GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015 1 The Pittsburg State University men’s basketball team will travel to Joplin, Mo., Friday and Saturday (Nov. 13-14) to open the 2015-16 season in the MIAA/NSIC Challenge. The Gorillas will take on Minnesota State University Mankato at 5 p.m. (CST) Friday at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on the Missouri Southern State University campus. Pitt State then will face off against St. Cloud State University at 3 p.m. Saturday. THE RECORDS Pitt State is coming off a 20-12 campaign during the 2014-15 season. The Gorillas captured the MIAA Postseason Tournament Championship for the first time in school history and qualified for the NCAA Division II National Tournament for the sixth time in program history. Pitt State finished the year with a 20-12 overall record. The Gorillas return four starters and eight letterwinners from last year’s squad, including junior guard Josiah Gustafson – a first-team All-MIAA selection who averaged 15.5 points and 3.6 rebounds a year ago. MSU posted a 24-8 overall record in 2014-15 and qualified for the NCAA Division II National Tournament. The Mavericks return two starters from last year’s squad. SCSU posted an 18-12 overall record in 2014-15. The Huskies return a pair of starters from last year’s squad and SCSU added three Division I transfers among seven newcomers for this season. HEAD COACH KEVIN MUFF Pittsburg State’s Kevin Muff enters his sixth season leading the Gorillas. Muff (Kansas State, ’86) became the Gorillas’ 14th all-time head coach on Apr. 5, 2010, after spending 12 seasons at Cloud County Community College, where he helped the Thunderbirds to an average of 21 wins in each of the last five seasons. [for complete biography, see page 3] He has a 76-67 (.531) record in his tenure with the Gorillas. Muff was named the 2015 MIAA Co-Coach of the Year after leading the Gorillas to a 16-11 regular season record and a tie for third-place in the MIAA standings. Pitt State was picked to finish 10th in the 14-team league in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll after posting an 8-18 (4-15 MIAA) mark a year ago. He then guided the Gorillas to a perfect 4-0 record in the MIAA Postseason Tournament, helping the Gorillas become the first No. 5 seed to claim the championship. Pitt State earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament and finished the 2014-15 campaign with a 20-12 overall record. SERIES HISTORY Friday’s action will be the first meeting between the Gorillas and Mavericks. Pitt State will meet St. Cloud State for the second time in school history Saturday – the first time in nearly 50 years. The Huskies defeated the Gorillas, 88-55, on Dec. 28, 1966, in day two of a three-day tournament at St. Cloud, Minn. 2015-16 Gorillas Schedule All Times – Central NOVEMBER 4 at Kansas (exhibition) L, 66-89 13-14 at MIAA/NSIC Challenge (Joplin, Mo.) 13 vs. Minnesota State 5 p.m. 14 vs. St. Cloud State 3 p.m. 17 at Newman 7 p.m. 19 WILLIAM JEWELL 7 p.m. 27 at Regis 8 p.m. 28 at Metro State 8 p.m. DECEMBER 2 NORTHEASTERN STATE * 7:30 p.m. 5 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA * 3:30 p.m. 10 at Missouri Western * 7:30 p.m. 12 at Northwest Missouri * 3:30 p.m. 16 WASHBURN * 7:30 p.m. 19 EMPORIA STATE * 3:30 p.m. JANUARY 2 at Fort Hays State * 3:30 p.m. 4 at Nebraska-Kearney * 7:30 p.m. 7 CENTRAL MISSOURI * 7:30 p.m. 9 SOUTHWEST BAPTIST * 3:30 p.m. 16 MISSOURI SOUTHERN * 3:30 p.m. 21 at Lindenwood * 7:30 p.m. 23 at Lincoln * 3:30 p.m. 27 MISSOURI WESTERN * 7:30 p.m. 30 NORTHWEST MISSOURI * 3:30 p.m. FEBRUARY 3 at Washburn * 7:30 p.m. 6 at Emporia State * 3:30 p.m. 11 FORT HAYS STATE * 7:30 p.m. 13 NEBRASKA-KEARNEY * 3:30 p.m. 17 at Central Missouri * 7:30 p.m. 20 at Southwest Baptist * 3:30 p.m. 27 at Missouri Southern * 3:30 p.m. MARCH 1-6 MIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS (Kansas City, Mo.) TBA PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY at MIAA/NSIC Challenge | Joplin, Mo. Nov. 13, 2015 • vs. Minnesota State • 5 p.m. (CST) Nov. 14, 2015 • vs. St. Cloud State • 3 p.m. (CST)
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GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015 1
The Pittsburg State University men’s basketball team will travel to Joplin, Mo., Friday and Saturday (Nov. 13-14) to open the 2015-16 season in the MIAA/NSIC Challenge.
The Gorillas will take on Minnesota State University Mankato at 5 p.m. (CST) Friday at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on the Missouri Southern State University campus. Pitt State then will face off against St. Cloud State University at 3 p.m. Saturday.
