2013-14 gopoly.com
this is winning tradition Under Joe Callero, Cal Poly has matched or exceeded its win total from the previous season each year – a feat not accomplished at Cal Poly for 41 years. Cal Poly’s 36 combined victories during the previous two seasons are the program’s most over a twoyear period in 25 years.
central coast support
Cal Poly has enjoyed a 31.4 percent increase in attendance during the past four seasons in the Mo Athletics Center. Rewarding fans for their support, Mustangs posted a 13-1 home record last season have won 14-straight home games against Big We Conference foes.
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ncaa leaders The Mustangs regularly finish among the nation’s statistical leaders and the 2012-13 season was no exception. After twice finishing as one of the top 25 defensive teams in Division I (2010-12), Cal Poly closed the 2012-13 season as one of the nation’s most efficient programs as the Mustangs ranked second (behind NCAA Tournament runner-up Michigan) in fewest turnovers per game (9.4) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.46).
big west conference dominance
During the last three seasons, only one Big West program – Long Beach State – has won more games and posted a higher conference winning percentage than Cal Poly. Aside from Long Beach State, Cal Poly is the only Big West program to have finished in the top half of the conference standings during each of the previous three seasons.
mustangs mak TOPPLING GIANTS
Cal Poly had never defeated a top-25 opponent in program history … that was until the Mustangs grabbed the nation’s attention by overcoming an 18-point deficit with 12 minutes to play to stun No. 11 UCLA 7068 inside historic Pauley Pavilion on Nov. 25, 2012.
POSTSEASON
Last season marked the second successive year that Cal Poly reached the Big West Tournament semifinals and won 18 games. The Mustangs were finally rewarded for their success with a berth in the 2013 CollegeInsider.com Tournament and played the program’s first postseason game in 27 years.
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N SUCCESS
e
A NATIONAL PRESENCE Cal Poly regularly plays the nation’s elite teams in elite venues and features on national television. In four previous seasons under Joe Callero, Cal Poly has played in 13 different states, competed in nine arenas that have hosted NCAA Tournament games and visited nationally ranked opponents such as UCLA and San Diego State. One season after making a program-record eight television appearances, Cal Poly is scheduled to appear on TV a minimum of seven times during the 2013-14 season.
HOME DOMINANCE Cal Poly owns one of the best home-court advantages in the nation. On the way to setting program records for home wins (13-1) and home winning percentage last season (.929), the Mustangs swept all nine Big West opponents inside the Mott Athletics Center. Cal Poly has won 12 straight home games entering the 2013-14 season and 14 straight against Big West programs.
Head Coach | Fifth Season | Central Washington, 1986 Twitter: @CoachCallero
• Under Callero, Cal Poly has matched or exceeded its win total from the previous season each year – a feat not accomplished at Cal Poly for 41 years. Cal Poly’s 36 combined victories during the previous two seasons are the program’s most over a two-year period in 25 years. • Cal Poly has developed one of the top home-court advantages in the nation under Callero. Last season, the Mustangs set program records inside the Mott Athletics Center for home wins (13) and home winning percentage (.929). Entering this season, Cal Poly has won 12 straight home games and 14 straight home games against Big West opposition. • In the last three years under Callero, only one Big West program – Long Beach State – has won more games and posted a higher conference winning percentage than Cal Poly. Aside from Long Beach State, Cal Poly is the only Big West program to have finished in the top half of the conference standings during each of the previous three seasons. • With Callero, Cal Poly regularly ranks among the top statistical teams in Division I. After twice finishing as one of the top 25 defensive teams (2010-12), Cal Poly closed the 2012-13 season as one of the nation’s most efficient programs with the Mustangs ranking second – behind Michigan – in fewest turnovers per game (9.4) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.46). • Regular challengers for an NCAA Tournament berth under Callero, Cal Poly has reached the semifinals of the Big West Tournament each of the past two years. Last season, Cal Poly played its first postseason game in 27 years when awarded a berth in the 2013 CollegeInsider.com Tournament. • In four seasons under Callero, Cal Poly has experienced a 31.4 percent increase in attendance inside the Mott Athletics Center.
mustangs going
Under Coach Callero, Cal Poly has produced an average of two professional players each season.
