March 15, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - After finishing the season with a four-place improvement in Western Athletic Conference play, the Bulldog men's basketball team was honored by their head coach for their commitment to building a strong program on and off the hardwood with academic excellence, athletic competition, community service and leading by example.
Cleveland reflected his team's progress, but remained focused on his high expectations for the program.
"I have the highest expectations for this team," Cleveland said. "I believe we can take this program to the same level on the court as we have off the court. We should be in the top three in the league and competing for championships. We can play at the national level."
Sophomore Paul George was named the Most Valuable Player at the Bulldogs' annual postseason banquet.
After a freshman season in 2008-09 that landed him as the one of the top 15 freshman scorers in the country and spotlighted with ESPN's top play for a now-famous slam dunk on a pair of Saint Mary's defenders, George stepped up his game as a true sophomore sensation and led the team in scoring (16.8), rebounding (7.2) and steals producer (2.2). He also set a school record with a 91 percent season clip at the free throw line (120-132) and ended the year by draining 25 consecutive free throws.
"Paul made great strides this season," Cleveland said of the 2009-10 second-team All-WAC honoree who is on pace to make a run at Melvin Ely's scoring record (1,951) in his final two seasons in a Bulldog uniform. "He is also a wonderful person who is very active in our community."
Cleveland honored Sylvester Seay as the team's top offensive player.
Seay, a 2009-10 honorable mention All-WAC designee, wrapped his collegiate career at 991 points in a Bulldog uniform to finish 29th on the all-time scoring list and seventh on the all-time blocks list with 94 swats in two seasons. Over his five-year Division 1 career that included a redshirt year as a transfer, Seay recorded 1,152 points.
But Cleveland cited a true transformation by Seay off the court as a testament to his focus and passion for life.
"Ves has a kind heart and I have appreciated the opportunity to watch him grow," Cleveland said of his lone senior. "He is on track to graduate and earning a degree was very important for him and his family. I respect him for what he wants and can do for society."
Cleveland praised junior forward Nedeljko Golubovic with the Bulldog Award for his tenacity and attitude. He noted how Golubovic, the program's first two-time CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District winner, fought through hand injuries as one of the team's two captains.
Cleveland, a Fresno native, also recognized Greg Smith (WAC Freshman of the Year and top rebounder), Garrett Johnson (most improved), Jerry Brown III (outstanding defender), Mike Ladd (top 3-point shooter), Brandon Sperling (team captain award) and Steven Shepp (playmaker award).
Cleveland, who owns a 216-189 career record and has earned six postseason appearances, just finished his fifth season back home with the Bulldogs and keeps his sights set on his core principles of building this program to last for consistent success.
"Execution and consistent effort are the key to our success," Cleveland added. "I believe it will happen now. I am excited for this opportunity. When you change the culture of a program, it comes from the people in the environment and we have some of the most remarkable people as a part of our team."
2009-10 Fresno State Men's Basketball Awards:
Most Improved: Garrett Johnson
Outstanding Defender: Jerry Brown III
WAC Freshman of the Year/Top Rebounder: Greg Smith
Top 3 Point Shooter: Mike Ladd
Bulldog Award: Nedeljko Golubovic
Team Captains: Nedeljko Golubovic & Brandon Sperling
MVP/Best Free Throw Shooter: Paul George
Playmaker Award: Steven Shepp
Top Offensive Player: Sylvester Seay
"We Are Your Team!" - The Bulldogs, with a talented slate of returners and highly touted newcomers, is tentatively scheduled to open the 2010-11 season at No. 14 Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah on Nov. 12, 2010. For the latest Bulldog coverage and all-access to Fresno State Athletics, make sure to keep visiting www.gobulldogs.com
