UCSB in at #138 on collegehoops.net

Joel Welser of collegehoops.net has UCSB ranked at 138 nationwide for the 2008-09 college basketball season. With 3 returning starters returning in forward Chris Devine and guards Justin Joyner and James Powell, Joel believes UCSB will again compete for a Big West title. Add DJ Posley, a projected starter who received significant minutes last season, and USF transfer forward Jesse Byrd to round out the starting lineup, and the Gauchos will have a legitimate chance at repeating as co-champions during the Big West regular season.

With the graduation of UCSB's all-time leading scorer Alex Harris, Ivan Elliott and Nedim Pajevic, UCSB's incoming freshmen should compete for playing time. Incoming freshmen James Nunnally, Jaime Serna, Will Brew, Jr., and 7'3" Greg Somogyi comprise the most decorated class under Coach Bob Williams' tenure. Returnees Paul Roemer, Sam Phippen, Jordan Wiener, Nick Quick, Peter Jordan, and 6'10" redshirt freshman Spencer Ford will once again provide quality depth.

For a complete analysis: go to collegehoops.net

UCSB Recruit Chris Brew Stays Put

Chris Brew, a UCSB '09 verbal commit, has decided not to transfer to Berkeley High, and will remain enrolled at St. Mary's in Berkeley. Chris cited loyalty to his teammates as the main driver for his decision to stay put: Chris Brew staying put.

Brew, one of the top Class of 09 players in the country, has reaffirmed his desire to play with his older brother Will Brew, Jr., a UCSB Class of '08 freshman recruit.

Look for Chris to have an explosive senior year at St. Mary's, as he and his teammates target another run at the California Div. IV State Basketball Championship. St. Mary's lost in the title game last season, garnering second place: CIF 2008 State Tournament

Get your UNC game tickets now!

As reported earlier, the University of North Carolina Tarheels are coming to town for a date with the Gauchos Nov. 21. UNC is expected to be the consensus #1 team in the country, as they return everyone from last year's Final Four team, including 2008 National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough. Secure your ticket to this game by purchasing season tickets, and get the opportunity to purchase another ticket for the game, while receiving discounts and Gaucho Bucks in the process. This game is expected to sell out quickly, so don't wait. Here is the official press release on how to order tickets:

http://ucsbgauchos.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/081408aab.html

The Thunderdome will be rockin'! Be there!

Massari hired as new UCSB AD

UC Santa Barbara announced its new Director of Athletics on Monday, naming Mark Massari, formerly of Oregon State, to succeed Gary Cunningham.

Massari has been at Oregon State since 2002, most recently serving as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, directing all revenue-generating, external marketing and communications activities. Cunningham has served as the Athletics Director since 1995 and announced in January that he would be stepping down from the position.

Here's the official press release:

http://ucsbgauchos.cstv.com/genrel/081808aaa.html

This is a great hire, and good luck Mark.

Cecil Brown headed to France

After impressive performances in the D League, former Gaucho Cecil Brown received several offers to play overseas. He's playing in France for Etendard de Brest in the French Pro B league. Look for him to take his game to another level. Good luck, Cecil.

North Carolina Tarheels coming to town...

In case you hadn't noticed, the consensus preseason #1 team in the country is coming to the Thunderdome. Mark Nov. 21, 2008 on your calendars, as that's when the UNC Tarheels and our Gauchos will be rockin' the Dome. Details on ticket sales to come soon.

Here's the complete schedule: UCSB Men's Basketball Schedule

Ivan Elliott will play in Latvia

I just got word that Ivan Elliott will be playing in Latvia, for the club Valmiera. Ivan was always a matchup problem for opponents, as he could play down low, as well as having perimeter skills, including shooting the 3 with remarkable consistency. We wish him continued success in Europe. Keep us updated, Ivan.

For details of Ivan's career at UCSB: Ivan Elliott

Downtown Cecil Brown

Former Gaucho sharpshooter Cecil Brown, UCSB '07, is tearing it up in the NBA Development League. He had a great game playing on the D League All-star team against the Atlanta Hawks summer roster squad. Look for him on NBA TV.

For more on Cecil's career as a Gaucho: Cecil Brown

Alex Harris in the pros...

Well, it looks like Al Harris, UCSB '08 and the Gauchos all-time leading scorer, is headed to play pro basketball in Poland, with his new team Turow. It looks like he will be one of their featured scorers, as he was at UCSB. Good luck, Al, and keep us updated on your achievements. He certainly has represented UCSB well.

For more on Al's career at UCSB: Alex Harris

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