Ryan Darling (2008-10)
Shawn Lewis (2007-11)
Germany
Spain
Amaurys Fermin (2009-12)
Dylan Royer (2008-13)
Cyprus
Mexico
2013 Rookie of the Year in Dominican Republic national league
(2007-10)
Will Taylor (2009-12)
Mexico
Germany
Jordan Lewis (2007-12)
Drake U’u (2008-13)
Israel
Australia
Lorenzo Keller
Paul Fortier
Associate Head Coach | First Season | Washington, 1986
“Paul is a talented, experienced and professional coach and the perfect fit for our program as a teacher, mentor and recruiter. On the floor, Paul has helped develop our post players. As a recruiter, he’s maintained our out-of-state contacts and strengthened our California relationships. With the addition of Paul’s leadership, I look forward to the continued progress of Mustang basketball and see a bright future for our program.” – Joe Callero • Responsible for fortifying Cal Poly’s recruiting efforts and strengthening the pro gram’s frontcourt game. • Joins Cal Poly following an eight-year run as an assistant at Washington, where he helped the program to four NCAA Tournaments, two Sweet 16s and three 25-win seasons, in addition to tutoring nine NBA Draft selections. • As a player, helped Washington (1983-86) to three successive NCAA Tournaments before being selected in the 1986 NBA Draft. As a professional, enjoyed 17 seasons in Europe, competing in the top leagues in Italy, France, Spain and Greece.
sam kirby
Assistant Coach | Third Season | Seattle, 2008
“Sam has developed into one of the top young recruiters and coaches in the business. His continued close work with our guards was instrumental in the improvement and success of players such as Dylan Royer and Drake U’u last year. Sam’s work ethic and sincere personality have helped us sign some very talented young guards for this upcoming season.” – Joe Callero
• With nine guards on Cal Poly’s roster, pivotal in the development of the program’s backcourt play as well as scouting and game-planning efforts. • Last season, helped Cal Poly finish second among NCAA Division I programs in fewest turnovers per game (9.4) and fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.46). • Played for Joe Callero at Seattle (2005-07), helping the 2006-07 Redhawks squad to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title and the program’s first NCAA Tourna- ment berth in 38 years.
mitch reaves
Assistant Coach | First Season | Washington State, 2008
“Mitch is bright, personable and passionate and an excellent recruiter and coach on the floor. As our director of operations the previous four seasons, he was extremely hard-working and loyal and has truly earned his promotion to assistant coach.” – Joe Callero
• In addition to his coaching and recruiting assignments, tasked with the develop - ment of Cal Poly’s guard play and overall team defense. • As Cal Poly’s Director of Operations (2009-13), coordinated player workouts and recruiting endeavors, organized team travel and video exchange and oversaw pro gram’s summer camp series. • Prior to time at Cal Poly, also served one season as Director of Operations at Seattle under Callero.
bob lowe Director of Operations | First Season | George Fox, 1985 “Bob is a tremendous asset to our staff. His experience regarding Big West opponents as well as his intelligence and coaching maturity perfectly compliments our staff. I feel we have the perfect addition, someone who has an excellent understanding of Cal Poly and the central coast community.” – Joe Callero
• As Director of Operations, charged with scout work and opponent game prepara tion, in addition to scheduling team travel, coordinating video exchange, organiz ing camps and directing Cal Poly’s student managerial staff. • Arrived at Cal Poly after spending the past four years as an assistant at Cal State Northridge (2009-13) and seven seasons as a Cal Poly assistant (2002-09). • Among Big West coaching and staff members, only UC Santa Barbara 16th-year head coach Bob Williams has spent more continuous time in the conference.
