Mondays's WAC basketball links and notes

Dayton Morinaga features Bill Amis' professional plans (no, not in the videography field, at least not yet) and what the young man is doing to get ready for the challenges.

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Tony Jones has the scoop on a very recent test of the friendship between Stew Morrill and Larry Krystkowiak. Yep, it involves recruiting.

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With Dave Rice now in at UNLV (it that the end of Reggie Theus' college coaching return?), will Fresno State and Steve Cleveland juggle some contract numbers, thus allowing the latter to return to BYU and assist Dave Rose? Of course, Cleveland is 'home' but it will require departing if he wishes to stay in the coaching ranks.

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The second basketball signing period begins on Wednesday so the 'season' has actually yet to end.

Tony Petersen's take on the firing of Steve Cleveland

Tony Petersen of The Collegian, the Fresno State student newspaper, offers his take on the dismissal of Coach Steve Cleveland. Not sure what the photo has to do with the commentary -- anyone have a clue?

Steve Cleveland leaves Fresno State

Daniel Lyght has the details of Coach Steve Cleveland's departure from Fresno State.

Make the decision on Steve Cleveland now

Daniel Lyght has posted this tweet from Jeff Harmon, a columnist with the Deseret News:

"Harmonwrites: Talked to Jeff Reinert, Cleveland asst. He's on the job circuit looking. Says Cleve will be taken care of in near future."

PTW is having unfortunate flashbacks to former Nixon henchman John Erlichmen talking during the Watergate disgrace about leaving acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray to “twist slowly, slowly in the wind.” Steve Cleveland deserves a quick and clean appraisal and decision as all the pertinent information is known and has been for some time by the Fresno State AD and school president. Drawing matters out is unfair to Cleveland and just the speed, or lack thereof, of this evaluation is giving a black eye to Fresno State University.

Tuesday's WAC basketball links and notes

With a tip of the hat to Sam Wasson for alerting us, the Fresno Bee's George Hostetter checks in on the money side of Fresno State athletics and makes a pair of predictions on the future of Coach Steve Cleveland.


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Dayton Morinaga writes about the Rainbow Warriors roadtripping the final two games of the regular season and the WAC tourney. Two weeks away from home sounds like the NBA.

Jeff Portnoy has a News and Notes column up the whole triumphing over the sum of its parts, who will finish where, plus a good surprise in closing.

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Chris Murray offers an article detailing what Nevada is doing to turn around its approach to games.

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Sam Wasson analyzes the Aggies, and no, a couch was not involved.

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Nick Jezierny writes that seven players and five starting spots might require some of that new fangled math courtesy of Coach Leon Rice as Boise State is having its Senior Night Wednesday instead of Saturday.

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Tony Jones is impressed with Utah State recruit David Collette. Tony also details USU's interest in another in-state prospect.

Catch Stew Morrill's latest news conference here.

A few more items

Just asking/not knowing: does the first appearance of freshman frontcourter Renaldo Dixon in New Mexico State's last game mean Wendell McKines is redshirting? Or is Coach Marvin Menzies simply in need of greater depth with McKines and Hamidu Rahman currently sidelined?

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We're less than double-digit games into the season yet there are individuals posting thumbs up/thumbs down declarations on Marvin Menzies (does 'winning' against Michigan State qualify as short term or long term memory loss?) and Steve Cleveland.

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At the Bulldog Barks and Bytes basketball MB (Karl Malone's Court) under the link Brandon Gibson, Dwayne from Minden (after all, there is only one) has posted that LT's Darius Redding is now inactive due to academics. He is a 6-foot-4 sophomore forward and his stats this season are six games played, just under 23 minutes a contest, 6 points and three rebounds a contest.

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Melvin Grussing at his superb Antelope Valley College basketball site, has a new post up indicating the squad is not playing up to its potential, losing a tourney final to a less talented team, with a strong emphasis on t-e-a-m. The money quote: "Nick Bennett, sophomore 2 guard said it all after the game. “'We just got to play it hard the whole time.”Egos got in the way and headcases and stuff like that, we just got to play as a team the whole time." It's tough to beat the best JUCO team in California when your best player can’t make it to walk through before the biggest game of the year so far and is held out of the starting line up..." 

