By Stephen Trembley / Fresno State Athletics
Five years ago, Steve returned to his hometown to serve as the head coach of the Fresno State men's basketball team. He was charged with creating a culture of academic excellence and compliance while competing for a conference championship.
As the Cleveland Era enters its sixth season for the Bulldogs, the culture of the basketball program has been significantly resurrected.
His basketball program achieved the nation's largest Academic Progress Rate (APR) improvement, recorded the graduation of the most student-athletes in the program's history, returned all scholarships and practice time, and cultivated the first Academic All-District honoree (two-time winner Nedeljko Golubovic).
Five years ago, Steve returned to his hometown to serve as the head coach of the Fresno State men's basketball team. He was charged with creating a culture of academic excellence and compliance while competing for a conference championship.
As the Cleveland Era enters its sixth season for the Bulldogs, the culture of the basketball program has been significantly resurrected.
His basketball program achieved the nation's largest Academic Progress Rate (APR) improvement, recorded the graduation of the most student-athletes in the program's history, returned all scholarships and practice time, and cultivated the first Academic All-District honoree (two-time winner Nedeljko Golubovic).
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In addition, the building blocks remain in place to compete for a conference title even after Cleveland's program honed the skills of two NBA Draft picks in the past four years - Paul George (the Indiana Pacers' top pick and No. 10 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft) and Dominic McGuire (the 47th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards). George would have been one of the top contenders for next season's Preseason Player of the Year WAC honor, as McGuire would have been for the 2007-08 season.
--- Greg Smith, the reigning WAC Freshman of the Year, and point guard Steven Shepp will back and stronger as the two returning starters from last year's squad. Both were newcomers last season and showed their ability to play with anyone throughout the season. Smith dominated the low post and Shepp displayed his flash, dash and long-range threat as a deep 3-point shooter. Smith and Shepp have each dedicated themselves to the weight room and working out in the gym to prepare for their statement year.--- Nedeljko Golubovic, the back-to-back CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VIII honoree, will provide the senior leadership for the talented Bulldog roster. As a forward capable of playing every post position, Golubovic can stretch defenses as a 3-point threat. With two healthy wrists this season, the Red Wave can expect a strong year from Golubovic.
--- Jerry Brown III and Garrett Johnson, who played sparingly as freshmen last season, have each grown and will be able to earn immediate playing time as contributors from beyond the 3-point arc, mid-range jump shooters, pounding the offensive glass, applying aggressive defensive play and attacking the basket.
--- As for newcomers, Cleveland has once again restocked his bench, but added even more talent by signing Bracken Funk, Tyler Johnson, Kevin Olekaibe, John Ryan and Tim Steed to join the team next year. Also, Jonathan Wills, who redshirted last season as a D-1 transfer from New Mexico, will have an opportunity to start on the perimeter. Each new addition, and there may be more, will provide a unique spark as one of Cleveland's blocks built to last.
The young men in this program have a single purpose to compete at the highest level for every minute of every game. The 'Dogs are ready to show their bark and bite through their exceptional gift of playing on this stage.
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