eric esparza Director of Community Relations | Eighth Season | Cal State Stanislaus, 1996 “Eric has been a valuable volunteer staff member during his time as Cal Poly. His insight to the central coast community as well as game-day statistical operations and supervision has made him a great compliment to our program.” – Joe Callero • Oversees program’s civic outreach endeavors as well as assisting with travel plans and video scout work.
jeremy jauregui Video Coordinator | First Season | Cal Poly, 2013 • Responsible for all aspects of video, including filming practices and games, film exchange, video scouting reports and production of team videos for publicity and communications. • Overall, in his fourth year with the Mustang program after serving the previous t three seasons as a student manager.
Niromal Perera
Kwab Farkye
Head Student Manager
Student Manager
Economics Major
Biomedical Engineering Major
Rob Rubsamen
Thomas Cassou
Student Manager
Student Manager
Business Administration Major
Business Administration Major
Chris Giovannetti | Assistant Athletics Communications Director Oversees all communications efforts for the Cal Poly men’s basketball program, including publicity, press releases and press conferences, creative and design content, statistical organization and web site maintenance.
Kristal Slover | Head Athletics Trainer Directs Cal Poly’s sports medicine efforts and provides daily support for the Mustang men’s basketball program.
Carly Head | Academic Advisor Provides academic advising and support to all student-athletes, monitors student-athlete progress toward degree completion and ensures that each student-athlete meets NCAA academic requirements.
Tom Barket | Play-by-Play Broadcaster Serves as the play-byplay voice of Mustang men’s basketball for ESPN 1280 and GoPoly. com. Also handles playby-play detail for Cal Poly’s football and baseball programs.
Chris Holder | Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Oversees strength and conditioning and weight training efforts for all Cal Poly student-athletes and provides continuous structure and guidance for the Mustang men’s basketball program.
poly
cal
president jeffrey D. armstrong
“Our President, Jeffrey Armstrong, is one of the most personable, intelligent and creative leaders I have ever met. His support of all student-athletes and commitment to improving our campus diversity is extremely admirable. His vision for our campus and community has created a buzz throughout the entire state.” – Joe Callero • Named Cal Poly’s ninth permanent president on Feb. 2, 2011. A frequent and enthusiastic fan at Mustang athletic events. A champion of diversity and inclusivity, focused on the success of all students.
director of athletics
don oberhelman
“Director of Athletics Don Oberhelman has been instrumental in our facility improvements and department branding. His outgoing personality and positive attitude have made him very popular with our student-athletes. I look forward to following his leadership as our program continues to grow.” – Joe Callero
• Began duties in 2011 after serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Associate Athletic Director at San Diego State. Also served as the senior associate athletic director at Southern Mississippi (2002-07), the education coordinator for athletics at Texas A&M (1998-02) and as a compliance assistant at Florida State (1995-98).
No. Name
Cl.
