GSAC Preview Series: Hope International Royals

Hope International University was founded in 1928 as Pacific Bible Seminary and renamed in 1962 as Pacific Christian College as it moved to Long Beach, California. Today. Hope International University is located in Fullerton, California and consists of five colleges, each consisting of graduate and undergraduate programs. The current campus of Hope International University originally consisted of a shopping center, and movie theater (the Titan Theater).

Bill Czech Era:

Photo Courtesy of Hope International Royals Athletic Website

Bill Czech is entering his sixth season as head coach of the Royals men’s basketball team. Czech’s teams have shown drastic improvement each year. In his first season (2010-2011) his team finished with a dreadful 4-26 record overall. In the 2011-2012 season his team finished with 14 wins overall. In the 2012-2013 season, Czech led the Royals to their first NAIA National Tournament appearance in school history. Last season his team won 21 games.

Royals Attack:

The Royals look to continue their success under Coach Czech and will rely on three players.

Matt Green is a 5’9″ senior guard who is averaging 15.7 points per game while shooting 39.4 percent from the three- point line (13-33) and 43.4 percent from the field (33-76). He is known for hitting key threes in big moments of the game.

Kenny Morgan is 6’2″ senior guard transferring from Adams State University to the Royals. He is averaging 12.4 points per game while shooting 35 percent from the three-point line (7-20) and 52.1 percent from the field (25-48). He is strong driving to the basket.

Garrett Neilan is a 6’5″ junior wing who is averaging 11.2 points per game while shooting 36.4 percent from the three point line (4-11) and 42.6 percent from the field (23-54).

GSAC Outcome:

I am projecting the Royals to finish in a tie for second in the GSAC with the Vanguard University Lions. The Royals have six players that primarily contribute to their offensive attack. To win the GSAC they will need to find two more bench players to contribute on a consistent basis.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs 

2nd: Hope International Royals

2nd: Vanguard Lions

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

5th: Westmont Warriors 

6th. San Diego Christian Hawks 

7th: William Jessup Warriors