2014 BIG WEST
tourname
No program in the 39-year history of the Big West Conference Tournament had won the competition as a No. 7 seed … until Cal Poly won three games in three days – including stunning top-seeded UC Irvine and No. 2 UC Santa Barbara – to become the lowest seeded team to win the competition. In claiming its first Big West Tournament title, Cal Poly clinched its first NCAA Division I Tournament berth.
Road to the Title Quarterfinals
Cal Poly 69, UC Santa Barbara 38
Semifinals
Cal Poly 61, UC Irvine 58
Championship
Cal Poly 61, CSUN 59
ent champions
NCAA tournam
Making its first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance last season, 1 Poly won its first postseason game in 32 years and posted the first NC win by a Big West Conference team in nine seasons by outdueling Te the First Four in Dayton, Ohio. Cal Poly, however, saw its historic po to a close in St. Louis with a loss to top-seeded Wichita State in the
2014 NCAA Tournament First Four Cal Poly 81, Texas Southern 69 Second Round Wichita State 64, Cal Poly 37
Hall of Fame shortstop and Cal Poly alum Oz Mustangs prior to their second round game
ament
16th-seeded Cal CAA Tournament exas Southern at ostseason run come second round.
zzie Smith addressed the versus Wichita State. â–ş
SECOND ROUND
THIS IS
mustang ba
Central Coast Support: Under head coach Joe Callero, Cal Poly is 42-23 inside Mott Athletics Center, 27-14 in Big West Conference contests and enters the 2014-15 season having won 18 of its previous 24 games. In support of Cal Poly’s winning ways, the Mustangs have experienced a 28.0 percent increase in attendance between the 2008-09 campaign (the final season prior to Callero’s arrival) and last season’s average of 2,184 fans per home contest.
A National Presence: Cal Poly regularly plays the nation’s elite teams in elite venues and features on national television. In five previous seasons under Joe Callero, Cal Poly has played in 18 different states, competed in 12 arenas that have hosted NCAA Tournament games and visited nationally ranked opponents such as Arizona, UCLA, Oregon, San Diego State, Pitt and Wisconsin. During the 2014-15 season alone, Cal Poly played a program-record 14 televised contests, including two during the NCAA Tournament.
asketball
Defensive Excellence: Having led the Big West Conference in fewest points allowed per game in each of the last four seasons, Cal Poly has also ranked among the top 40 NCAA Division I teams in three of the last four years. Last season alone, Cal Poly allowed opponents just 63.6 points per contest to finish fifth among Division I programs.
Winning Tradition: In five seasons under head coach Joe Callero, Cal Poly has amassed 77
victories – the program’s highest total over a five-year period in 22 years. Big West Conference champions in 2014, Cal Poly – alongside Long Beach State – ranks as one of only two programs to reach the Big West Tournament semifinals in each of the last three seasons.
joe callero
Head Coach | Sixth Season | Central Washington, 1986 twitter: @coachcallero
• During 2013-14 season, directed Cal Poly to the program’s first Big West Conference championship and first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance. Cal Poly’s NCAA Tournament First Four victory was the program’s first postseason win in 32 years and the first NCAA Tournament victory by a Big West program in nine seasons. • Under Callero, the Mustangs are experiencing their longest sustained run of success in the Division I era. Cal Poly’s 77 victories with Callero rank as the program’s highest total over a five-year span in 22 years. • With Callero, Cal Poly regularly ranks as one of the most efficient and top defensive programs in Division I. During the 2013-14 season, Cal Poly ranked fifth in fewest turnovers per game (9.4), just one year after finishing second nationally. Cal Poly also finished 37th among
Division I programs last season in fewest points allowed per game (63.6) to lead the Big West in scoring defense for a fourth successive season. • Cal Poly owns one of the Big West’s more enviable home-court advantages under Callero with the Mustangs posting a 42-23 record inside Mott Athletics Center over the last five seasons and a 27-14 mark in Big West contests. In support of Cal Poly’s winning ways, the Mustangs have experienced a 28.0 percent increase in attendance between the 2008-09 campaign (the final season prior to Callero’s arrival) and last season’s average of 2,184 fans per home contest. • Yearly challengers for the Big West championship, Cal Poly is one of only two conference schools to reach the conference tournament semifinals in each of the past three years.