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Exp
Hometown/High School (College)
0
David Nwaba
SO
W
6-4
200
TR
Los Angeles, CA/University HS (Santa Monica College)
1
Markel Leonard
FR
G
6-0
168
HS
Richmond, CA/Salesian HS
2
Andy Rowley
FR
G
6-0
163
HS
San Luis Obispo, CA/Mission College Prep
3
Maliik Love
RJr
G
6-2
209
2V
Oceanside, CA/The Bishop’s School
4
Alberto Ganis
RJr
F
6-5
211
TR
Tavagnacco, Italy/I.T.I. Arturo Malignani (Miramar College)
5
Reese Morgan
SO
G
6-2
206
1V
San Pedro, CA/Peninsula HS
10
Ridge Shipley
FR
G
6-0
184
HS
Carrollton, TX/Hebron HS
11
Taylor Sutlive
FR
G
6-3
193
HS
San Antonio, TX/Churchill HS
14
Max Betkowski
RFr
G
6-3
224
RS
San Francisco, CA/Galileo Academy
24
Jamal Johnson
SR
G
6-0
177
3V
San Antonio, TX/Madison HS
25
Joel Awich
SO
F
6-7
209
1V
St. Paul, MN/Tartan HS
30
Michael Bolden
JR
W
6-5
192
TR
Mission Viejo, CA/Trabuco Hills HS (Irvine Valley College)
33
Chris Eversley
SR
F
6-7
229
2V
Chicago, IL/Walter Payton College Prep (Rice)
34
Brian Bennett
SO
F
6-9
253
1V
Romeoville, IL/Plainfield East HS
35
Kyle Odister
SR
G
6-0
185
3V
Sacramento, CA/New Hampton School
42
Anthony Silverstri
JR
F
6-7
218
1V
San Francisco, CA/Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep
44
Zach Gordon
SO
F
6-8
229
1V
Lynnwood, WA/Archbishop Murphy HS
chris eversley 6-7 | 229 | Senior | Forward | Chicago, IL • Named to All-Big West first team last year after finishing sixth among conference players with 7.0 rebounds per game and ninth with 15.4 points per game. • A two-time Big West Player of the Week selection last year, recorded six double-doubles, posted 21 double-digit scoring games and led Cal Poly in scoring 17 times.
kyle odister 6-0 | 185 | Senior | Guard | Sacramento, CA • Finished fourth among Mustangs in scoring last season with 6.5 points per game in 30 appearances. • Hit at least one three-pointer in a game 25 times last year, including draining three and scoring a season-high 15 points in Cal Poly’s 70-68 victory at No. 11 UCLA.
jamal johnson 6-0 | 177 | Senior | Guard | San Antonio, TX • Led Big West Conference last year and finished 11th among NCAA Division I players with a 2.75-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. • Cal Poly’s starting point guard in 18 games last year, also finished sixth in Big West with 122 assists.
michael boldeN 6-5 | 192 | Junior | Wing | Mission Viejo, CA • Transfer from Irvine Valley College, earned All-Orange Empire Conference first team praise as a sophomore last season after averaging 14.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. • A two-time All-Orange Empire Conference selection, also posted 24 double-digit scoring games a year ago.
maliik love 6-2 | 209 | Junior | Guard | Oceanside, CA • Returns to Cal Poly lineup after redshirting during the 2012-13 season. • As a sophomore during the 2011-12 season, appeared in 32 of 33 games with 11 starts and led Cal Poly with a 2.07-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
anthony silvestri 6-7 | 218 | Junior | Forward | San Francisco, CA • Appeared in 11 games as a sophomore last year after earning a walk-on spot with the program. • Shot 42.9 percent from the floor during first collegiate season.
joel awich 6-7 | 209 | Sophomore | Forward | St. Paul, MN • During 2013-13 freshman season, appeared in 24 of 32 games with Cal Poly compiling a 4-1 record in games he started. •Also shot 46.7 percent from the floor as a freshman and led Cal Poly in blocks.
brian bennett 6-9 | 253 | Sophomore | Forward | Romeoville, IL • One of two Mustangs to start all 32 games last year, finished sixth among Big West players and 63rd among NCAA Division I players with a 52.4 percent field goal mark. • Also finished second among Mustangs last year with 4.6 rebounds per game and third with 9.3 points per game, in addition to recording 13 double-digit scoring contests.
alberto ganis 6-5 | 211 | Senior | Forward | Tavagnacco, Italy • Joins Cal Poly as a redshirt junior for 2013-14 season after averaging a combined 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during two years at San Diego Miramar College. • Former member of the Italy U-18 Men’s National Team, twice earned All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference praise while at Miramar College.