In the top player reference, is that Utah State signee Kyisean Reed? 

In another post from another contest, Melvin has this: "JUCO BB expert Ref Heckler after the game: “Kyisean Reed looked like he was playing for “Golden Valley High” in the first half.” In the second half, he took over the game and looked like a NBA star.”

Maybe an injection of vitamin Stew Morrill will cure whatever is the ailment.

Thursday's items continue

Boise State athletics has a feature on Coach Leon Rice's five signings -- four guards and a big.

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Jason Franchuk at the Cougar Blue site talked with Coach Steve Cleveland and has written a good read.

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Chris Murray has a piece on Dario Hunt, another on Deonte Burton and a third on the Wolf Pack starting lineup for Saturday's game against Montana. Keep 'em coming Chris.

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Brian McInnis provides the UH starting lineup for Friday's opener versus Montana State. Plus, Ronnie Stevens made it official.

More on Friday's BYU - Fresno State matchup

Jay Drew quotes Bulldog assistant Jeff Reinert on the vagaries of the BYU - Fresno State Friday night game.

There are also these quotes from a separate Drew column:

"...Coach Dave Rose talked after practice about former BYU coach Steve Cleveland returning to the MC as Fresno State's head coach. Rose says ticket sales have been brisk, and a sellout is a possibility. He hopes the crowd will show its appreciation for what Cleveland did at BYU with some kind of ovation.

Rose also joked that it will be a bit unsettling for him because for the first time in his career he will have a coach in the Marriott Center with more wins than him in that building...".

Quinn Gooch authors a Steve Cleveland tribute column

Fresno State in 2010-2011

Here's another club where subtraction may be addition as at this point better talent has departed than arrived but the squad has the opportunity to function better as a unit. Sylvester Seay in particular, but even Paul George to some degree, didn't click at times with teammates and coaches -- for whatever reasons. But they have departed -- along with Mychal Ladd (his being sent home just prior to the WAC tourney was the bizarreness capper) -- and the team has a fresh chance to gel.

What will be the most fascinating aspect of the 2010-2011 Bulldogs is who emerges as a leader or as leaders? It's easy to see that Greg Smith is the best talent but he's just a sophomore. It sure would help the Bulldogs if a backcourter emerges as the on-court 'telestrator' of FSU.

Also worthy of mentioning is that after a period of time in APR hell (in which present coaches and players suffer for the sins of past participants), Steve Cleveland's squad is again fully blessed by the NCAA -- no more taking on opponents with a hand tied behind one's back.

Here's the Bulldog roster:

SMALLS

Jerry Brown guard/forward 6-foot-7 195 sophomore

The opportunity is there at the wing to earn major minutes. Brown shot 51% overall as a freshman but didn't attempt a trey all season and went 50% at the foul line -- the latter numbers obviously need expanding. He brings energy to the court, turning that into consistent production is the key.    

Garrett Johnson guard/forward 6-foot-5 190 sophomore    

His shooting numbers also need a boost -- it's hard at this point to see him jumping ahead of Brown for playing time.

Tyler Johnson 6-foot-1 170 guard freshman HS/CA

Watch to see it it's Johnson or Olekaibe (the following listing) who pushes ahead of the other in the pecking order.  This northern Californian kid is very athletic and like to take it to the hoop -- establishing himself as a must-defend outside threat will be an early priority. We see him more as an off guard.

Kevin Olekaibe 6-foot-1 175 guard freshman HS/NV

A prolific scorer out of Las Vegas (35.6 points per game), he has repeated that his recruitment to Fresno was as a point, one who could set up others and score in transition. More strength will be needed in order to do so. There is excellent potential here.

Bennie Rhodes 6-foot-6 180 guard/forward junior City College of San Francisco

The leading scorer for the Rams, he brings athleticism and versatility and we see him playing more at the three spot than the two. As we stated before, he's a steal as a walk-on.

Steven Shepp guard 6-foot-2 170 junior

He'll likely remain the top point -- at least early on -- but needs improvement in these areas: creating on dribble-drives and shooting better (37%, 33%, 57% overall, from long range and at the foul line) and opreventing dribble-drive penetration more often.

