Men's Basketball Preview

By Jeff Christian
The Collegian

Fresno State stumbles into Reno having lost back-to-back conference road games. The Bulldogs were blown out at Hawaii and then stunned less than 48 hours later in a three point defeat to struggling San Jose State. Poor shooting and turnovers were to blame for the team’s disappointing results.

Although Thursday marks the end of the team’s three-game road trip, rebounding back into conference contention doesn’t get any easier.

The return of two-time WAC player of the year Nick Fazekas makes Nevada the frontrunner to capture their fourth consecutive WAC regular season title. The Wolf Pack have proven in their last two games that they are more than just a one-man team by winning two difficult conference games last week against Hawaii and San Jose State without their consensus All-American.

Fazekas is day-to-day with a severe ankle sprain and it should be a game time decision whether or not he will make his return to the hardwood Thursday night against the ‘Dogs.

Point Guard
Kevin Bell - 5’10”, 165 lb., Jr.
The quick playmaker will need to unleash the Bulldogs fast break and have a solid assist to turnover ratio.

Shooting Guard
Ja’Vance Coleman - 6’3”, 215 lb., Sr.
The talented scorer has struggled with his consistency and defense this season, but Reno would be the perfect place for Coleman to breakthrough if he can overcome the defensive pressure of Shiloh.

Forward
Quinton Hosley - 6’6”, 210 lb., Sr.
Hosley has been Mr. Consistency for the Bulldogs this season. Coach Cleveland is guaranteed at least one fast break basket a game due to his hustle on defense.

Forward
Dominic McGuire - 6’8”, 210 lb., Jr.
McGuire has just as many points as turnovers (five) against San Jose State. The ‘Dogs need more output from their athletic showstopper.

Forward
Hector Hernandez - 6’9”, 225 lb., Jr.
Hernandez has been lights out from the outside this season shooting 53-percent from beyond the arc.

Point Guard
Ramon Sessions - 6’3”,190 lb., Jr.
The floor leader has done more than just pass. He’s shooting 45-percent from the field and nearly 48-percent from three-point territory.

Shooting Guard
Kyle Shiloh - 6’3”, 195 lb., Sr.
The lockdown defender, who is averaging 2.75 steals per game in conference play, will force Coleman to work hard on every shot attempt.

Forward
Marcelus Kemp - 6’5”, 210 lb., Jr.
Kemp took over the bulk of the scoring load during Fazekas’ absence and posted 44 points in two games last week on his way to being named WAC player of the week.

Forward
Denis Ikovlev - 6’7”, 215 lb., Sr.
Ikovlev does the little things but he could have trouble on the defensive side matching up with the quickness and athleticism of McGuire.

Forward
Nick Fazekas - 6’11”, 240 lb., Sr.
The Wolf Pack’s star can score both inside and outside and his height gives him the ability to shoot over any defender in his way.

Comment on this story in the Sports forum >>