THE RECORDSPitt State is coming off a 20-12 campaign during the 2014-15 season. The Gorillas
captured the MIAA Postseason Tournament Championship for the first time in school history and qualified for the NCAA Division II National Tournament for the sixth time in program history. Pitt State finished the year with a 20-12 overall record.
The Gorillas return four starters and eight letterwinners from last year’s squad, including junior guard Josiah Gustafson – a first-team All-MIAA selection who averaged 15.5 points and 3.6 rebounds a year ago.
MSU posted a 24-8 overall record in 2014-15 and qualified for the NCAA Division II National Tournament. The Mavericks return two starters from last year’s squad.
SCSU posted an 18-12 overall record in 2014-15. The Huskies return a pair of starters from last year’s squad and SCSU added three Division I transfers among seven newcomers for this season.
HEAD COACH KEVIN MUFFPittsburg State’s Kevin Muff enters his sixth season leading the Gorillas. Muff
(Kansas State, ’86) became the Gorillas’ 14th all-time head coach on Apr. 5, 2010, after spending 12 seasons at Cloud County Community College, where he helped the Thunderbirds to an average of 21 wins in each of the last five seasons. [for complete biography, see page 3]
He has a 76-67 (.531) record in his tenure with the Gorillas.Muff was named the 2015 MIAA Co-Coach of the Year after leading the Gorillas to a
16-11 regular season record and a tie for third-place in the MIAA standings. Pitt State was picked to finish 10th in the 14-team league in the MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll after posting an 8-18 (4-15 MIAA) mark a year ago.
He then guided the Gorillas to a perfect 4-0 record in the MIAA Postseason Tournament, helping the Gorillas become the first No. 5 seed to claim the championship. Pitt State earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament and finished the 2014-15 campaign with a 20-12 overall record.
SERIES HISTORYFriday’s action will be the first meeting between the Gorillas and Mavericks.Pitt State will meet St. Cloud State for the second time in school history
Saturday – the first time in nearly 50 years. The Huskies defeated the Gorillas, 88-55, on Dec. 28, 1966, in day two of a three-day tournament at St. Cloud, Minn.
2015-16 Gorillas ScheduleAll Times – Central
NOVEMBER 4 at Kansas (exhibition) L, 66-89 13-14 at MIAA/NSIC Challenge (Joplin, Mo.) 13 vs. Minnesota State 5 p.m. 14 vs. St. Cloud State 3 p.m. 17 at Newman 7 p.m. 19 WILLIAM JEWELL 7 p.m. 27 at Regis 8 p.m. 28 at Metro State 8 p.m.
DECEMBER 2 NORTHEASTERN STATE * 7:30 p.m. 5 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA * 3:30 p.m. 10 at Missouri Western * 7:30 p.m. 12 at Northwest Missouri * 3:30 p.m. 16 WASHBURN * 7:30 p.m. 19 EMPORIA STATE * 3:30 p.m.
JANUARY 2 at Fort Hays State * 3:30 p.m. 4 at Nebraska-Kearney * 7:30 p.m. 7 CENTRAL MISSOURI * 7:30 p.m. 9 SOUTHWEST BAPTIST * 3:30 p.m. 16 MISSOURI SOUTHERN * 3:30 p.m. 21 at Lindenwood * 7:30 p.m. 23 at Lincoln * 3:30 p.m. 27 MISSOURI WESTERN * 7:30 p.m. 30 NORTHWEST MISSOURI * 3:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 3 at Washburn * 7:30 p.m. 6 at Emporia State * 3:30 p.m. 11 FORT HAYS STATE * 7:30 p.m. 13 NEBRASKA-KEARNEY * 3:30 p.m. 17 at Central Missouri * 7:30 p.m. 20 at Southwest Baptist * 3:30 p.m. 27 at Missouri Southern * 3:30 p.m.
MARCH 1-6 MIAA CHAMPIONSHIPS (Kansas City, Mo.) TBA
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITYat MIAA/NSIC Challenge | Joplin, Mo.Nov. 13, 2015 • vs. Minnesota State • 5 p.m. (CST)Nov. 14, 2015 • vs. St. Cloud State • 3 p.m. (CST)
2 GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015
SCOUTING THE GORILLASPitt State returns seven players who started three or more games during the
2014-15 campaign, including a first-team All-MIAA selection in junior guard Josiah Gustafson.
Gustafson (6-6, 180) started all 32 games in his second season in the Pitt State program, averaging 15.5 points per game. He ranked eighth in the MIAA in scoring and the Omaha, Neb., native also ranked fifth in the league in free throw percentage (.838, 124-148).
