Beach Opens Season Wednesday
49er Men Face CS San Bernardino In Exhibition Opener
November 10, 2003
Click Here For PDF Version Of This Release
Click Here For 2003-04 Roster
| UPCOMING GAMES | | Wed., Nov. 12 vs. CS San Bernardino, 7:35 pm, The Pyramid (www.longbeachstate.com) | | Sun., Nov. 16 vs. Olympic Club, 1:05 pm, The Pyramid (www.longbeachstate.com) | | Fri., Nov. 21 at San Diego State, 7:30 pm, Cox Arena, San Diego, CA (KRLA 870 AM) |
| PROBABLE STARTERS | | F-30-Kevin Roberts (6-5, 255, Sr., 12.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg) | | F-52-Chris Jenkins (6-8, 184, Jr., 3.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg) | | C-5-Marcel Jackson (6-9, 290, Sr., 2.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg) | | G-1-Jibril Hodges (6-2, 179, So., 6.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg) | | G-10-Cody Pearson (6-4, 193, Jr., 4.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) |
The Records: Long Beach State kicks off its 2003-04 campaign as they host Cal State San Bernardino in an exhibition game on Wednesday evening at The Pyramid. The 49ers are coming off a 5-22 campaign, while the Coyotes were 23-7 last season and 19-3 in the CCAA. On Sunday the 49ers will host the Olympic Club at 1:05 pm.
The Coach: Larry Reynolds (UC Riverside, 1976) is 5-22 (.185) entering his second year at Long Beach State. Reynolds compiled a career mark of 110-35 (.759) in five years as the head coach at Cal State San Bernardino.
The Series Record: The 49ers and the Coyotes met last year in an exhibition game in The Pyramid and CS San Bernardino came away with a 61-53 triumph. Bobby Burries led CSUSB with 15 points and Jonathan Levy added 14. The 49ers, who shot just .368 (21-57) from the field in the contest, were led by Kevin Roberts' 20 points. He was the only 49er in double digits.
No Respect? The 49ers didn't get much love when it came to the annual Big West Conference Basketball Media Day on November 5. The 49ers were picked to finish 10th by both the league's coaches and by the media.
About The Coyotes: CSUSB went 23-7 last season and 19-3 in the CCAA. The Coyotes, who finished the season ranked #16 nationally, lost in the NCAA Division II West Region Championship game, 91-84 in double overtime to Cal Poly Pomona. The Coyotes return two starters, led by senior wing Jonathan Levy, who averaged 14.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last year. Point guard T.K. Reed also returns after averaging 6.6 points and 6.1 assists per outing.
Roberts Ready For Senior Campaign: Senior forward Kevin Roberts (Petaluma) is coming off a solid season in 2002-03 where he averaged 12.3 points and a team-high 6.0 rebounds per game. He reached double figures in scoring 19 times and recorded two double-double's, both coming against UC Riverside. With 714 career points, Roberts needs to average 10.6 points per game this season to become just the 14th player in 49er history to reach 1,000 career points. With 101 rebounds and 286 points, Roberts can become just the 10th player in 49er history to record 1,000 career points and 500 career rebounds. Roberts was named the team's Co-MVP last season.
Antoine Jackson Still Recuperating: Senior Antoine Jackson (San Antonio, TX) broke the small finger on his left hand in October and is scheduled to be back by the end of the month. He has only been able to work out during conditioning drills since he has been unable to hold a basketball. He will miss both exhibition games and hopefully will be back on the court for the Portland game. Jackson appeared in 23 games last year, starting seven times, and averaged 3.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting .587 (37-63) from the field. His best game of the season came at Pacific where he recorded his only double-double of the year with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 17 minutes of action. He also had nine points and 10 rebounds vs. Portland.
Marcel Jackson Earns Exhibition Start: Senior Marcel Jackson (Santa Cruz) has had a great pre-season and has worked his way into the starting lineup for the opening exhibition game. A big force down low, the 49er coaching staff has been pleased with Jackson's intensity and improved strength. Last year Jackson appeared in 22 games, averaging 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds per game. His best outing came at Loyola Marymount with nine points and seven rebounds.
Jenkins Looks Strong: Junior forward Chris Jenkins (Albuquerque, NM) looks to be in fine shape for the 2003-04 campaign. After a disappointing season in 2002-03 where he averaged 3.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, Jenkins worked hard over the summer and in the fall and has come into camp in the best shape in his career. A solid long-range threat, he shot a school-record .491 (26-53) from long-range in 2001-02, Jenkins will be key to any 49er success this season. His size (6'8") at the three position can cause numerous match-up problems for opponents and his defensive pressure has improved.
Pearson Earns His Spot: Junior Cody Pearson (Sherman Oaks) has definitely earned his spot on the roster. A walk-on the last two years, Pearson was rewarded with a scholarship this season. Last year Pearson averaged 4.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, appearing in 26 games with eight starts. An enthusiastic player on the court, Pearson will be the 49ers defensive "stopper" this year. He also is one of the team's better rebounders. In Big West Conference games last year he averaged 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. One of his best outings came in the 49ers home win over CS Fullerton when he finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Bowens Back: Sophomore Mark Bowens (Peoria, AZ) is back in a 49er uniform and on the court after missing last season due to injury. Bowens injured his left knee in October and had to miss the entire season. The 49er coaching staff is definitely glad to have Bowens back in uniform and are looking for outstanding production from him at the point guard spot. Bowens is a solid long-range shooter and will share time at the point guard position with freshman Kevin Houston.
