Bulldogs look ahead to 2006-07 season
By Darrell Copeland III
The Collegian
The verdict is in and the Fresno State basketball team is ready to move on.
Despite the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions ruling on a probation extension until 2010, postseason play for the Bulldogs will be unaffected. Fresno State basketball members Quinton Hosley and Ajay Riding each said they were happy a decision was made and the team can move forward.
“I’m just happy the whole thing’s finally over,” Hosley said.
But even though each of them was relieved, both said they believed that the team was ready to move on regardless, and that the team has had and will have something to play for.
“I really don’t think it was that much of a distraction, whatever was gonna get handed down was gonna get handed down,” Riding said.
Many of the players found out about the news individually, and at least one was informed of the NCAA’s decision by a member of the media.
Hosley was especially excited to move on and get back to basketball, and has dedicated himself to making his upcoming senior season successful.
“I think we’ll come out and play with the same energy that we did this year,” Hosley said. “I never felt once this year that we didn’t play for anything.”
That is reflective of the personality Steve Cleveland has formed with his team, as is the culture of compliance Cleveland has brought with him from his former position at BYU.
“We are fully committed to being compliant, we will be compliant,” Cleveland said.
Cleveland echoes the same sentiment that former coach Ray Lopes did — that Fresno State is turning over a new leaf and the start of a compliant culture is being put in place.
“I promise you, I would have never come back, if I didn’t know in my heart that we can do this,” Cleveland said.
But the difference between Lopes and Cleveland has been noticed by the players from the moment Cleveland walked on campus.
“As soon as coach Cleveland get here he was talking about these things,” Riding said. “He’s all about doing it the right way. I definitely respect coach Cleveland.”
There is an entire season ahead for the basketball team, and Hosley sees a bright future for the 2006-07 squad.
“I really think that we can make it to the national tournament,” Hosley said. “I think we’re gonna surprise some people next year.”
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