2009-10 Opponent Preview: Fresno State
As the 2009-10 season men’s basketball season approaches, BYUCougars.com continues to preview each of the Cougars’ opponents. Today’s preview-Fresno State.
Game Preview
BYU meets a familiar face and a familiar program when the Cougars go up against Steve Cleveland and the Bulldogs. Cleveland coached at BYU for eight seasons, compiling a 138-108 record and leading the Cougars to two conference championships before returning to coach at his hometown team. His 138 wins are fourth all-time in BYU history.
BYU and Fresno State previously competed against each other every year as members of the Western Athletic Conference until 1999 when the Cougars formed the Mountain West Conference. BYU holds a ?-? edge overall against the Bulldogs.
Season Outlook
Cleveland has compiled a 63-63 record in his four years at Fresno State. He’s established a “Built to Last” mentality in the Bulldog program, with a great emphasis placed on graduating student-athletes. Cleveland’s best season with Fresno State came in 2006-07, finishing with a 22-10 record and an NIT berth.
Player to Watch
Paul George, G/F, So., 6-8, 210
George exploded onto the Bulldog roster as a freshman, leading the team in rebounds per game (5.8), blocks (58) and three-pointers (63) while averaging 15.3 points per game, second-best on the team. George can play anywhere on the court and will be tough to contain inside and outside the key.
Other Key Players
Game Implications
BYU head coach David Rose is facing Cleveland, the man for whom he was an assistant until taking over when the coach went to Fresno. The game will be played at the Galen Center in Los Angeles in a semi-neutral contest.
Bulldogs at a Glance
Head Coach | Steve Cleveland |
At Fresno State | 5th year / 63-63 |
2008-09 Record | 13-21 overall, 3-13 WAC |
Home/Road/Neutral | 9-8, 3-10, 1-3 |
Starters Ret/Lost | 3/2 |
Lettermen Ret/Lost | 6/4 |
2008-09 Team Stats
Points/Game | 67.6 |
Points Allowed/Game | 69.8 |
Field Goal % | .438 |
Opponent FG % | .439 |
Rebounds/Game | 33.4 |
Assists/Game | 14.2 |
Steals/Game | 6.6 |
Blocks/Game | 4.7 |
Returning Stat Leaders
Points/Game | Sylvester Seay, 15.3 |
Rebounds/Game | Paul George, 6.2 |
Assists/Game | Paul George, 1.9 |
Steals | Paul George, 59 |
Blocks | Sylvester Seay, 58 |
Three-pointers | Paul George, 63 |
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