Fresno State Athletics
Three Future Bulldogs Join 2009 Recruiting Class
11/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 13, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Head Coach Steve Cleveland announced the addition of three future Bulldogs during the early signing period for the 2009-10 season.
"Our theme this year is `Built to Last,'" Cleveland said. "The 2008 and 2009 recruiting classes are the foundation for that vision."
Cleveland focused on finding student-athletes with a strong work ethic and team-oriented approach to the game.
"I love the work ethic and attitude of our 2008 team," Cleveland added. "Together with the 2009 class, we will finally have a full complement of 13 scholarships and the depth and experience needed to compete at the highest level."
The three future Bulldogs that signed National Letters of Intent are: Greg Smith, Garrett Johnson, and Jerry Brown, Jr.
Greg Smith (Fresno, Calif.), a 6'9" and 240 lbs. post player, is expected to contribute significant minutes as a freshman.
"Greg will obviously have an immediate impact in the program," Cleveland said of the former Edison Tiger. "He is a gifted athlete who understands the game. I love his unselfish play yet he is also capable of taking over a game offensively and defensively."
Smith is currently attending Westwind Academy (Charter) in Phoenix, Ariz. as he prepares to return to his hometown Bulldogs. Cleveland loves Smith's passion for the game and ability to make the team better at a variety of spots on the court.
"It is such a positive thing for the program when you have a talented young man who had so many options yet he chose to come back home and help rebuild this program," Cleveland said. "Greg's work ethic and energy level will be a great asset to this team and also has the versatility to play multiple positions."
Garrett Johnson (Diamond Bar, Calif.), a 6'5" and 190 lbs. guard., will draw on his size and strength to also make an immediate impact by playing in the various positions of the `Dogs backcourt.
"Garrett is a versatile guard that can play all three positions on the perimeter," Cleveland said of the Diamond Ranch Panther. "He has a great understanding of the game. He is a strong and physical player who will have an immediate impact on the program."
Cleveland points to Johnson's ability to be a well-rounded student-athlete as a key asset.
"Garrett is a high character student-athlete who will represent this university and community in a positive manner," Cleveland said.
Jerry Brown, Jr. (San Francisco, Calif.), a 6'6" and 195 lbs. post player, will solidy Cleveland's trend in recruiting student-athletes with the talent to play different roles and the drive to take the program to the next level.
"Jerry will also play multiple positions," Cleveland said of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin' Irish standout. "He has the ability to beat a big off the dribble and post up smaller guards."
Cleveland feels the defensive talents of Brown, Jr., will blend well into Bulldog basketball.
"Jerry's length and athleticism will be a great asset to our program defensively," Cleveland said. "Jerry is another young man who has a great work ethic on the court and in the classroom."
The signing of these three future Bulldogs marks a significant milestone for Cleveland, who has demonstrated the ability to turn programs into perennial national contenders by achieving success on and off the basketball floor.
"We have turned a major corner in overcoming the challenges of the past," Cleveland said. "We are thrilled to have all three of these young men in the program. We also plan to sign a point guard and another forward in the spring signing period."
The Bulldogs open the 2008-09 season at home this Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. by welcoming the Sacramento State Hornets to the Save Mart Center for a non-conference contest.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The `Dogs open the regular season on Friday, November 14 as they host Sacramento State at 7:00 pm in the Save Mart Center. It's Take a Kid to a Game Night and all youth 8th grade and under will receive FREE admission when accompanied by a paid adult (one youth per adult ticket). Fresno State marketing students will be collecting new and gently used books for preschool through high school aged students for the Central Valley Book Bank. Collection bins will be located throughout the Save Mart Center. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