Gustafson – the only Pitt State player to start all 32 games in 2014-15 – converted 162 of 349 shots from the floor, making 46.4 percent of his attempts last year. He also shot 83.8 percent from the free throw line, making 124 of 148 charity shots. He also averaged a 3.6 rebounds per game and dished out 40 assists (1.3 apg).
Gustafson scored in double figures 26 times, including 10 games with 20 or more points. He also made a team-leading 48 3-pointers, shootin 42.5 percent from behind the arc (48 of 113).
For his career, Gustafson has scored 706 points in 58 games, averaging 12.2 points per game.
Senior guard Javis Flynn also returns for his second year in the Pitt State program. Flynn (5-10, 170) started 31 games for the Gorillas in 2014-15, averaging 6.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
The Watonga, Okla., native led the MIAA in assists and steals last season. He also converted 17 of 45 3-point field goal attempts (.378) on the year.
His 76 steals and his 160 assists both ranked as the second highest single season totals in school history. Flynn set the Pitt State single game assist record with 12 helpers vs. Emporia State on Jan. 14. He twice made a season-high seven steals, including vs. Minnesota State-Moorhead in the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
Senior forward Lamine Dieng averaged 8.3 points and a team-leading 4.5 rebounds per game in his first season on the court for the Gorillas. The Thies, Senegal native shot 57.3 percent from the field, making 90 of 157 shots. He also posted 21 blocked shots in 26 games played.
Dieng (6-8, 230) missed the first three games of the 2014-15 season after exercising a medical redshirt the previous year due to a knee injury. He posted his season totals despite averaging just 18.7 minutes of court time per game as he battled complications from the knee surgery.
Junior forward Trevor Gregory also started 26 of 31 games played last season. Gregory (6-7, 235) contributed 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds, while shooting a team-leading 60.8 percent (79 of 130) from the field.
The Lee’s Summit, Mo., native has scored 332 points in 57 career games (5.8 ppg) and shot 61.3 percent from the field (122 of 199).
Sophomore guard Dakota Jones returns after starting three of 32 games during his freshman campaign. Jones (5-11, 175) averaged 7.6 points, while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor (81 of 185) and making 29 3-pointers.
The Warrensburg, Mo., native scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 16 points in the MIAA Tournament Finals vs. Missouri Southern (Mar. 8). He averaged 11.3 points per game in the Gorillas’ four MIAA Tournament contests.
Senior guard Trey Starks is back for his second season in the Pitt State program. Starks (6-0, 190) averaged 12.3 points in Pitt State’s final 12 games after taking the court for the first time with the Gorillas on Feb. 7.
The Springfield, Mo., native shot 53.6 percent from the field (45 of 84). He scored a season-high 24 points in the finals of the MIAA Tournament against Missouri Southern (Mar. 8) to help the Gorillas claim the tournament title.
Starks was named the MIAA Tournament Most Valuable Player, averaging 15.3 points per game in Pitt State’s four victories.
Senior forward Denton Hays averaged 3.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while starting six games last season. Hays (6-7, 225) also blocked 12 shots on the season.
The Tulsa, Okla., native has scored 209 points in 78 career games (2.7 ppg).As a team, Pitt State shot 48.3 percent from the field in 2014-15 while its
opponents converted 44.7 percent of their shots. The Gorillas averaged 71.4 points per game while limiting their opposition to 66.2 points per game.
Pitt State’s 2015-16 recruiting class includes two transfers and one freshman who all figure to be key players for the Gorillas this winter.
Junior forward Creighton Brinker transferred to Pitt State from Cloud County Community College. Brinker (6-8, 220) averaged 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Thunderbirds last season. The Seneca, Kan., native shot 50 percent from the field and made 27 3-pointers on the year.
Sophomore guard Jaxon Holden came to Pitt State after one season at Stephen F. Austin University. Holden (6-1, 185) played in 17 games for the Lumberjacks as a freshman in 2014-15, helping SFA to a 29-5 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Freshman guard Chris Owens joined the Gorillas from Springdale (Ark.) High School. Owens (6-4, 180) was a two-time first-team Arkansas Class 7A All-State performer. He averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a senior and he helped Springdale to a 24-6 record and the Class 7A state runner-up finish his junior season.
EXHIBITION OPENERPitt State made its season debut in an exhibition game against the University
of Kansas on Nov. 4 at Allen Fieldhouse. The fourth-ranked Jayhawks posted an 89-66 victory over the Gorillas.
Pitt State trailed KU, 25-23, with 5:01 to play in the first half before the Jayhawks used a 21-5 run to gain separation.
Josiah Gustafson scored a team-leading 20 points for the Gorillas, while Jaxon Holden connected on four of seven 3-point field goals to finish with 12 points. Lamine Dieng and Chris Owens added nine points apiece.