Tim Steed guard 6-foot-5 210 junior Highland Community College, IL

If he plays up to his reputation, Steed should be the second-leading scorer for the 2010-2011 Bulldogs. Making things happen on dribble-drives has been described as his talent but he also has perimeter shooting skills.

Jonathan Wills guard 6-foot-6 180 redshirt junior       

Coach Cleveland would really like to see him play a lot of minutes and he's capable of spending time at the 1, 2 and 3. A solid defender, he can pop from outside. He and Steed should quickly become fan favorites for Bulldog fans.

BIGS

Bracken Funk 6-foot-8 freshman UT

Coming off an LDS mission began right after high school, it will be a year of adapting and learning for Funk.

Nedeljko Golubovic forward 6-foot-8 245 junior

A bad thumb obliterated any chance of him having a solid season as his shooting percentages tumbled: 29 overall, 19 on trey attempts and 57 from the foul line. We don't see him as a starter but certainly a rotation guy.

Justin Johnson forward 6-foot-6 205 sophomore

We're not sure what his status is as injuries and ailments have prevented him from practicing and playing.

John Ryan center 6-foot-9 freshman CA

He already possesses the body size so it's a matter of making the adjustment to the speed and strength of the college game.

Greg Smith center 6-foot-10 250 sophomore

Mark him down as THE candidate for a bustout WAC season as he nailed 58% of his shot attempts last season (but needs to upgrade his 59% at the free throw line because he'll be heading there a lot). With Seay and George gone, his rebounding numbers will jump -- he has the chance to average a double-double.

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Surprisingly, the Bulldogs were nowhere near their opponents in shooting from distance last season -- 32% to 37% -- that must be rectified. Steed and Wills will help.

A power forward to twine with Smith is a necessity but it's not certain such is presently on the roster and ready come October.

We see the starting five and even the playing rotation shape-shifting throughout the season.

The starting lineup through our crystal ball:

* Greg Smith

* your guess is as good as ours (Jerry Brown? Nedeljko Golubovic?)

* Jonathan Wills

* Tim Steed

* Steve Shepp

*** 6-foot-7 Givon Crump, a Baylor transfer, is redshirting this season and has the potential to be a very solid contributor come 2011-2012.

A Fresno State basketball-a-palooza

Here is some video from a Fresno channel sports program about Paul George's signing -- Steve Cleveland and Greg Smith, working the Bulldog basketball kids camp, are featured. It takes a few seconds to get to the George part.

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Here's a report from that camp:

Stephen Trembley
Fresno State Athletics Communications (Men's Basketball)
July 1, 2010

The smiles spread across the hardwood of Fresno State's Student Recreation Center during the annual fun summer camp hosted by the Bulldog men's basketball team this week.

The summer camp has grown to a record participation during the Steve Cleveland Era with 180 campers joining the `Dogs to learn and grow from their favorite student-athletes and coaches in an exciting environment.

The program is under the direction of Fresno State assistant coach Lee Moon, who has made it a priority to make sure everyone enjoys their experience on the basketball floor.

"The growth is a credit to our community," Moon said of the camp. "We want to make sure everyone is having fun and loving the game."

The week started each day at 9 a.m. as the focus remained on the basics combined with detailed instruction on making smart passes, the art of efficiently grabbing rebounds and taking good shots and a host of other drills and competitions in an action-packed schedule.

Moon revitalized the Bulldogs' basketball summer camp two years ago with 35 young campers and quickly sparked the enrollment to 100 campers last summer. At 180 campers this year, the camp has grown by upwards of five-fold in just two years.

To accommodate the expansion, Moon moved the camp from the North Gym to the Student Recreation Center and expects to be able to welcome even more of the local community next year. The ideal goal will allow for Fresno State to host multiple weeks of the program.

"We love being able to spend time with our community and watch the kids have a great time," Moon added. "This is a wonderful opportunity to teach life skills in a fun environment."

Greg Smith, the reigning WAC Freshman of the Year, was one of the five Bulldog returners who served as camp counselors and showed his passion on the sidelines while coaching his campers.

"All of us enjoy this week," Smith said. "We have a good time playing with the kids and giving back to our community."

The camp was held at the Student Recreation Center from June 28 - July 1, 2010. 