reese morgan 6-2 | 206 | Sophomore | Guard | San Pedro, CA • Shot 90.0 percent from the free throw line as a freshman last year to establish a new Cal Poly single season program record. • Appeared in all 32 games a year ago, started 10 times, finished fifth among Mustangs with 5.9 points per game and posted a 2.43-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
zach gordon 6-8 | 229 | Sophomore | Forward | Lynnwood, WA • Appeared in 31 of 32 games as a freshman last year and shot 49.0 percent from the floor. • Enjoyed career highs for points (eight) and minutes (21) during Cal Poly’s first postseason game in 27 years – a CollegeInsider.com Tournament opening-round matchup at Weber State.
david nwaba 6-4 | 200 | Sophomore | Wing | Los Angeles, CA • Transfer from Santa Monica College, named Western State Conference South Division Player of the Year last season after averaging 20.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. • Also earned All-California Community College Athletic Association state first team praise last season.
ridge shipley
6-0 | 184 | Freshman | Guard | Carrollton, TX
• Rated as the No. 22 overall player in Texas for the class of 2013 and as the state’s No. 3 point guard after averaging 18.0 points and 5.0 assists per game as a senior to earn All-Texas first team praise. • A four-year letterwinner, also averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 assists per game during junior season.
taylor sutlive 6-3 | 193 | Freshman | Guard | San Antonio, TX • Ranked as the No. 43 player in Texas for the class of 2013 after averaging 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. • A four-year letterwinner, averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a junior and twice led District 26-5A in steals.
max betkowski 6-3 | 224 | Freshman | Guard | San Francisco, CA • Redshirted last season after earning walk-on position with program following an October 2012 tryout. • Set to make Cal Poly debut as a freshman for the 2013-14 season.
markel leonard 6-0 | 168 | Freshman | Guard | Richmond, CA • Four-year letterwinner and two-year starting point guard helped Salesian HS to three league titles, three North Coast Section championships and the 2011-12 CIF Division IV state championship. • Earned all-league honors averaging 10.0 points and 3.0 assists per game during senior season.
andy rowley 6-0 | 163 | Freshman | Guard | San Luis Obispo, CA • Two-time All-California Interscholastic Federation 5-AA first team selection and two-time All-San Luis Obispo County honoree averaged 15.0 points and 5.0 assists per game during senior season. • Averaged 9.9 points and 4.7 assists per game during junior year and assisted Mission Prep to a 67-27 overall record during final three seasons.
IT STARTS WITH THE FUSE THAT THE GAME LIGHTS INSIDE US. PASSION IS EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE COURT AND THE STANDS. ENERGY BECOMES SYNERGY. OUR UNCOMMON DESIRE BECOMES OUR COMMON GROUND. BECAUSE THIS SEASON, IT'S ABOUT INTENSITY. IT'S DRIVEN BY INNOVATION THAT ELEVATES, THAT WILL RISE. AND SPEED TH THE GAME WILL BECOME FASTER, AND PRIDE WILL BURN HOTTER. IN ARENAS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, INTENSITY WILL INSPIRE COLLEGE FANS AND COLLEGE PLAYERS TO UNITE AS ONE.
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cal poly
In continued commitment to Cal Poly’s student-athletes and men’s basketball program, the Mustang weight room – a.k.a. The School of Strength – received a $150,000 renovation during the 2013 offseason. Under the direction of strength and conditioning coach Chris Holder, Cal Poly’s state-of-the-art facility features upgraded lifting equipment, platforms, lighting, sound system and Mustang branding throughout the facility.
One of Cal Poly’s social cores, the Recreation Center opened in 2011 and covers more than 165,000 square feet. The center’s three distinct exercise areas contain state-of-the-art weight and cardio equipment, two gyms, three fitness studios for group classes and an indoor track. The outside of the Rec Center features two separate pools, three sand volleyball courts and two different rock-climbing walls.
Photos courtesy of Tim Griffith and Cal Poly Associated Students, Inc.
the
In San Luis Obispo, the Mustangs Play where Everyone Else Vaca
•
A regular on any list of best places to live or visit in the United States, San Luis Obis one of the few cities in the United States recognized as a Blue Zone where individu
measurably longer lives.
