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!

All-around athlete Sam Phippen

Sam Phippen traded in his basketball sneakers for cleats as relief pitcher for the Gauchos baseball team.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81-lLgEyo5Y

There are reports that Phippen has a 90 mph heater. Good luck on the diamond, Sam!

Gaucho preview: Sam Phippen

Sam Phippen will provide much needed experience at the power forward position his junior season. Phippen played in 30 games last season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds a game. With Jesse Byrd out for the season due to a knee injury, the 6'9" Phippen figures more prominently in the Gaucho frontcourt, and will be expected to pick up some of the void left by Byrd on the boards and on defense.

However, Phippen's greatest talent is his ability to knock down the outside jumper, an advantage for a post player, as he can draw his defender out to the perimeter. In fact, Phippen was so proficient from beyond the 3-point arc, that he led the Gauchos in 3-pt. shooting with an outstanding .563 fg percentage. The redshirt junior will be asked to play more minutes and carry more of the offensive load this season.