Exciting, energetic, and aggressive were terms describing the CSUB men’s basketball team for the 2000-01 collegiate season.
For the most part, the Roadrunners returned to a winning season as they qualified for the Western Regional playoffs and lost in the second round in overtime to Western Washington 95-86. They placed second in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, ranked in the top five in the country in defense, and junior Lemar Gayle and senior Tony Hoggatts each received first team All-CCAA nominations.
“We went into the season with three goals: one, to finish in the top three slots in our conference; two, to make regionals; three, to make it to the Elite 8,” said Henry Clark, CSUB head coach.
This season, fans were treated to an array of offenses, such as the “Triangle Offense,” conceptional defensive pressure, hustle, and scoring production from the bench. With these elements, CSUB was able to produce an overall standing of 21 wins and eight losses.
After a 69-55 loss in their first match-up against Cal State San Bernardino, the Roadrunners went on a 10-game winning streak, which also was one of the highlights of the season, according to Clark. Nonetheless, in that streak, CSUB defense was able to force the 10 teams, Fresno Pacific, Western Oregon, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego, Grand Canyon, UC Davis, Chico State, San Francisco State, Sonoma State, and Cal State Stanislaus, to shoot a low average of 41 percent from the field. By the end of the streak, CSUB had earned a second place seating in the CCAA, and remained in second for the rest of the season.
“The guys did an outstanding job,” Clark said. “Through adversity, a rumor of a coaching change, gymnasium change, injuries, family matters, and to start the season at 2-4, and winning your last 19 out 23 games, the players should be commended.”
The bench production for CSUB played an important role throughout the season. During the 10-game win streak, in two emotional road wins versus Davis and Chico, it was the bench, led by Brian Collins and Romel Curry, that helped the Runners jump out to a lead and propelled the Runners to victory.
“It’s always important to have a guy at each position to come in a game and not have a drop off and provide a different (style) look on the player you replaced,” said Keith Brown, assistant coach.
As for the playoffs, despite the elimination, CSUB gained more than just an appearance in the regional, but also valuable experience, momentum, and eagerness to return to regionals next season.
“We have something to look forward to next season,” said Damarius Akins. “We know what to expect going into the playoffs.”
Next season, despite the loss of Hoggatts, senior Terrence Moore, and senior Reggie Malone due to eligibility, CSUB will be back on the hardwood in November for another attempt at winning the CCAA.
“It’s always better the second time around,” Akins said.
Runner@csubak.edu