UC Davis men's basketball is poised for a competitive season in the Mountain West Conference with seven key players returning from last year's 19-14 team. Senior guard Connor Sevilla leads the group, having recently averaged 13.3 points and ranked first in free-throw percentage nationally. With the returning roster's experience, Coach Les expresses optimism for the team's growth during this transition. Defense also remains a strength, highlighted by senior Brayden Fagbemi, who led the Big West in steals. Overall, the returning core has shown resilience and capability, setting a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Sevilla averaged 13.3 points per game, leading the team.
  • The six returning players combined for 1,244 points, nearly 50% of the team's total scoring.
  • Fagbemi ranked 36th nationally with an average of 2.0 steals per game.
  • UC Davis averaged 77.6 points per game and ranked 12th nationally for forcing 14.9 turnovers per game.
State of Play
  • The team achieved significant victories, including defeating Nevada on the road and overcoming an 18-point deficit against UC Santa Barbara.
  • Coach Les emphasizes the importance of leadership and experience from the returning players as they move to the Mountain West.
What's Next

As the team prepares for the Mountain West season, anticipating improvements in teamwork and performance will be critical. The debut of redshirt sophomore Ylan Esso-Essis adds further depth to the roster. Fans will be eager to see how the Aggies leverage their experience and newfound challenges in the upcoming games.

Bottom Line

The Aggies' returning core of experienced players sets a promising tone for their first season in the Mountain West Conference. Their strong scoring ability and solid defensive skills, coupled with potential growth, position UC Davis as a competitive force to watch this season.