Seeley embracing return to hometown

FRESNO, Calif. --- There is no place like home.

And Fresno State redshirt sophomore Chris Seeley, a proud Fresno native who starred at Central High School, loves being back in the San Joaquin Valley.

"It feels wonderful," Seeley said of his return to Fresno. "I'm excited to have all of my old high school friends come out and see me play. They are still hitting me up asking 'Hey, when are the games? I want to come see you play!' and I think that's the most exciting thing ever to look forward to."

Seeley's journey to playing for his hometown Bulldogs included two years at Utah, when he had to miss the 2016-17 season with a shoulder injury and saw only limited playing time in 20 games with the Runnin' Utes as a redshirt freshman in 2017-18.

"Chris Seeley is a very athletic and talented basketball player," Fresno State head coach Justin Hutson said. "He can run and jump. He shoots the mid-range really well and works hard. He didn't play much at Utah and sat out last year, so you're talking about two-to-three years where he hasn't been on the floor in front of the lights. So I expect him to play a little too fast early, to make some mistakes, and to continue to get better because he's going to work hard. Chris is going to be a great player here for us at Fresno State."

Seeley improves Bulldogs' post rotation
While he immediately gives Fresno State a dynamic stretch scoring option from the post and a relentless defender capable of guarding multiple positions, Seeley feels that he has an opportunity to really thrive in another gear in the Bulldogs' system – largely because of the culture established by Hutson.

"I just feel comfortable and that I can be myself," Seeley said. "(Coach Hut) takes the time to learn how everyone reacts and their emotions and personality so that when he coaches them, he knows how to approach them in the right way – whether it's life or basketball or school."

Seeley's 6-foot-8 frame and explosive athleticism will present unique challenges for some of the toughest opposing offenses and defenses.

After only having two players listed at 6-foot-8 or taller available to play last season, Hutson can mix and match more rotations this year, including having Seeley play in the paint alongside the talent and size of preseason All-MW candidate Nate Grimes, 7-foot-2 redshirt freshman center Assane Diouf, 6-foot-11 fourth-year forward Lazaro Rojas and 6-foot-10 freshman forward Orlando Robinson.

And even with more options inside and a slew of scoring threats outside as well, the Bulldogs have really come together as a 16-man unit. In Seeley, his teammates have someone who knows his hometown well and has an understanding of what it takes to succeed against the best competition.

"I feel like some of the younger guys, they kind of look at me as an older brother," Seeley said. "I like being kind of a role model for them. I think that's kind of cool."

Schedule update
The Bulldogs' 2019-20 complete schedule is still being finalized. Fresno State will open the season at Oregon on Nov. 5 and then hosts the Big South's Winthrop on Nov. 10 at the Save Mart Center. The 'Dogs begin MW play against UNLV on Dec. 4 at home.

2019-20 Fresno State men's basketball season tickets and a six-game mini-plan 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.

Fresno State Athletics

Seeley embracing return to hometown

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