steve] Nash and Chris Paul and watch games as if I'm trying to learn. It's like I'm in a classroom, sitting down on the couch and they're my teachers."

Shepp's signing to Fresno State adds some excitement to the Bulldogs fan base because the Bulldogs will have a new point guard to be hopeful about (the point guard corps struggled a bit last season) and also because of the flair he supposedly brings to the game...

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