Hodges At The Two-Guard Spot: Sophomore Jibril Hodges (Park Forest, IL) played out of position last year, serving as the point guard the last half of the season. This year though, Hodges will be able to move back to his natural position as shooting guard. A Big West Conference All-Freshman Team selection last year, Hodges averaged 6.0 points and 2.1 assists per game. In league outings those totals rose to 7.9 points and 2.8 assists per game. A starter the final 11 games of the season, Hodges hit double digits in scoring five times, including a career-high 19 points in the 49ers 68-67 win over conference champion UC Santa Barbara at The Pyramid. In the 49ers home win over CS Fullerton in February he tallied 10 points, three rebounds and a career-high seven assists.
Newcomers Abound: There are several new faces this season for the 49ers, six to be exact. Look for each one to provide his share of highlights this year.
Anthony Coleman: Transferred to LBSU from Xavier University last December and will eligible to play on December 23 when the 49ers take on LMU. Only plated in five games during the 2002-03 season, scoring just three points. Prepped at Centennial High School where he averaged 12.0 points and 14.0 rebounds per game. Has a great outside shot and, can take it down low.
Kevin Crockett: Is a walk-on from Wilson High School in Long Beach. Has a great outside shooting touch, shooting an impressive 45.0 from beyond the arc as a senior at Wilson. Averaged 20.0 points per game and was a first team Dream Team selection by the Long Beach Press-Telegram.
Louis Darby: Sat out last year as a non-qualifier, but has been a pleasant surprise in the fall. Averaged 21.0 points and 6.0 assists per game his senior year at Sylmar High School where he was selected as the MVP of the Valley Mission League.
Travon Free: A true freshman out of Dominguez High School where he averaged 19.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game his senior season. Selected first team All-CIF last year and second team Dream Team.
Lucian Graham: A true freshman out of Westbury Christian High School in Houston, TX. Spent last season at Fort Union Military Academy in Fort Union, VA. Didn't see much action last year due to an injury, but as a senior he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game and was named All-State and first team All-City.
Kevin Houston: Another true freshman, this time out of San Gorgonio High School. Averaged 20.0 points and 9.0 assists per game last year as a senior, earning first team All-CIF honors. Will be battling for the starting point guard spot.
Listen To The Radio: The 49ers can be heard all season-long on the internet, while the road games will be aired on KRLA (870 AM). All home games can be heard via the internet at www.longbeachstate.com. Road games can also be heard on the internet at www.krla.com. Check the 49er website (www.longbeachstate.com) for correct times.
2003-04 Schedule & Results (0-0 / 0-0 Big West)
| Nov. 12 | #CS San Bernardino | 7:35 pm | | Nov. 16 | #Olympic Club | 1:05 pm | | Nov. 21 | at San Diego State | 7:35 pm | | Nov. 29 | at Portland | 7:05 pm | | Dec. 3 | CS Stanislaus | 7:35 pm | | Dec. 6 | at Pepperdine (TV: FSW2) | 7:35 pm | | Dec. 9 | at Minnesota (TV: ESPN+) | 5:05 pm | | Dec. 20 | Southern Utah | 7:35 pm | | Dec. 23 | Loyola Marymount | 7:35 pm | | Dec. 27 | at Sacramento State | 7:05 pm | | Dec. 30 | Colgate | 7:35 pm | | Jan. 3 | *UC Santa Barbara | 7:35 pm | | Jan. 5 | *Cal Poly (TV: FSW2) | 7:35 pm | | Jan. 8 | *at Pacific | 7:05 pm | | Jan. 10 | *at CS Northridge | 7:05 pm | | Jan. 15 | *CS Fullerton | 7:35 pm | | Jan. 17 | *UC Riverside | 7:35 pm | | Jan. 24 | *UC Irvine | 7:35 pm | | Jan. 29 | *at Idaho | 7:05 pm | | Jan. 31 | *at Utah State | 6:05 pm | | Feb. 5 | *CS Northridge (TV: KVMD) | 7:05 pm | | Feb. 7 | *Pacific | 7:35 pm | | Feb. 12 | *at UC Riverside | 7:10 pm | | Feb. 14 | *at CS Fullerton | 7:05 pm | | Feb. 18 | *at UC Irvine (TV: KVMD) | 7:05 pm | | Feb. 26 | *Utah State | 7:35 pm | | Feb. 28 | *Idaho (TV: FSW2) | 5:05 pm | | Mar. 4 | *at Cal Poly | 7:05 pm | | Mar. 6 | *at UC Santa Barbara | 7:05 pm | | Mar. 10-13 | at Big West Tournament | tba |
# Exhibition Game
* Big West Conference Game |
