Oct. 25, 2007

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State Athletics Department and Fashion Fair Mall welcome fans to meet the men's and women's basketball teams on Sunday, October 28 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in front of the Macy's Men's Store.

The men's and women's basketball teams will both be on hand to sign autographs and meet fans, with the teams and fans eager to get the 2007-08 season underway.

Fresno State will provide autograph cards of the men's and women's teams for fans to have and get signed by the players of both teams. The Fresno State Spirit Squad and Timeout will also be at Fashion Fair Mall from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"This is another exciting day for the players and coaches," Head Men's Coach Steve Cleveland said. "It just means the season is one day closer and it's always exciting meeting our great fans in the community."

The Fresno State men's basketball team is coming off its first postseason appearance in five years and the most wins, 22, since the 1995-96 season. The Bulldogs return eight letterwinners from last season and three starters, including seniors Kevin Bell, Eddie Miller and Hector Hernandez.

The Fresno State women's basketball team is coming off their third straight winning season under head coach Adrian Wiggins, and is 49-25 in his tenure.

Wiggins is excited to begin the new season and will rely heavily on returning players Tierre Wilson and Erica Henry early on to help develop younger players. Wilson earned Second Team All-WAC honors last year while scoring 14.4 points per game and averaging a team-best 6.4 rebounds. Henry averaged 6.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and was named the teams Defensive Player of the Year.

"Join the State - Fresno State!" - Men's and women's basketball tickets are on sale now. Season and group tickets, along with mini plan packages, can be purchased online at gobulldogs.com, by phone at 559-278-DOGS, or in person at the Bulldog Ticket Office. Single game tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at (559)485-TIXS or at the Save Mart Center box office. The Fresno State men's and women's basketball teams will open the season at the Save Mart Center in a doubleheader of exhibition games. On Sunday, November 4 the women's team will play the Melbourne Roos at 2 p.m. followed by the men's team against Western Washington at 4 p.m.