MUSTANGS
going prO
Under Joe Callero, Cal Poly has produced an average of two professional players each season.
Drake U’u (2009-13)
• Perth Wildcats • 2013 Australian Basketball League champion
Chris Eversley (2010-14) Chris O’Brien (2009-13) • Westports Malaysia Dragons Dylan Royer (2008-13) • Fuerza Regia (Mexico)
Ryan Darling (2008-10)
Lorenzo Keeler (2007-10)
Shawn Lewis (2007-11)
Will Taylor (2009-12)
Amaurys Fermin (2009-12)
Jordan Lewis (2007-12)
• Germany • Spain
• Dominican Republic / Cyprus •2013 Rookie of the Year in Dominican Republic national league • Dominican Republic Men’s National Team
• Mexico
• Germany • Israel
coaches AND STAFF Associate Head Coach | Second 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 Paul’s leadership, I look forward to the continued progress of Mustang basketball and see a bright future for our program.” – Joe Callero
Paul Fortier
• Responsible for fortifying Cal Poly’s recruiting efforts and strengthening the program’s frontcourt game. • Joined Cal Poly in 2013 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.
Assistant Coach | Fourth 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 Kyle Odister and Jamal Johnson last year. Sam’s work ethic and sincere personality have helped us sign some very talented young guards for this upcoming season.” – Joe Callero
Sam Kirby
• With seven guards on Cal Poly’s 2014-15 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 fifth among NCAA Division I programs in fewest turnovers per game (8.9). Two years ago, Cal Poly finished second nationally (9.4). • 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 Tournament berth in 38 years.
Assistant Coach | Second Season | Washington State, 2008 “Mitch is bright, personable and passionate and an excellent recruiter and coach on the floor. He was instrumental in our success last year as our defensive specialist coach. His hard work allowed us to retain our title as the No. 1 defensive team in the Big West Conference for a fourth straight year.” – Joe Callero
Mitch Reaves
• During first season as an assistant last year, helped Cal Poly finish 37th among NCAA Division I programs in fewest points allowed per game (63.6). • In addition to his coaching and recruiting assignments, tasked with the development 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 program’s summer camp series.
Director of Operations | Second Season | George Fox, 1985 “Bob has been a tremendous asset to our staff. His experience regarding Big West Conference opponents as well as his intelligence and coaching maturity have perfectly complimented our staff. Bob is someone who has an excellent understanding of Cal Poly and the central coast community.” – Joe Callero
Bob Lowe
• As Cal Poly’s Director of Operations, charged with scout work and opponent game preparation, in addition to scheduling team travel, coordinating video exchange, organizing camps and directing Cal Poly’s student managerial staff. • Arrived at Cal Poly in 2013 after spending four years as an assistant at CSUN (2009-13) and seven seasons as a Cal Poly assistant (2002-09). • Among Big West coaching and staff members, only UC Santa Barbara 17th-year head coach Bob Williams has spent more continuous time in the conference.
Assistant Director of Operations | First Season | Cal Poly, 2014 “Jeremy’s assistance in all of our program’s off-court areas and his knowledge and dedication to Mustang basketball was critical in our success last season, as was his early scouting reports on our potential NCAA Tournament opponents. His value to myself personally and our coaching staff is truly appreciated.” – Joe Callero
Jeremy Jaurequi
• Duties with the program include game and practice film editing, coordinating travel arrangements and helping to oversee Cal Poly’s recruiting database. • Helps coordinate Cal Poly’s Point Guard Academy camp, which aims to improve and strengthen guard play among high school attendees. • Overall, enters fifth season with the program after serving as a student manager (2009-11, 2012-13) and as Cal Poly’s video coordinator (2013-14).
Director of Community Relations | Ninth Season | Cal State Stanislaus, 1996 “Eric has been a valuable volunteer staff member during his time with the Cal Poly program. His insight into our central coast community as well as his game-day statistical operations and supervision has made him a great continued compliment to our program.” – Joe Callero • Oversees program’s civic outreach endeavors as well as assisting with travel plans and video scout work.
