Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Grimes’ hard work has fifth-year senior rising
7/15/2019 1:50:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Fresno State fifth-year senior forward Nate Grimes enters the 2019-20 season as a strong preseason All-MW candidate after rating as one of the best in the conference last season.
FRESNO, Calif. --- Nate Grimes, a native of Las Vegas and preseason All-Mountain West candidate, has been through many battles and enters his fifth-year at Fresno State with a golden opportunity to take advantage of his hard work.
Grimes has added even more strength and toughness to pair with a stinging jumpshot to stretch defenses, but his main focus is squarely on doing what it takes each day to help his team win.
For the Bulldogs, Grimes headlines a frontcourt, which figures to be one of the more formidable frontlines in the Mountain West. Fresno State gets the additions of 7-foot-2 center Assane Diouf and 6-foot-8 forward Chris Seeley, who both redshirted last season, along with 6-foot-10 true freshman forward Orlando Robinson to immediately enhance its inside rotations, which saw Grimes rank second among all MW players a year ago in defensive rating (89.6) and rebounding percentage (22.2).
"When I rebound, it just gives me energy," Grimes said of his mindset on the glass and what he loves the most about the game. "I feel like when you get a stop on defense, it makes offense so much easier. It intimidates dudes if you're just grabbing boards and blocking everything—nobody wants to come in and deal with that."
Grimes' locked-in mindset radiating
This offseason, Grimes has been working really hard. He's been waking up early, and then turns on some music and walks to the weight room before spending time on the court.
"I'm working on my lower body more so I can be more explosive than I am now," Grimes said. "I've been working on my offensive game and my mind a lot. Working on my jumper, post work and that three -- a stretched out three -- and my stability. It'll all happen if I just stay consistent and do everything I'm doing now, I just know it."
Grimes' confidence comes from his experience and production. Last season, Grimes was one of two players in the MW to average a double-double (11.8 points/10.2 rebounds) during conference play. He ranked second in the league in field goal percentage (62.1 percent, 90-for-145) and blocks (27) in MW games.
Grimes also set a Save Mart Center single-game record with 19 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs to an 82-70 home win over New Mexico on Feb. 2.
"Nate is in the gym all the time," fellow Fresno State fifth-year senior guard New Williams said of his teammate. "I love how hard Nate works. I know he has been working vigorously on his jumpshot. He's been really intense about getting his jumper perfect shooting as many shots as he can from all over the floor. Nate wants to win. I really love that about him."
That relentless mentality has been forged throughout the years, even before he arrived on campus as a freshman in 2015. Grimes draws inspiration from his parents because of their work ethic, as well as Naismith Hall of Famer and five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman for his toughness and tenacity.
"I've just kept working non-stop every day," Grimes said. "I've had people behind me, including our fans. It's been a lot of hard work, staying positive and having a good, consistent work ethic to get here."
Roster, schedule update
The Bulldogs' 2019-20 schedule and complete roster are still being finalized with more information to be released in the near future. 2019-20 Fresno State men's basketball season tickets are on sale now by calling 559-278-3647, visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office and online at www.GoBulldogs.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Grimes has added even more strength and toughness to pair with a stinging jumpshot to stretch defenses, but his main focus is squarely on doing what it takes each day to help his team win.
For the Bulldogs, Grimes headlines a frontcourt, which figures to be one of the more formidable frontlines in the Mountain West. Fresno State gets the additions of 7-foot-2 center Assane Diouf and 6-foot-8 forward Chris Seeley, who both redshirted last season, along with 6-foot-10 true freshman forward Orlando Robinson to immediately enhance its inside rotations, which saw Grimes rank second among all MW players a year ago in defensive rating (89.6) and rebounding percentage (22.2).
"When I rebound, it just gives me energy," Grimes said of his mindset on the glass and what he loves the most about the game. "I feel like when you get a stop on defense, it makes offense so much easier. It intimidates dudes if you're just grabbing boards and blocking everything—nobody wants to come in and deal with that."
Grimes' locked-in mindset radiating
This offseason, Grimes has been working really hard. He's been waking up early, and then turns on some music and walks to the weight room before spending time on the court.
"I'm working on my lower body more so I can be more explosive than I am now," Grimes said. "I've been working on my offensive game and my mind a lot. Working on my jumper, post work and that three -- a stretched out three -- and my stability. It'll all happen if I just stay consistent and do everything I'm doing now, I just know it."
Grimes' confidence comes from his experience and production. Last season, Grimes was one of two players in the MW to average a double-double (11.8 points/10.2 rebounds) during conference play. He ranked second in the league in field goal percentage (62.1 percent, 90-for-145) and blocks (27) in MW games.
Grimes also set a Save Mart Center single-game record with 19 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs to an 82-70 home win over New Mexico on Feb. 2.
"Nate is in the gym all the time," fellow Fresno State fifth-year senior guard New Williams said of his teammate. "I love how hard Nate works. I know he has been working vigorously on his jumpshot. He's been really intense about getting his jumper perfect shooting as many shots as he can from all over the floor. Nate wants to win. I really love that about him."
That relentless mentality has been forged throughout the years, even before he arrived on campus as a freshman in 2015. Grimes draws inspiration from his parents because of their work ethic, as well as Naismith Hall of Famer and five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman for his toughness and tenacity.
"I've just kept working non-stop every day," Grimes said. "I've had people behind me, including our fans. It's been a lot of hard work, staying positive and having a good, consistent work ethic to get here."
Roster, schedule update
The Bulldogs' 2019-20 schedule and complete roster are still being finalized with more information to be released in the near future. 2019-20 Fresno State men's basketball season tickets are on sale now by calling 559-278-3647, visiting the Bulldog Ticket Office and online at www.GoBulldogs.com.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
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