PITT STATE PROBABLE STARTERS
F 4 Josiah Gustafson, 6-6, 190, Jr., Omaha, Neb. F 24 Trevor Gregory, 6-7, 235, Jr., Lee’s Summit, Mo. G 3 Javis Flynn, 5-10, 170, Sr., Watonga, Okla. G 21 Jaxon Holden, 6-1, 185, So., Flower Mound, Texas G 32 Dakota Jones, 5-11, 175, So., Warrensburg, Mo.
GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015 3
2014-15 Pitt State Numerical Roster NO NAME POS HT WT CL EXP HOMETOWN / PREVIOUS SCHOOL 2 Louis Rolins G 6-2 180 Fr. HS Shawnee Mission, Kan. / Shawnee Mission West High School 3 Javis Flynn (JAY-vis) G 5-10 170 Sr. 1L Watonga, Okla. / Pratt Community College 4 Josiah Gustafson G 6-6 190 Jr. 2L Omaha, Neb. / Millard North High School 5 Chris Owens G 6-4 180 Fr. HS Springdale, Ark. / Springdale High School 10 Adrian Fernandez G 6-4 175 So. 1L Majadahonda, Spain / Club Baloncesto Majadahonda 11 Trey Starks G 6-0 190 Sr. 1L Springfield, Mo. / Seward County Community College 15 Lucas Wilson F 6-5 185 Fr. RS Paola, Kan. / Paola High School 20 Lamine Dieng (luh-MEAN JANG) F 6-8 230 Sr. 1L Thies, Senegal / Vincennes University 21 Jaxon Holden G 6-1 185 So. TR Flower Mound, Texas / Stephen F. Austin University 22 Denton Hays F 6-7 225 Sr. 3L Tulsa, Okla. / Jenks High School 23 Creighton Brinker F 6-8 220 Jr. TR Seneca, Kan. / Cloud County Community College 24 Trevor Gregory F 6-7 235 Jr. 2L Lee’s Summit, Mo. / Lee’s Summit West High School 32 Dakota Jones G 5-11 175 So. 1L Warrensburg, Mo. / Warrensburg High School RS Doug Palacio G 5-10 165 Fr. HS Arlington, Texas / Mansfield Summit High School RS Colton Pitko G 6-0 170 Fr. HS Eureka, Kan. / Eureka High School
Head Coach: Kevin Muff (Kansas State, 1986)Assistant Coaches: Ryan Stock (Southwest Baptist, 2003), Preston Ingram (Evangel, 2004)
Kevin Muff, Head CoachKevin Muff enters his sixth year as head basketball coach at Pittsburg State University after being hired to the position on April 5, 2010.Muff has compiled a 76-67 (.531) record in five seasons at Pitt State. He led the Gorillas to an 18-10 record – the squad’s highest win total since the 2006-
07 campaign – and an appearance in the second round of the MIAA Postseason Tournament in 2013. Muff guided the Gorillas to a 17-14 record and a berth in the finals of the MIAA Postseason Tournament in 2012. He was named the 2015 MIAA Co-Coach of the Year after leading the Gorillas to a 16-11 regular season mark and a third-place tie in the MIAA standings. Muff led Pitt State to the program’s first MIAA Tournament Championship with a 91-65 victory over Missouri Southern on Mar. 8, 2015 and the program’s 11th all-time 20-win season.
Muff, 51, a former assistant coach at Pitt State from 1990-93, returned to campus after serving for 12 seasons as head coach at Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kan., where he averaged 21 wins per season over his last five years at the school.
Prior to his assignment at Cloud County, Muff coached five seasons at Wamego High School, leading the school to a Kansas Class 4A state runner-up finish in 1998. He was named the Flint Hills Area Coach of the Year during the 1997-98 season.
He served as the top assistant at Pittsburg State from 1991 to 1993 under former head coach Dennis Hill, after serving as a graduate assistant for the Gorillas in 1990. Muff helped the Gorillas post a 21-8 record during the 1991-92 campaign – the school’s first 20-win season in two decades. That Pitt State squad rose to a top 10 national ranking and the Gorillas upset No. 1 ranked Washburn, 72-71, before a school record crowd of 5,000 fans at John Lance Arena on Jan. 18, 1992.
Pitt State narrowly missed the NCAA Division II National Tournament that year – at the time only four teams in each region qualified for the postseason and the Gorillas finished the season ranked fifth in the South Central Region.
Prior to joining the Pitt State staff, Muff served as an assistant basketball coach at Atwood High School from 1987-90. He served as a student assistant coach at Kansas State University under former Wildcats head coach Lon Kruger during the 1986-87 season.
Muff, a member of the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, served as the president of the Kansas Jayhawk Conference Basketball Coaches Association from 2004-2009. He was extremely active in the community of Concordia, Kan., serving as a volunteer coach for Concordia Youth Basketball and a volunteer for “Big Brothers/Big Sisters” of Cloud County. Muff also served as a lector at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Muff, a Salina, Kan., native, was a two-year basketball letterman at Kansas State during the 1984-85 and 1985-86 seasons. He transferred to K-State after playing two seasons at Cloud County Community College, where he was a first-team NJCAA All-Region VI selection as a sophomore in 1983-84. Muff was both a McDonalds and Converse High School All-America selection as a senior during the 1981-82 season at Salina Central High School.