Eric Esparza
student MANAGERS
Tom Cassou
Kwab Farkye
Head Manager - Second Season Business Major
Second Season Biomedical Engineering Major
Eddy Trang
Matt Hanamoto
Nick Hanamoto
Josh Callero
Third Season Business Major
First Season Business Major
Third Season Business Major
First Season Kinesiology Major
Men’s Basketball STAFF 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.
Chris Giovannetti
Assistant Athletics Communications Director
Directs Cal Poly’s sports medicine efforts and provides daily support for the Mustang men’s basketball program.
Kristal Slover Head Athletics Trainer
Works with men’s basketball program to provide guidance on all of Cal Poly’s academic policies, major advisement, class scheduling and NCAA eligibility rules.
Kyle Ross
Tom Barket
Play-by-Play Broadcaster
Academic Advisor
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.
Chris Holder
Serves as the play-by-play voice of Mustang men’s basketball for ESPN 1280 and GoPoly.com. Also handles play-by-play detail for Cal Poly’s championship football and baseball programs.
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Assists Chris Holder with strength and conditioning and weight training efforts for Cal Poly’s championship men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball programs. A junior majoring in kinesiology, Betkowski was a two-year guard (2012-14) for the men’s basketball program.
Max Betkowski
Strength and Conditioning Assistant
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 Cal Poly athletics 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).
2014.15 CAL POLY ROSTER
Cal Poly’s 2014-15 Senior Class NO 0 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 13 14 21 23 25 30 34 42 44
NAME David Nwaba Aleks Abrams Trevor John Maliik Love Alberto Ganis Reese Morgan Ridge Shipley Taylor Sutlive Kyle Toth Mark Patterson Luke Meikle KJ Logue Joel Awich Michael Bolden Brian Bennett Anthony Silvestri Zach Gordon
POS YR W JR F FR G FR G SR F SR G JR G SO G SO G JR G FR F RS F JR F JR W SR F JR F SR F RS
HT 6-4 6-8 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-9 6-5 6-7 6-5 6-9 6-7 6-8
WT 200 225 182 209 211 206 184 193 175 165 203 205 209 192 253 218 229
EXP 1V HS HS 3V SQ 2V 1V 1V TR HS TR TR 2V 1V 2V 2V 2V
HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL(S) Los Angeles, CA / Santa Monica College Newbury Park, CA / Oaks Christian HS Danville, CA / Monte Vista HS Oceanside, CA / The Bishop's School Udine, Italy / Miramar College San Pedro, CA / Peninsula HS Carrollton, TX / Hebron HS San Antonio, TX / Churchill HS Sunnyvale, CA / Foothill College (Army) Bellflower, CA / Mayfair HS Tacoma, WA / Gonzaga Fair Oaks, CA / Yuba College St. Paul, MN / Tartan HS Mission Viejo, CA / Irvine Valley College Romeoville, IL / Plainfield East HS San Francisco, CA / Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep Lynnwood, WA / Archbishop Murphy HS
MALIIK
love
3
6-2 | 209 | Senior | Guard | Oceanside, CA • After redshirting the 2012-13 season, returned to lineup last year and appeared in all 34 games with a 1.64-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. • Fifth-year senior and the 2010-11 Big West Conference Co-Freshman of the Year honoree, enters final season with a career 1.58-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
MICHAEL
BOLDEN
30
6-5 | 192 | Senior | Wing | Mission Viejo, CA • During first season on campus last year, finished second among Mustangs with a 38.6 percent three-point mark. • Appeared in 25 of 34 games last season with four starts.
ALBERTO
ganis
4
6-5 | 211 | Senior | Forward | Udine, Italy • Makes debut in Cal Poly lineup after redshirting last season due to transfer. • Prior to transferring, averaged a combined 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game and twice earned All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference praise during two years at Miramar College (San Diego). Also a former member of Italy U-18 Men’s National Team.
ANTHONY
silvestri 42
6-7 | 218 | Senior | Forward | San Francisco, CA • Earned full scholarship for senior year after walking on to program prior to the 2012-13 season. • Appeared in 29 of 34 games last year, scoring a career-high 17 points on five three-pointers at UC Santa Barbara (Jan. 11).