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ESPN's Andy Katz leads off a who-can-replace-the-NBA-draft-lottery-choices-on-their-respective-college-teams feature with none other than Paul George and Fresno State -- Greg Smith and Tim Steed are mentioned. Go here.

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Here's a look at Steve Cleveland's Fresno tenure:

Cleveland's Resolve Steadies Course
Stephen Trembley
Fresno State Athletics Communications (Men's Basketball)
June 29, 2010

The consistency of Steve Cleveland's mission is rooted in the core of a man with an unwavering conviction that his principled foundation will foster a stronger community.

Steve Cleveland Five years ago, Steve returned to his hometown to serve as the head coach of the Fresno State men's basketball team.  He was charged with creating a culture of academic excellence and compliance while competing for a conference championship.

To achieve these objectives, Steve developed a philosophy that each step he took would be a building block for the program to be primed for the present and future.

He calls it "Built to Last," based on the book by James Collins and Jerry I. Porras.  This approach is rooted in the central concept that we each have the ability to leave our society a better place.

As the Cleveland Era enters its sixth season for the Bulldogs, the culture of the basketball program has been significantly resurrected.

His basketball program achieved the nation's largest Academic Progress Rate (APR) improvement, recorded the graduation of the most student-athletes in the program's history, returned all scholarships and practice time, and cultivated the first Academic All-District honoree (two-time winner Nedeljko Golubovic).

Paul George with NBA Commish at 2010 NBA DraftIn addition, the building blocks remain in place to compete for a conference title even after Cleveland's program honed the skills of two NBA Draft picks in the past four years - Paul George (the Indiana Pacers' top pick and No. 10 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft) and Dominic McGuire (the 47th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards). George would have been one of the top contenders for next season's Preseason Player of the Year WAC honor, as McGuire would have been for the 2007-08 season.

In looking ahead to the 2010-11 season, Cleveland will draw from the depth and athleticism of an exciting roster poised to leave their mark in the Bulldog legacy. Here are a few notes for Bulldog fans to chew on:

Greg Smith and Steven Shepp at WAC Tourney--- Greg Smith, the reigning WAC Freshman of the Year, and point guard Steven Shepp will back and stronger as the two returning starters from last year's squad.  Both were newcomers last season and showed their ability to play with anyone throughout the season.  Smith dominated the low post and Shepp displayed his flash, dash and long-range threat as a deep 3-point shooter. Smith and Shepp have each dedicated themselves to the weight room and working out in the gym to prepare for their statement year.

--- Nedeljko Golubovic, the back-to-back CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VIII honoree, will provide the senior leadership for the talented Bulldog roster.  As a forward capable of playing every post position, Golubovic can stretch defenses as a 3-point threat.  With two healthy wrists this season, the Red Wave can expect a strong year from Golubovic.

--- Jerry Brown III and Garrett Johnson, who played sparingly as freshmen last season, have each grown and will be able to earn immediate playing time as contributors from beyond the 3-point arc, mid-range jump shooters, pounding the offensive glass, applying aggressive defensive play and attacking the basket.

--- As for newcomers, Cleveland has once again restocked his bench, but added even more talent by signing Bracken Funk, Tyler Johnson, Kevin Olekaibe, John Ryan and Tim Steed to join the team next year. Also, Jonathan Wills, who redshirted last season as a D-1 transfer from New Mexico, will have an opportunity to start on the perimeter.  Each new addition, and there may be more, will provide a unique spark as one of Cleveland's blocks built to last.

The young men in this program have a single purpose to compete at the highest level for every minute of every game.  The 'Dogs are ready to show their bark and bite through their exceptional gift of playing on this stage.

The foundation has been set by a man committed to his principles and primed to use the blocks he built to guide his group of young men on the path to a WAC championship and an invitation to the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

While Fresno State makes their run, the Red Wave will see passion, heart and thrilling moments at every turn.  The growth and development will be on full display this fall as the Bulldogs return to the hardwood with their core vision steady and consistent because Steve Cleveland's resolve is strong and unmatched.
 

One note about Steve Cleveland

Sitting in the stands at Rumble In The Bay, many thoughts pass through the mind. Here's one on Steve Cleveland.