Muff earned a bachelor’s of science degree in education (BSed) in social science from Kansas State University in 1986 and a master’s of science degree (MS) in physical education from Pittsburg State University in 1991.
He is married to the former Kim Kidd. Kevin and Kim have three daughters: Alex (23), Skyler (21) and Taylor (15).
Assistant Coaches
Ryan Stock Preston Ingram(Southwest Baptist, 2003) (Evangel, 2004)Sixth Season on the Pitt State Staff Third Season on the Pitt State Staff
4 GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015
General: First-year player… joins the Gorillas from Shawnee Mission West High School… a talented backcourt player with a great work ethic… will look to be a contributor for the Gorillas this winter… also will participate in track & field at Pittsburg State.
In High School: An All-Sunflower League selection as a senior at Shawnee Mission West High School in 2015… averaged
14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.2 asststs per game for the Vikings… also a three-time Kansas Class 6A All-State track & field performer, finishing as the state runner-up in the long jump his final two prep seasons.
Personal: Born September 30, 1996… son of Kimberly Rollins… a construction management major.
Javis Flynn • 5-10 • 170 • SR • GWatonga, Okla.
General: Second-year player… one of the premiere point guards in the MIAA and the Central Region of NCAA Division II… expected to have a big senior season for the Gorillas.
In 2014-15: Started 31 of 32 games… averaged 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game… dished out 160 assists (5.0 apg) – the second-highest single season total in school history… made a team-leading 76 steals (2.4 spg), also the second-highest single
season mark in Pitt State history… led the MIAA in both assists and steals… set the school single game assist record with 12 helpers vs. Emporia State (Jan. 14)… scored in double figures six times with a season-high 17 points vs. Northeastern State (Jan. 28)… scored 11 points, including the
game-winning basket in the waning seconds, vs. Missouri Western (Jan. 10)… twice made seven steals, including vs. MSU Moorhead in the NCAA-II Tournament (Mar. 14).
In Junior College: A second-team Jayhawk Conference West selection as a sophomore at Pratt Community College in 2014… averaged eight points, four rebounds and nine assists per game for the Beavers.
In High School: A first-team All-District performer as a senior at Watonga High School as a senior in 2012… averaged 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists per game… also an All-State performer in football.
Personal: Son of Bege Holdge… a physical education major.
Josiah Gustafson • 6-6 • 190 • JR • GOmaha, Neb.
General: Third-year player… one of the premiere players in the MIAA and the Central Region of NCAA Division II… a returning first-team All-MIAA performer… a versatile athlete who is poised for another big season for the Gorillas this winter… has scored 706 points in 58 career games (12.2 ppg).
In 2014-15: Started all 32 games… averaged 15.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game… shot 46.4 percent from the field (162-349), including 42.5 percent from 3-point range (48-
113)… also shot 83.8 percent from the free throw line (124-148)… ranked eighth in the MIAA in scoring and fifth in the conference in free throw percentage… scored in double figures 26 times, including 10 games with 20 or more points… scored a career-high 26 points in the season opener vs. Augustana (Nov. 15)… also had a season-best eight rebounds vs. Central Oklahoma (Jan. 31).
In 2013-14: Started 16 of 26 games played… averaged 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game… shot 80.6 percent from the free throw line (54 of 67)… scored in double figures 10 times, including a season-high 16 points vs. Northwest Missouri (Dec. 5)… recorded a season-best five rebounds on five occasions.
2015-16 Pitt State Player Biographies
2014-15 MIAA STANDINGS MIAA Overall W L Pct. W L Pct. StreakNorthwest Missouri State University 15- 4 .789 25- 7 .781 L1 University of Central Missouri 14- 5 737 25- 7 .781 L1 Missouri Southern State University 12- 7 .632 20- 11 .645 L1 Lindenwood University 12- 7 .632 17- 12 .586 L2 Pittsburg State University 12- 7 .632 20- 12 .625 L1 University of Central Oklahoma 12- 7 .632 20- 10 .667 L1University of Nebraska-Kearney 12- 7 .632 18- 10 .643 L1Washburn University 10- 9 .526 16- 16 .500 L1 Fort Hays State University 9- 10 .474 16- 13 .552 L4 Missouri Western State University 8- 11 .421 12- 15 .444 L1 Southwest Baptist University 6- 13 .316 11- 18 .379 L4 Northeastern State University 5- 14 .263 7- 20 .259 L1Emporia State University 5- 14 .263 12- 16 .429 W1Lincoln University 1- 18 .053 4- 24 .143 L18
GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015 5
In High School: A three-year starter and four-year letterman at Omaha’s Millard North High School… earned Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year honors averaging 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists per contest…also was selected first-team All-Super State.
