GSAC Preview Series: Arizona Christian Firestorm

Founded in 1960 as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College, Arizona Christian University is a private, non-profit Christian university that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This university traces its roots back to Ida Clouse, a Christian missionary and registered nurse who moved to Arizona in 1917 under the Homestead Act. She opened the Clouse Ranch, which soon became a Christian retreat center. Upon her death in 1959, she left the ranch to the Arizona Baptist Convention to create a Christian college. In 2011 the university took on its current name Arizona Christian University.

Jeff Rutter’s Way:

The athletic teams are known as the Firestorm and the men’s basketball team is coached by Jeff Rutter. In his first season as Firestorm head coach (2012-2013) Rutter’s team made the GSAC Championship game and lost 112-111 in double overtime to the Concordia University Irvine Eagles. It was one of the most exciting games I have seen in the GSAC. The Firestorm’s leader the past two seasons, Talib Uqdah, scored 43 points and Tim Harris scored 38 points for the Eagles.

Firestorm’s Attack:

Photo Courtesy of Arizona Christian Firestorm Athletic Wesbite

With Uqdah graduating last season, the Firestorm will miss his consistent offensive output of 19.3 points per game average over two seasons. They will rely on three key players this year.

Charles King is a 6’1″ senior guard who is averaging 15 points per game while shooting 51.2 percent from the three-point line (22-43), and 44.1 percent from the field (30-68) so far this season. At 215 pounds his strength allows him to score inside via drives and his shooting touch makes him difficult to guard.

Shariff Watson is a 6’6″ junior forward who transferred to Arizona Christian from Azusa Pacific University. He is the definition of a swing player (can play both the small forward and power forward position). His slashing mentality allows him to get to the basket, make highlight dunks and draw fouls. He is averaging 14.5 points per game this season while shooting 85.2 percent from the free-throw line (23-27).

Brandon Newman is a 6-foot junior guard who is averaging 13.3 points per game this seasons while shooting 46.4 percent from the three-point line (13-28) and 44.8 percent from the field (26-58).

With King, Watson and Newman leading the way for the Firestorm, their offense will still be potent.

GSAC Prediction:

I project the Firestorm to finish tied in third in the GSAC with Concordia Eagles. While the Firestorm having five players averaging in double figures is impressive, they need some bench players to start contributing if they want to finish higher in the conference play.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks

8th: William Jessup Warriors