With all this talk about conference realignments, Fresno State fans should be especially thankful for Coach Steve Cleveland. Too often, Fresno State's basketball program was in the news for the wrong reasons -- a samurai sword for heaven's sake -- and that is exactly one of the reasons other conferences don't bring in certain colleges as new members.

Bulldog athletics are looking much more attractive to others as the negative baggage recedes from memory.

Yes, more wins are desired by fans but don't forget or dismiss the larger picture.

Andrew Marden talks with Steve Cleveland

CBS Channel 47 sports guy Andrew Marden recently talked with Steve Cleveland:

Steve Cleveland on Ladd, George, NCAA Tournament
March 25, 2010

I had the opportunity to do a one-on-one interview with Fresno State men's basketball coach Steve Cleveland Thursday morning. I set it up for a story that'll air Thursday night on CBS47 at 11 (good feature story on freshman guard/forward Jerry Brown, who knows sign language!)

But since I was already there, I had a couple of other questions I wanted to ask coach Cleveland and to his credit, he was great and answered all of them...

Go here for the remainder.

Timing is everything

A big thumbs up to Fresno State Coach Steve Cleveland for not putting up with any wayward actions -- despite the fact that this will hurt the Bulldogs' chances. Matt James has the scoop:

Ladd news is bad news
Matt James
resno Bee
March 11, 2010

RENO -- Fresno State athletic director is about to hold a press conference announcing the fact that Mike Ladd has been sent home from the Western Athletic Conference Tournament. I'm guessing he isn't going to say why...

Go here for the remainder.

How does a player let down his teammates at this critical time?

Coaches don't usually do this...

Bully for Steve Cleveland for going on the record with this in the Daniel Lyght-penned article published earlier today in the Fresno Bee:

"Next year's really important to me...I believe we're a team that should be in the top three in the conference next year."

Wow. Rarely, if ever, does a coach put such a sword of Damocles into play so a PTW tip o' the hat to Cleveland. However, he has a very solid contractual future as the article delineates.

Also, here's a PTW tip o' the hat to Daniel Lyght for an impressive and informative feature.

Wednesday's WAC-iness

The Bulletin in the Zone has, well, let's call it what they did -- "This week's "Quotapalooza" on and about New Mexico State hoops here.

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Daniel Lyght has a truly informative and fascinating article today on and about (we have a trend developing) Steve Cleveland and Fresno State hoops here.

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Chris Murray offers a feature on the 'drought' in Nevada basketball here -- there are a whole lot of other teams wishing they had such a 'weather' history. Also, Coach David Carter talks reality for any college coach in this country here, despite the lip service given to other measurement tools.

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Travis Mason-Bushman did take to the air to reach Reno -- our error -- and offers this conversation with Coach Don Verlin.

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Nick Jezierny checks in here with news, notes and quotes on Bronco basketball.

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Stew Morrill did a no-no per WAC headquarters -- Jarded Eborn has the details here.

Getting the opportunity to face Boise State isn't exactly a stepping stone says Stew Morrill in Shawn Harrison's article here.

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Jeff Portnoy offers up some names here for Hawaii's vacated head coaching position.

Dayton Morinaga has a full-length feature on and with Bob Nash here -- Nash explains how his recruiting pool was even further restricted than usual when he took over. A late hire and a batch of possible recruits deemed unapproachable, well, there's an AD with a plan for success -- NOT!

Forget the "Reggie, Reggie" chants that some UH fans were hoping for next season. Brian McInnis has the details here.

Your Tuesday WAC - O- Rama

San Jose State lost to Seattle 90-88 on a last second three-pointer. The Seattle athletics site has the report and a photo of the game-winning shot here. The San Jose State athletics article can be found here.

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Steve Cleveland goes back to the basics with his 'bigs' as Daniel Lyght reports here.

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Chris Murray analyzes the highs and lows of the BracketBuster event through a WAC lens here.

Chris' conference notebook is here with a detailing of the top defenders in the WAC and much more.

The NCAA needs more money? For what? PTW sees no need for the Big Dance to expand -- there is enough mediocre basketball on display throughout the season b-- ut the opportunity for additional revenues will drive this beast to fruition. Can the NIT and the other tourney which escapes our fading in and out memory at the moment then be put down? Please.

