Fresno State Athletics
Taylor Joins Men's Basketball Program
1/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
By Stephen Trembley
strembley@csufresno.edu
www.GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. --- Versatile guard Jahmel Taylor has transferred from the University of Washington to Fresno State enrolling in classes for the 2015 spring semester and signing an athletic aid agreement to be part of the Bulldogs' men's basketball program, Fresno State head coach Rodney Terry announced Wednesday.
"We are very excited about the addition of Jahmel Taylor to our university and basketball program," Terry said. "He's an extremely bright young man that has a passion for excelling in the classroom and on the court."
Taylor, a product out of Pacific Hills High School in West Hollywood, played in 20 games for the Huskies over the last two seasons before deciding to return home to California. As a Division I transfer, Taylor will be eligible to play following the conclusion of the 2015 fall semester.
"We recruited Jahmel out of high school, so we are well aware of his ability to shoot the basketball and play at either spot in the back court," Terry said. "He has great character and will work hard to continue to develop while he is sitting out."
Taylor helped lead Pacific Hills to the 2013 California State Division IV championship. He was named the 2013 Division 4A All CIF-Southern Section player of the year and earned MaxPreps California Boys Basketball Division IV All-State first-team honors. As a senior in high school, Taylor averaged 22.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game during that championship-winning season. Taylor scored 14 points in the championship game and had 24 points, including 16 of 18 from the free throw line, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals in a 73-69 win over No. 6 Bishop Montgomery in the CIF Southern California Division IV championship.
Prior to starring at Pacific Hills, Taylor played at Sierra Canyon High School from 2011-2012 and helped them win the 2011 California Southern Section Division 5A championship. Taylor averaged 20.8 ppg, 2.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 27 games as a junior in 2012 and averaged 21.1 points, 3.0 assists, 5.0 blocks and 1.7 steals in 33 games as a sophomore. Taylor earned multiple accolades at Sierra Canyon, including All-CIF Southern Section Team Division 5A, CIF Division 5A MVP and MaxPreps Cal Boys Basketball Division V All-State second-team honors.
He was a three-star recruit out of high school, according to Scout.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com, and ranked as the No. 45 point guard in the nation by ESPN.com.
Fresno State currently sits in third place in the Mountain West standings and just one game back of conference leaders San Diego State and Wyoming. The Bulldogs host the Nevada Wolf Pack on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT at the Save Mart Center in a special "Night in Navy" game. All fans are asked to WEAR NAVY as the 'Dogs will be wearing their alternate navy uniforms for the first time at home.
"Be Bold!" --- Mini-plans for the 2014-15 Fresno State men's basketball season are available starting at $36 through the Bulldog Ticket Office at the Save Mart Center, over the phone at 559-278-DOGS and online at www.GoBulldogs.com.