Personal: Born June 3, 1994… son of Gus and Julie Gustafson… a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll… has a 3.40 GPA as a management major.
Chris Owens • 6-4 • 180 • FR • GSpringdale, Ark.
General: First-year player… joins the Gorillas from Springdale (Ark.) High School… a talented backcourt player… a dynamic scorer who will look to make an immediate impact for the Gorillas this winter.
In High School: A two-time Arkansas Class 7A All-State performer (2014-15) at Springdale High School… earned first-team All-State honors as a senior, averaging 20.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game… scored 25 or more points seven times his
senior season… helped Springdale to a 24-6 record and the Class 7A state runner-up finish his junior season, scoring a game-high 30 points in the state finals… a 2015 Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star… also a two-time All-Conference football player for the Bulldogs.
Personal: Born January 30, 1997… son of Chester Owens and Carmen Dunbar… a physical education major.
Adrian Fernandez • 6-4 • 175 • SO • GMajadahonda, Spain
General: Second-year player… a talented backcourt player who has handled the transition to the American game… a hard worker who will look to make a more significant impact for the Gorillas this winter.
In 2014-15: Saw action in 15 games… scored 14 points on the season (0.9 ppg), including a season-high seven points vs. Central Oklahoma (Feb. 7).
In Spain: Averaged 19.5 points, four assists and three assists at Club Baloncesto Majadahonda.Personal: Born February 14, 1995… son of Jose Maria Fernandez and Isabel Zerolo… a
member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll… has a 3.27 GPA as a communication major.
Trey Starks • 6-0 • 190 • SR • GSpringfield, Mo.
General: Second-year player… a talented, veteran guard who made an immediate impact for the Gorillas once he joined the squad on the court last February… primed for a big senior season.
In 2014-15: Saw action in 12 games for the Gorillas… averaged 12.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game… made 53.6 percent of his shots from the field (45-84)… scored a season-
high 24 points in the finals of the MIAA Tournament, helping the Gorillas claim the tournament title… named the MIAA Tournament MVP, averaging 15.3 points per game in Pitt State’s four wins.
In Junior College: Played his freshman season at Indian Hills (Iowa) Community College in 2010-11… helped Seward County Community College to a third-place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament as a sophomore in 2011-12.
In High School: A first-team All-Conference and first-team Missouri Class 5A All-State selection as a senior at Hillcrest High School in Springfield, Mo. … helped Hillcrest capture the 5A state title his senior season.
Personal: Born April 10, 1992… a physical education major.
Lucas Wilson • 6-5 • 185 • FR-RS • FPaola, Kan.
General: Second-year player… a talented frontcourt player who redshirted in his initial season in the Pitt State program… adjusted well to the collegiate level… will look to be a contributor for the Gorillas this winter.
In 2014-15: Redshirt season.In High School: An honorable mention Kansas Class 4A
All-State performer as a senior at Paola High in 2014… averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game, helping the Panthers to an 18-7 overall record and a sub-state title… also an honorable mention All-State wide receiver in football.
Personal: Born October 27, 1995… son of Jeff and Kelli Wilson… a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and an MIAA Academic Excellence Award honoree… has a perfect 4.00 GPA as an exploratory studies major.
Lamine Dieng • 6-8 • 230 • SR • FThies, Senegal
General: Third-year player... a talented frontcourt player who is primed for a big senior season… battled back from a knee injury that sidelined him in 2013-14 and limited his minutes, at times, a year ago… a strong inside presence… appears fully healed and ready for increased production this winter.
In 2014-15: Saw action in 26 games, including 13 starts… averaged 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game… made 57.3
percent of his shots on the season (90-157)… posted a team-leading 21 blocked shots… scored a career-high 18 points vs. Newman (Dec. 2)… contributed 12 points and nine rebounds in his season debut vs. West Texas A&M (Nov. 26), after missing the first three games of the season… grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds vs. Lincoln (Jan. 5).
In 2013-14: Medical redshirt season.In Junior College: Spent two seasons at Vincennes University... averaged four points and four
rebounds both seasons for the Trailblazers… helped the team to a 33-4 record and a fourth-place finish in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament last season.
In High School: Attended high school in Thies, Senegal.Personal: Born January 1, 1992... a general studies major.
General: First-year player… transferred to Pitt State from NCAA Division I Stephen F. Austin University… an athletic guard with great range on the perimeter… a solid defender… expected to be a key contributor for the Gorillas this winter..
At SFA: Spent one season at Stephen F. Austin… appeared in 17 games for the Lumberjacks… averaged 1.1 points per game while helping SFA to Southland Conference regular season and
tournament titles and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament during a 29-5 campaign.In High School: A two-time first-team All-District performer at Flower Mound Marcus High
School in 2014… averaged 12 points, four rebounds and two assists per game as a senior for the Marauders… helped lead Marcus to the Texas Class 5A state championship as a sophomore.