•
Location: Approximately halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles
•
Average Daily Temperature: 73 Degrees
•
Average Days of Sunshine per Year: 315
•
Miles of San Luis Obispo County Beach: 80
•
San Luis Obispo’s 44,000 residents feature an average age of 27.
From left to ley, Maliik L nearby tow
The Mustangs check out the weekly Thursday night Farmers Market in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Pacific O
Vacations
spo ranks as uals live
The sun sets over the Cal Poly campus (foreground) and the city of San Luis Obispo (background). Photo courtesy of Joe Christianson.
o right, Mustangs Jamal Johnson, Chris EversLove and Kyle Odister take team photos in the wn of Shell Beach.
Ocean waves ripple onto the central coast beach north of San Luis Obispo.
the 19,000 Students, Internationally-Honored Courses of Study and the Top-Ranked Public Master’s Institution in the Western United States … all 11 Miles from the Pacific Ocean.
•
Median starting salary for Cal Poly graduates: $50,000
•
82 percent of students report working full time or attending graduate school within one year of graduating
•
65 majors and 31 master’s programs
•
19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
•
Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the top public master’s university the western United States for 21 successive years.
The Poly Canyon Village Apartment complex houses more than 2,700 students.
l
in
The Poly P overlooking the campus is a popular hiking destination with students.
cal poly Completed in 2006, Alex G. Spanos Stadium regularly draws sellout crowds for Cal Poly’s championship football and men’s and women’s soccer programs. The best-attended series in the history of collegiate soccer plays out annually between Cal Poly and UC Santa Barbara at Spanos Stadium.
An emerging tradition, Cal Poly students rush Spanos Stadium whenever the Mustang men’s soccer program defeats rival UC Santa Barbara.
During the 2012-13 season alone, Cal Poly produced conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths in football, women’s basketball and men’s and women’s cross country. Cal Poly’s football program won the prestigious Big Sky Conference title during its first year in the league.
cal poly
A standout cornerback and kick returner at Cal Poly (2008-11), Asa Jackson was selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft and helped the Baltimore Raves to the 2013 Super Bowl
Former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Chuck Liddell wrestled at Cal Poly (1988-93).
A three-time U.S. Olympian in the discus (2004, 2008, 2012), Stephanie Brown-Trafton captured the first gold medal by a Cal Poly athlete at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.
Before he was a video game icon and Emmy award-winning commentator, John Madden was a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Oakland Raiders (1976) and an all-conference offensive and defensive lineman for the Cal Poly football program (1957-58).
2013-14 11/8 11/12 11/20 11/23 11/29 11/30 12/1 12/7 12/14 12/17 12/21 12/29 1/4 1/9 1/11 1/16 1/18 1/23 1/25 1/30 2/1 2/8 2/13 2/15 2/20 2/22 2/27 3/1 3/8 3/13-3/15
at arizona - Pac-12 network (tv) vs nevada at fresno state vs bethesda at global sports hardwood challenge vs north dakota (Eugene, OR) vs pacific (Eugene, OR) at oregon - pac-12 network (tv) vs santa clara vs cal state dominguez hills at loyola marymount at pittsburgh - espn3 at stanford - Pac-12 network (tv) at delaware vs hawai’i* at uc santa barbara* vs cal state northridge* vs long beach state* at cal state fullerton* at uc riverside* vs uc davis* vs uc irvine* at hawai’i* at cal state northridge* at long beach state* vs cal state fullerton* vs uc riverside* at uc davis* at uc irvine* vs uc santa barbara* big west conference tournament
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 9 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA
Cal Poly will wear the 2013-14 Nike road jersey when visiting Arizona, Oregon, Pitt, Stanford, Hawai’i and Long Beach State. The black road jerseys are Cal Poly’s first since the 2006-07 season.
@CALPOLYMUSTANGS @CPMUSTANGS @CPATHLETICS @CALPOLYATHLETICS @CPATHLETICS