Chris has Karl Benson's take here.

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Shawn Harrison explores Tai Wesley's world here and plows through a bunch of telling USU stats here.

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Ferd Lewis look at Hawaii hoops here.

Jeff Portnoy notes Lewis' column and add more here.

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We'll end with this non-WAC-related item which produced an early morning smile in the PTW household:

Posted at Kraig Williams' Twitter page:

RT @jaredeborn: It's OK, Canada. You'll always have baby seal clubbing that you rule the world in. 7:11 PM Feb 21st via TweetDeck

Eh?

Another Fresno State player departs

We've seen mention of this (Bryce Cartwright's departure) at the Save On Center Message Board but didn't know if it was fact or fiction. Now we know.

Cartwright, Seals leave Bulldogs men's basketball
Daniel Lyght
The Fresno Bee
June 8, 2009

Brian Seals and Bryce Cartwright are one and done at Fresno State.

The men's basketball players decided to transfer after one season with the Bulldogs, coach Steve Cleveland said Monday.

According to Cleveland, Seals opted to look for a program that might offer more playing time and Cartwright said he wanted to be closer to home. Seals has already committed to Chico State...

Go here for the remainder.

Is Fresno State going to field a team of wings?

It's true that soph-to-be Paul George may have a pay-for-play option prior to his senior season but that's a ways off. Another wing-type, soph-to-be Mychal Ladd, also enjoyed a solid initial season. Plus, Steve Cleveland signed high schoolers Jerry Brown and Garrett Johnson, both of whom seem to slot into the wing spot.

So why have the Bulldogs offered another wing player out of Arizona for the 2009-2010 signing period? This per Anthony Ray at ArizonaPreps.com

...After another strong season of play where George Matthews helped lead his St. Mary's program to a 5A Division-I State Championship, he is now beginning to come into his own as a college prospect...

...This spring, as he prepares to enter his senior season next fall, Matthews has began to come into his own as a player and as a college prospect, now showing the signs as a player that had many believing in him as a top-rated prospect in the 2010 class at an early age...

A number of school are now tracking the youngster, with Drake, St. Mary's, San Diego and Fresno State already having offered.

Go to the Rivals Arizona Preps site for the full article and a subscription is required. There is now also a second article on Matthews there.

Some good Rekalin Sims news

It's been a while since Rekalin Sims was in the news and this time it good to hear:

Steve Cleveland and the cleanup project
Matt James
Fresno Bee
May 13, 2009

A few extra thoughts about my column today, which I'm told dragged on longer than a fight scene from "Kill Bill." (Thanks mom, for the feedback.)...

...One last note: Rekalin Sims, the player who was released from the team two seasons ago, is still working toward his degree, taking classes online, and I think it would be a pretty remarkable story if he finished. This is a column I should pursue further, but it really could turn out that Sims was a decent guy who made a bad choice and got caught in the wrong era of Fresno State men's basketball. A decade ago, what he did wouldn't have gotten him benched for a minute, but this was a program trying to turn a corner and he was made an example of. Heck, I called for his release in one of my columns. And you could argue it was the right call. But charges were never filed. He lost what was left of a college career. Not sure, ultimately, if the punishment fit the situation...

Go here for Matt James' entire column.

A Cumberland Times-News article on Fresno signee Steven Shepp

Received the following through a Google alert:

Shepp going to Fresno State
ACM point guard will play for Steve Cleveland’s Bulldogs
Steve Luse
Cumberland Times-News
May 10, 2009

Considered one of the best passers in a long line of outstanding Allegany College of Maryland point guards, Steven Shepp will be traveling across the country to continue his career with a scholarship to Fresno State University in California.

After missing all but three games of his freshman season with a pelvic area injury, the 6-foot-2 guard from Woodbridge, Va., returned to help lead Allegany to its first trip to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., in five years. The Trojans won the Maryland JUCO Conference, Region XX and District III tournaments en route to a 29-7 overall record.

Shepp capped his sophomore season by being named to the All-Region XX and All-Maryland JUCO team and was also the Most Valuable Player in the Maryland JUCO Tournament. He shared Allegany team MVP honors with freshman Jeff Early...

Go here for the remainder.