It's
almost that time of year again for the Save Mart Center to fill with passionate
basketball fans. Â The men's basketball
team starts their regular season campaign during Fresno State's Centennial academic
year on Wednesday, Nov. 17 against Vanguard at 8 p.m.
The 'Dogs
have been working hard all summer in the weight room and the gym. They are more than ready to tip off at home in
front of all their fans.
Last
season the 'Dogs recorded a 12-5 record during their home games, which tied for
the second most wins in the arena's history.Â
They are 77-38 overall in games played at the Save Mart Center. The team is ready to continue to their
impressive winning record at home and encourage all Bulldog fans to get their season
tickets early and get ready to fill the seats with Bulldog Spirit.Â
The
Bulldog's home court is located on the South East corner of campus and can hold
as many as 15,596 fans.
This
season the men's basketball team is scheduled for 16 home games. Seven of those contests will be Bulldog
doubleheaders and will fill the Save Mart Center with double the action. This means that the men's and women's
basketball team will be playing home games on the same night at the Save Mart
Center. On these nights, the women's
team will tip off at 6 p.m. and the men's game will start around 8 p.m.Â
Head coach
Steve Cleveland is returning for his sixth season with the Bulldogs this
year. In Cleveland's second year with
Fresno State he led the 'Dogs to a 22-10 record which was the most wins for the
Bulldogs since the 1995-96 season.
Returning
to the court this season are fan favorites: senior Nedeljko Golubovic, junior
Steven Shepp and sophomores Jerry Brown Garrett Johnson and 2010 WAC Freshman
of the Year Greg Smith.
Junior
Jonathan Wills, who joined the team last season, but had to redshirt as a
transfer from New Mexico, will compete for immediate playing time in his first
season on the floor and sophomore Justin Johnson is working to return from a
knee injury.
The newcomers
who will be wearing the Bulldog uniform this season are: Bracken Funk, Tyler
Johnson, Kevin Olekaibe, John Ryan, and Tim Steed. Two more additions have joined the team and
will be announced in the near future.
Last
season, Smith scored 230 points at home, just 20 less than new NBA draft star
Paul George tallied in his final year as a Bulldog in 2009-10. Smith practiced hard all summer and expects
to be bigger and better this year.
The
Bulldogs have a great mix of veterans and fresh faces on the team with the
potential to make a huge statement this year.Â
The hard work during the end of summer training camp and fall sessions
have led to high anticipation for the home opening game night.Â
The
basketball team is ready to shine this year at each one of their 16 home games
and you do not want to miss out on any of the action. Season tickets are available through the
Bulldog Foundation by calling 559-278-7160.
CLEVELAND IN THE SAVE MART CENTER
|
Year |
Record |
|
2005-06 |
12-2 |
|
2006-07 |
15-3 |
|
2007-08 |
11-6 |
|
2008-09 |
9-8 |
|
2009-10 |
12-5 |
|
TOTAL |
59-24 |
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