Personal: Born June 17, 1995… son of Robert and Marjorie Holden… a construction management major.
6 GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015
Denton Hays • 6-7 • 225 • SR • FTulsa, Okla.
General: Fourth-year player… a hard-working frontcourt player who continues to improve with experience… evolving into a front line performer for the Gorillas… expected to be a key contributor for Pitt State again this winter… has scored 209 points in 78 career games (2.7 ppg).
In 2014-15: Started five of 27 games played… averaged 3.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game… scored a career-high 11 points in a road win vs. Southwest Baptist (Dec. 20)… logged a career-best nine
rebounds twice, vs. Northwest Missouri (Dec. 6) and Northeastern State in the MIAA Tournament (Mar. 2).In 2013-14: Rejoined the squad in January, after spending the first semester at the University
of Oklahoma as a student… saw action in 19 games in a reserve role… averaged 2.7 points and 3.2 rebounds per game… scored a season-high 10 points vs. Lincoln (Jan. 6).
In 2012-13: Appeared in 27 games, including five starts… averaged 1.9 points and 2.1 rebounds on the year… scored a season-high six points twice on the year… pulled down seven rebounds against Missouri Southern on Feb. 27… ranked third on the team with nine blocks.
In High School: An honorable mention Oklahoma Class 6A All-State performer as a senior at Jenks High in 2012… also an All-Metro and All-Conference selection… a three-year starter for the Trojans… averaged 9.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots per game his senior year, helping JHS to regional and area titles… an honor roll student.
Personal: Born June 7, 1994… son of Tim and Kimra Hays… a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll… has a 3.32 GPA as a physical education major.
General: First-year player… transferred to Pitt State from Cloud County Community College… a talented wing player with 3-point field goal range… a versatile athlete who will look to make an immediate impact for the Gorillas this winter.
In Junior College: Spent two seasons at Cloud County Community College… averaged 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore for the Thunderbirds, starting all 32 games… converted 131 of 262 (.500) shots from the field, including 27 3-pointers.
In High School: A two-time Kansas Class 3A All-State performer at Nemaha Valley High School (2012-13)… averaged 14.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game his senior season for the Raiders… helped the squad to a 24-2 record and the 3A state runner-up finish… earned first-team Class 3A All-State honors and garnered second-team All-State All-Class accolades… an honorable mention All-State selection as a junior.
Personal: Born September 7, 1994… son of Steve and Bonnie Brinker… a construction management major.
General: Third-year player… a talented frontcourt player who has evolved into a frontline performer… a hard worker who has continued to improve with experience… expected to be a key member of the Gorillas frontcourt again this winter… has scored 332 points in 57 career games (5.8 ppg).
In 2014-15: Started 26 of 31 games played… averaged 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game… shot a team-leading 60.8 percent from the field on the year (79-130)… scored in
double figures nine times, including a career-high 15 points vs. West Texas A&M (Nov. 26) and Fort Hays State (Feb. 14)… pulled down a season-high 10 rebounds vs. Missouri Southern in the MIAA Tournament (Mar. 8).
In 2013-14: Started 23 of 26 games for the Gorillas… averaged 5.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game… converted a team-leading 62.3 percent from the field (43 of 69)… scored in double figures twice, including a season-best 16 points vs. Bethany (Nov. 22)… had a season-high 12 rebounds vs. Central Oklahoma (Feb. 8).
In High School: A four-year starter at Lee’s Summit West High School… earned All-District and All-Conference honors as a senior, averaging 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game… helped the Titans to a 43-6 combined record his junior and senior seasons.
Personal: Born August 23, 1994… son of Jeff and Sheri Gregory… a member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll… has a 3.19 GPA as a computer information systems major.
Dakota Jones • 5-11 • 175 • SO • GWarrensburg, Mo.
General: Second-year player… a talented backcourt player who enjoyed a solid freshman season… looking to build off his initial campaign with the Gorillas… expected to be a key contributor for Pitt State this winter.
In 2014-15: Saw action in all 32 games, including three starts… averaged 7.6 points and 1.7 rebounds per game… shot 42.0 percent from 3-point range (29-69)… scored in double figures 11 times, including a season-high 16 points in the finals
of the MIAA Tournament vs. Missouri Southern (Mar. 8)… averaged 11.3 points per game in the Gorillas’ four MIAA Tournament games.
In High School: A two-time first-team Missouri Class 4A All-State performer at Warrensburg High School… averaged 22 points per game for the Tigers, helping WHS to a conference title… eclipsed the 1,500 point club as a four-year starter.
Personal: Born June 2, 1996… son of Morris and Shanoah Jones… an exploratory studies major.
