Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State Men’s Basketball: CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein sees Bulldogs as “sleeper” pick again
8/22/2016 12:24:00 PM | Men's Basketball
2016-17 Men's Basketball Season Ticket Pre-Sale FormCBS Sports: Mountain West Offseason StorylinesPODCAST: College Hoops Today with Jon Rothstein - Mountain West Breakdown
The Fresno State men’s basketball team was featured in CBS Sports’ Mountain West fall preview.
NEW YORK CITY --- The Fresno State men's basketball team has been called a "sleeper" selection in the Mountain West by CBS Sports for the second straight season.
Jon Rothstein, a CBS Sports College Basketball Insider and an Associated Press voter, noted the returning and incoming talent as key factors in how Fresno State head coach Rodney Terry's squad will move forward after the graduation of Mountain West Player of the Year Marvelle Harris, and senior guards Cezar Guerrero and Julien Lewis.
"There's no replacement for a player of that caliber," Rothstein said of filling the void vacated by Marvelle Harris' graudation. "But there's still more than enough talent in this program to be an absolute nuisance to play against. Paul Watson, Karachi Edo and Cullen Russo are all returning players who averaged over 20.0 minutes on last year's team that lost to Utah in the Round of 64, while a pair of transfers -- Jaron Hopkins (Colorado) and Deshon Taylor (UMKC) -- figure to be prominent members of this team's rotation. Fresno State looks like a sleeper."
Prior to last season, Rothstein also labeled Fresno State as "the sleeper team in the Mountain West Conference and one that should win five to seven more times than it did year (before)."
Fresno State went on to win the 2016 Mountain West Championship and the conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Fresno State won 25 games – 10 more wins than during the 2014-15 season.
A "sleeper" team label refers to programs that may appear to be under the radar, but they are usually very talented with great coaching and will likely be serious contenders in their respective conference.
"We're trying to emerge with some leadership," Terry said. "I think the leader of this team is going to emerge over the first part of the season. This is a big deal for us because we have a blend of young and older players. The experience this year shifts from the front court to the back court. We have seniors in the front court compared to a year ago when we had seniors in back court."
Fresno State opens the 2016-17 season on Nov. 11 against UTSA at the Save Mart Center. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m. PT as part of a Fresno State Basketball doubleheader as the Fresno State women's basketball team will host Biola at 5 p.m. PT earlier that evening.
A pre-sale of Fresno State men's basketball season tickets is currently underway by signing up at www.GoBulldogs.com or by calling 559-278-DOGS. Season ticket packages start at $149.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visitwww.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Jon Rothstein, a CBS Sports College Basketball Insider and an Associated Press voter, noted the returning and incoming talent as key factors in how Fresno State head coach Rodney Terry's squad will move forward after the graduation of Mountain West Player of the Year Marvelle Harris, and senior guards Cezar Guerrero and Julien Lewis.
"There's no replacement for a player of that caliber," Rothstein said of filling the void vacated by Marvelle Harris' graudation. "But there's still more than enough talent in this program to be an absolute nuisance to play against. Paul Watson, Karachi Edo and Cullen Russo are all returning players who averaged over 20.0 minutes on last year's team that lost to Utah in the Round of 64, while a pair of transfers -- Jaron Hopkins (Colorado) and Deshon Taylor (UMKC) -- figure to be prominent members of this team's rotation. Fresno State looks like a sleeper."
Prior to last season, Rothstein also labeled Fresno State as "the sleeper team in the Mountain West Conference and one that should win five to seven more times than it did year (before)."
Fresno State went on to win the 2016 Mountain West Championship and the conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Fresno State won 25 games – 10 more wins than during the 2014-15 season.
A "sleeper" team label refers to programs that may appear to be under the radar, but they are usually very talented with great coaching and will likely be serious contenders in their respective conference.
"We're trying to emerge with some leadership," Terry said. "I think the leader of this team is going to emerge over the first part of the season. This is a big deal for us because we have a blend of young and older players. The experience this year shifts from the front court to the back court. We have seniors in the front court compared to a year ago when we had seniors in back court."
Fresno State opens the 2016-17 season on Nov. 11 against UTSA at the Save Mart Center. Tip off is slated for 7 p.m. PT as part of a Fresno State Basketball doubleheader as the Fresno State women's basketball team will host Biola at 5 p.m. PT earlier that evening.
A pre-sale of Fresno State men's basketball season tickets is currently underway by signing up at www.GoBulldogs.com or by calling 559-278-DOGS. Season ticket packages start at $149.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visitwww.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G/F
/ Men's Basketball2025-26 MBB Season Recap
Wednesday, March 18
MBB Pregame Interview: 2026 Mountain West Tournament
Wednesday, March 11
Return to Selland: Press Conference
Friday, October 17
MBB: Highlight vs. San Diego [12/14/24]
Tuesday, December 17