JOEL
awich
25
6-7 | 209 | Junior | Forward | St. Paul, MN • Made career-high 17 starts last season and finished sixth among Big West Conference players with 31 blocks – the seventh highest single season total in program history. • Enters junior year ranked eighth in program history with 57 career blocks.
ZACH
GORDON 44
6-8 | 229 | Junior | Forward | Lynnwood, WA • Will redshirt 2014-15 season after suffering a preseason injury. • Appeared in 33 of 34 games last season with five starts and grabbed five-plus rebounds in a game six times.
BRIAN
bennett 34
6-9 | 253 | Junior | Forward |Romeoville, IL • Started 15 of 34 games during 2013-14 season and finished second in Cal Poly’s lineup with a 46.6 percent field goal mark • Enters junior season as a 49.8 percent career shooter from the floor.
REESE
MORGAN
5
6-2 | 206 | Junior | Guard | San Pedro, CA • Returned from preseason injury last year to appear in nine of the final 11 games. Hit three three-pointers to fuel Cal Poly’s NCAA Tournament First Four victory against Texas Southern. • Cal Poly’s active leader in free throw percentage, enters junior season with a 91.4 (64-for-70) percent career mark.
DAVID
NWABA
0
6-4 | 200 | Junior | Wing | Los Angeles, CA • During first season on campus last year, finished 59th among NCAA Division I players with a team-leading 52.6 percent field goal mark. Also finished second in Cal Poly’s lineup with 11.7 points per game. • Named to Big West Conference All-Tournament Team after averaging 14.0 points per game and shooting 72.7 percent during Cal Poly’s title-winning run.
KJ
LOGUE
23
6-5 | 205 | Junior | Forward |Fair Oaks, CA • Transfer from two-year Yuba College (Marysville, Calif.), joins Cal Poly’s lineup as a junior for the 2014-15 season. • Averaged 8.0 points per game at Yuba College last season. As a freshman, competed for Division II Dominican University (San Rafael, Calif.)
KYLE
TOTH
13
6-2 | 175 | Junior | Guard | Sunnyvale, CA • Joins Cal Poly’s lineup as a junior after averaging 15.0 points per game, shooting 43.7 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent from three-point range at two-year Foothill College (Los Altos Hills, Calif.) last season. • Earned Patriot League All-Rookie Team praise as a freshman at Army during 2012-13 freshman season after averaging 8.0 points per contest.
LUKE
MEIKLE
21
6-8 | 229 | Redshirt | Forward | Tacoma, WA • Will redshirt 2014-15 season after joining Cal Poly as a transfer from Gonzaga. Returns as a junior for 2015-16 season. • As a freshman during 2013-14 season at Gonzaga, appeared in 15 games for a Bulldog program that reached NCAA Tournament third round.
RIDGE
shipley
10
6-0 | 184 | Sophomore | Guard | Carrollton, TX • As a freshman during 2013-14 season, appeared in 33 of 34 games and led Cal Poly with a 2.60-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. • Hit game-winning three-pointer and scored 14 points in 2014 Big West Tournament championship victory against CSUN
TAYLOR
sutlive
11
6-3 | 193 | Redshirt | Guard | San Antonio, TX • Will redshirt upcoming year after sustaining a preseason injury in November. • As a freshman last year, led Cal Poly with a 45.2 percent mark from threepoint range. Also shot 45.8 percent from the floor
TREVOR
john
2
6-3 | 182 | Freshman | Guard | Danville, CA • Averaged 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game during 201314 senior season at Monte Vista HS to help program to a 32-1 record and the CIF Division I state championship. • In state title win against Centennial HS, tied a championship game record with six three-pointers to earn state tournament Most Valuable Player praise.
ALEKS
abrams
1
6-8 | 225 | Freshman | Forward | Newbury Park, CA • Named Marmonte League MVP and Ventura County Player of the Year for 2013-14 senior season at Oaks Christian HS after averaging 12.6 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. • Twice named to All-Marmonte League first team.
MARK
patterson
14
6-1 | 165 | Freshman | Guard | Bellflower, CA • Earned walk-on spot for 2014-15 season after impressing in preseason practice. • As a senior at Mayfair HS (Lakewood, Calif.) during 2012-13 season, earned AllSuburban League first team praise after averaging 11.5 points per game.