General: First-year player… joins the Gorillas from Mansfield Summit (Texas) High School… a talented backcourt player… will look to provide quality depth to the guard spots as he adjusts to the collegiate game.
In High School: A two-time All-District performer at Mansfield Summit High School (2014-15)… averaged eight points, five rebounds and five assists per game his senior season for the Jaguars… helped his squad to a 24-6 record his senior season.
Personal: Born July 17, 1997… son of Doug Palacio and Rita Sanchez… an exploratory studies major.
Colton Pitko • 6-0 • 170 • FR • GEureka, Kan.
General: First-year player… joins the Gorillas from Eureka High School… a talented backcourt player… will provide quality depth to the guard positions as he adjusts to the collegiate level.
In High School: A two-time second-team Kansas Class 3A All-State selection (2014-15) at Eureka High School… averaged 15 points, four assists and three rebounds per game his senior season for the Tornadoes… helped EHS claim a Tri-Valley League championship his junior season… a Kansas Basketball Coaches
Association All-Star selection.Personal: Born April 6, 1996… son of Bill and Pam Pitko… a computer information systems
major.
GORILLAS AT MIAA/NSIC CHALLENGE | NOV. 13-14, 2015 7
2014-15 Pitt State BasketballPittsburg State Combined Team Statistics (as of Nov 02, 2015)
All games
RECORD: OVERALL HOME AWAY NEUTRALALL GAMES 20-12 11-2 5-7 4-3CONFERENCE 12-7 8-2 4-5 0-0NON-CONFERENCE 8-5 3-0 1-2 4-3
Total 3-Point F-Throw Rebounds
## Player gp-gs min avg fg-fga fg% 3fg-fga 3fg% ft-fta ft% off def tot avg pf dq a to blk stl pts avg
TEAM STATISTICS PSU OPPSCORING 2286 2119 Points per game 71.4 66.2 Scoring margin +5.2 -FIELD GOALS-ATT 779-1614 698-1562 Field goal pct . 4 8 3 . 4 4 73 POINT FG-ATT 159-416 209-598 3-point FG pct . 3 8 2 . 3 4 9 3-pt FG made per game 5.0 6.5FREE THROWS-ATT 569-775 514-734 Free throw pct . 7 3 4 . 7 0 0 F-Throws made per game 17.8 16.1REBOUNDS 996 910 Rebounds per game 31.1 28.4 Rebounding margin +2.7 -ASSISTS 393 377 Assists per game 12.3 11.8TURNOVERS 452 489 Turnovers per game 14.1 15.3 Turnover margin +1.2 - Assist/turnover ratio 0.9 0.8STEALS 235 187 Steals per game 7.3 5.8BLOCKS 63 89 Blocks per game 2.0 2.8ATTENDANCE 19133 24828 Home games-Avg/Game 13-1472 12-1418 Neutral site-Avg/Game - 7-1115
Score by Periods 1st 2nd TotalsPittsburg State 1038 1248 2286Opponents 1007 1112 2119
Date Opponent Score Att.11/15/14 vs Augustana (S.D.) L 69-86 46811/16/14 vs Northern State L 68-75 28711/19/14 at Arkansas Tech W 76-56 53811/26/14 at West Texas A&M L 63-72 35711/28/14 at Tarleton State L 59-65 134211/29/14 vs Texas A&M-Kingsville W 95-83 32612/2/14 NEWMAN W 82-66 1118
* 12/6/14 NORTHWEST MISSOURI W 69-67 1506* 12/20/14 at Southwest Baptist W 73-72 445
12/31/14 ARKANSAS TECH W 73-68 1007* 1/3/15 LINDENWOOD L 65-69 1371* 1/5/15 LINCOLN W 74-50 1075* 1/8/15 at Central Missouri L 54-66 2300* 1/10/15 at Missouri Western W 63-61 1402* 1/14/15 EMPORIA STATE W 59-58 2510* 1/17/15 WASHBURN W 82-40 1507* 1/22/15 at Nebraska Kearney L 64-68 2041* 1/24/15 at Fort Hays State W 69-64 3241* 1/28/15 at Northeastern State W 76-66 886* 1/31/15 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA W 78-61 1099* 2/7/15 at Central Oklahoma L 65-82 759* 2/12/15 NEBRASKA KEARNEY W 101-73 1587* 2/14/15 FORT HAYS STATE W 77-63 1790* 2/18/15 NORTHEASTERN STATE W 87-73 1375* 2/21/15 MISSOURI SOUTHERN L 63-66 2611* 2/25/15 at Emporia State L 67-74 1765* 2/28/15 at Washburn L 48-63 1945# 3/2/15 NORTHEASTERN STATE W 69-54 577
3/5/15 vs Lindenwood W 74-55 12943/7/15 vs Northwest Missouri W 65-58 24183/8/15 vs Missouri Southern W 91-65 18473/14/15 vs MSU Moorhead L 68-80 1167
