Men's Basketball Adds Hart, Pastorek to Staff

http://www.pepperdinesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/051212aaa.html

Additionally, Wilson announced that recent UC Santa Barbara graduate and basketball player Jon Pastorek will fill the role of graduate assistant/video coordinator next season.

Pastorek will fill the role vacated by Matt Levy, who spent two years with the Waves while he worked on a master's degree. In addition to his basketball duties, Pastorek will be pursuing a master's in American studies.

Pastorek graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2011 with a degree in business economics. He played two seasons for the Gauchos, both of which resulted in Big West Conference titles and trips to the NCAA Tournament. He was team captain as a senior.

Pastorek started his college career at San Diego State, and he played two seasons of basketball there (the Aztecs went to the NIT in 2007 and 2008) before transferring to UCSB.

Since graduating, Pastorek has been a substitute teacher in the Orange Unified School District and the head junior varsity volleyball coach and assistant varsity basketball coach at his alma mater, Canyon High School in Anaheim, Calif.

"Jon brings a variety of qualities to our staff as a former player," Wilson said. "He is a hard worker, very smart and is a dedicated student of the game who is highly motivated to learn and grow in the business. Jon was a really good player and will be able to give some insight to our players based on his basketball experiences at this level."

Congratulations Jon!

Former Gauchos at the SDSU game, and UNLV coming up

As a side note to the San Diego State game last Saturday, former Gaucho post  players Jon Pastorek and Sam Phippen were seen roaming the sidelines.

Former clutch outside shooter James Powell was also there during and after the game.  As a true Gaucho, he took the loss for his former teammates hard too, but he still managed to greet well-wishers with his always upbeat and friendly smile and handshake.  Seeing him there brought back memories of his clutch 3-point jumpers.

JP is now an assistant coach at Centennial High School in Corona, CA.  Michael Caffey, one of the highest ranked freshmen on Big West rival Long Beach State's squad, hails from Centennial.  James had the pleasure of coaching Caffey for his senior year at Centennial.  Hopefully, some of that pipeline runs through to UCSB in the future, now that James is there.

It's always great to see former Gaucho players in the stands.  It means the Gaucho family is alive and thriving. 

Here is a video of JP's game-winning shot against UNLV in 2007--watch the ensuing bedlam.

http://youtu.be/KMgpXI3osgI


UNLV is coming to the Thunderdome on Wednesday at 7 pm.  They are undefeated, with a record of 8 - 0, after beating the former Number 1 ranked University of North Carolina Tarheels Saturday.

As a bonus, former UCSB head coach Jerry Pimm will be introduced as a Legend of the Dome at halftime.  Rumor has it that former UNLV coaching legend Jerry Tarkanian will also be at the ceremony, a reunion of old and friendly rivals.

The SDSU game was extremely competitive and the most exciting game in the Thunderdome so far.  The match up against UNLV will be just as entertaining.  Don't miss it.  Go Gauchos!

Pastorek is the whole enchilada

http://ucsbgauchos.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/010611aaa.html

2010 preview for Jon Pastorek

This was last year's preview of Jon Pastorek: http://gauchohoops.blogspot.com/2009/10/gaucho-preview-jon-pastorek.html

Pastorek averaged 2.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game last season after redshirting the previous season. After starting the first three games, the 6'10" senior forward came in off the bench the reason of the season. His ability to rebound and pass out of the post were important features in the Gauchos' run into the NCAA playoffs.

USF visiting the Thunderdome

The University of San Francisco Dons will be visiting the Thunderdome in a game against the UCSB Men's basketball team. USF enters the match up with a 2-1 record, including a lopsided loss at ASU 104-65.

The Gauchos enter with a 2-0 record, including a 66-57 win over Weber State last week in the Thunderdome. Orlando Johnson leads the Gauchos in scoring, averaging 19 points per game, and is among the team leaders in several offensive categories. Jon Pastorek, also a transferee, leads the team with 8.5 rebounds per game.

A possible bonus is the anticipated return of Justin Joyner, who has been sitting out the season-opening games due to an ankle injury. The junior point guard is a valuable floor leader both on offense and defense, and was a crucial missing piece last year when he redshirted due to a broken wrist.

USF is led by senior forward Dior Lowhorn and sophomore guard Kwame Vaughn.

USF Game Preview

Gaucho preview: Jon Pastorek

Jon Pastorek, a 6'10" junior forward, redshirted last season after transferring in from San Diego State. Pastorek averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds per game his sophomore season, shooting 50% from the field. He had a career-high 13 points in a game his freshman season as an Aztec.

With Jesse Byrd out for the season due to a knee injury, Pastorek will compete for one of the starting forward positions. Pastorek can step outside and hit the perimeter jumper, and is equally adept at setting up his teammates. His length and versatility will be a welcome addition to the Gaucho front court.