Twitter: @CPMustangs
cal poly social media
Facebook: CalPolyMustangs
YouTube: CalPolyAthletics
Instagram: CPAthletics
Vine: CPAthletics The 2014-15 Cal Poly men’s basketball information guide was conceptualized and designed by Ray Ambler (RAPhotos.com). Information compilation and editing by Chris Giovannetti. Photography by and selected Affairs, Cal Poly Associated Students, Inc., Perth Wildcats Basketball Club, Chris Eversley and the Big West Conference, among others.
CAL POLY
school of strengTH
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.
RECREATION center 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.
THE
UNIVERSITY
19,000 students, inte master’s institution in
ď °Spring 2013 commencement ceremonies at Alex G. Spanos S
ernationally-honored courses of study and the top-ranked public n 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 22 successive years.
Stadium
The Poly Canyon Village Apartment complex houses more than 2,700 students.
CAL POLY
ATHLETICS
Ranked No. 1 in the nation for a portion of the 2014 season and just the second Cal Poly team to have ever received a top national ranking, Cal Poly’s baseball program was one of six Mustang squads to win a conference title during the 2013-14 school year. Mustang baseball was joined by Cal Poly’s championship men’s basketball, women’s baseball, men’s tennis, women’s soccer and men’s and women’s cross country programs.
For the first time in school history, the Cal Poly baseball program hosted an NCAA Tournament regional in 2014 at soldout Baggett Stadium.
Completed in 2006, Alex G. Spanos Stadium regularly draws sellout crowds for Cal Poly’s football and men’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.
One of two Big West Conference schools to feature a football program, Cal Poly’s football team is nationally ranked on a yearly basis and a regular challenger for the Big Sky Conference championship
CAL POLY
athletics ALUMNI
A righthander for Cal Poly (2004-06), Bud Norris became just the second Mustang to win a Major League Baseball postseason game in helping the Baltimore Orioles to the 2014 ALDS. Previously, Norris pitched for the Houston Astros (2009-13).
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
A two-time All-American wrestler at Cal Poly (2005-08) and 2008 NCAA Division I runner-up at 141 pounds, Chad Mendes remains a top contender in the UFC featherweight division and has twice fought for the title
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).
BASKETBALL 2014-15 Cal Poly Men’s Basketball Schedule Date Opponent (TV) Time (PT) November 15, 2014 at Nevada 3:00 PM November 18, 2014 San Francisco State 7:00 PM November 21, 2014 Delaware 7:00 PM November 26, 2014 at California (Pac-12 Network) 7:00 PM November 29, 2014 at Saint Mary’s (Comcast Hometown) 7:00 PM December 6, 2014 Menlo College 7:00 PM December 13, 2014 at Fresno State 7:00 PM December 15, 2014 at San Francisco 7:00 PM December 17, 2014 Northeastern, at Santa Clara 7:00 PM December 20, 2014 vs. Gonzaga, at Seattle (Root Sports) 7:00 PM December 23, 2014 at Santa Clara 2:00 PM December 30, 2014 at IPFW 6:00 PM
Big West Conference January 7, 2015 January 10, 2015 January 15, 2015 January 17, 2015 January 22, 2015 January 24, 2015 January 29, 2015 January 31, 2015 February 5, 2015 February 12, 2015 February 14, 2015 February 19, 2015 February 21, 2015 February 26, 2015 February 28, 2015 March 7, 2015
at Hawai'i UC Santa Barbara at Long Beach State (ESPN3) at CSUN Cal State Fullerton UC Riverside at UC Irvine (ESPN3) at UC Davis Hawai'i CSUN Long Beach State at Cal State Fullerton at UC Riverside UC Irvine UC Davis at UC Santa Barbara (Fox PRIME)
9:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 3:00
PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
Big West Tournament (Anaheim, Calif. / Honda Center) March 12, 2015 March 13, 2015 March 14, 2015
Quarterfinal (Fox PRIME) Semifinal (ESPNU/ESPN3) Championship (ESPN2)
TBA TBA 8:30 PM