In 1920, Harold K. Needham, D.W. Kerr, and W.C. Pierce, founded a school to prepare Christians for various ministries in the church. In 1927 the institute was named Southern California Bible School and moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena, California. In 1939, it became known as Southern California Bible College and became the first four-year institution of the Assemblies of God. On July 1, 1999 it achieved university status and became known as Vanguard University of Southern California.

Rhett Soliday Celebrate:

Photo Courtesy of Vanguard Lions Athletic Website

The athletic teams at Vanguard are called the Lions. The men’s basketball team is coached by Rhett Soliday. The Lions had a great season last year, winning the NAIA National Championship. Soliday brings back a talented team. He lost Preston Wynne, his best offensive player from a year ago to graduation. Wynne averaged 20.9 points per game. This team will rely on four players

Lions Roar:

Deangelo Jones is a 6’3″ senior guard who is averaging 16.9 points per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field (33-76) and 76.4 percent from the free-throw line (42-55). His speed and athleticism allows him to drive past defenders, get to the rim, and draw contact to get to the free-throw line.

Chris Gorman is a senior guard who is averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 35.7 percent from the three point line (15-42). Much like Preston Wynne last year, Gorman has the ability to pull-up and shoot over any defender.

Keith Mason is a 6’8″ senior forward who is averaging 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season. His size helps him down low grabbing rebounds (26) and blocking shots (8).

Zach Allmon is a 6’8″ sophomore forward who transferred to Vanguard last year from Cal Poly Mustangs where he redshirted in his only season. He is averaging 8.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He and Mason make a nice combination as starting bigs. He is active around the rim and has a nice touch from deep. He is shooting 44.4 percent from the three-point line (4-9).

GSAC Outcome:

I am projecting the Lions to finish in a tie for second place in the GSAC with the Hope International Royals. The Lions have a high quality starting lineup but will need a few players on the bench to contribute consistently if they want to win the GSAC.

GSAC 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

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

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 

In 1962, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) built a Lutheran college in Irvine, California. This college was originally called Christ College and in 1973 Rev. Dr. Charles Manske became the first president. In February of 1993, the Board of Regents changed the school’s name to it’s current name Concordia University Irvine. This is the tenth campus in the national Concordia University System. The CUS is the second largest church-related school system in the United States.

Quick Facts:

Ken Ammann:

Concordia’s athletic teams are the Eagles. Their men’s basketball team is coached by Ken Ammann who enters his 14th season with the Eagles. He has won at least 21 games in 11 of his 13 seasons and has six 30 win seasons.

Photo Courtesy of Concordia Athletic Website

Eagles Attack:

This year’s Eagles team will rely on three players.

Matt Scott is a 6’4″ junior guard who can attack the basket and get to the free-throw line by drawing contact on drives.  Through seven games this season, Scott is shooting 71 percent from the free-throw line and 39.8% from the field. He is averaging 13.6 points per game. His athleticism allows him to finish plays on defense by rebounding the ball. He has 24 rebounds, 17 being defensive rebounds.

Stephen Grosey is a 6’6″ junior forward who is averaging  17.1 points per game and 11.9 rebounds through seven games. His aggressive play allows him to average a double double. Like Scott, Grosey is able to finish defensive plays off with rebounds. Of his 83 rebounds, 50 are on the defensive end.

Mario Soto is a 6’6″ freshman guard who takes care of the ball, makes threes and gets to the free-throw line. This season he has 15 assists and three turnovers. He is shooting 42.2 percent from the field, 37 percent from the three-point line and 92.3 percent from the free-throw line. His composure will help the Eagles this season.

GSAC Outcome:

I am projecting the Eagles to finish in a tie for third in the GSAC with the Arizona Christian Firestorm. The Eagles lost three key contributors from last season (Kiefer Douse, Josh Smith, and Montreal Harris) and will need bench players to develop if they want to finish higher in the GSAC.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia University Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks 

8th: William Jessup Warriors 

In 1908, the Bible Institute of Los Angeles was founded by: Lyman Stewart, president of the Union Oil Company of California (Unocal); Thomas C. Horton, a Presbyterian minister and Christian author; Augustus B. Pritchard, also a Presbyterian minster.

The school was located at the corner of Sixth and Hope St. in downtown Los Angeles, California. In 1989 it took on its current name (Biola University) and re-located its current location (La Mirada, California). It is a non-denominational Evangelical Christian institution with 40 undergraduate majors and 145 professional fields of study.

Quick Facts:

Coach Holmquist:

Biola University’s athletic teams are the Eagles. Their men’s basketball team is led by one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history, dr. Dave Holmquist. He is the only active NAIA coach with over 800 wins. Entering his 37th year as a head coach at 35th year as head coach of the Eagles, his overall record is 883-339, including 847-296 in the GSAC.

To put his win total in perspective, Dr. Holmquist is ranked eighth all-time in college coaching wins, ahead of Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, and Jim Calhoun. If the Eagles win 19 games this season, he will tie Bob Knight with 902 career wins, good for seventh on the all-time win list.

The 2014-15 Eagles have three seniors, two juniors, two sophomores, and nine freshmen.

Photo Courtesy of BIOLA Athletic Wesbite

The Eagles Attack:

There are three Eagles to keep an eye on.

Mike Kurtz is a 7-foot senior forward who will contest and block shots. He has a nice mid-range jump shot that keeps defenses from focusing on guards. He will keep plays alive with his rebounding.

Pierre Zook is a 5’10″ senior guard who has one of the quickest releases in the GSAC from three-point range. He was a 44 percent three-point shooter last season when he averaged 14.1 points per game. He will continue to be a focal point for the Eagles offense.

Dakari Archer is a 5’9” sophomore guard who has the speed to accelerate past defenses into the paint and make plays for himself and his teammates. He led the Eagles in free throw percentage last season at 83.7 percent.

GSAC Outlook:

I am projecting the Eagles to finish 4^th in the GSAC. The Eagles will need to find bench players to produce in order to compliment the consistent attack of Kurtz, Zook and Archer. The Eagles could finish higher than fourth if their freshmen develop quickly.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

4th: Biola University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks

8th: William Jessup Warriors

Westmont College is located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. Along with UCSB on the North side of town, college basketball fans have the  Westmont Warriors to enjoy around Montecito. Both teams have legendary coaches. Bob Williams is in his 17th season as Head Coach and he leads the Gauchos with a career record of 269-210. The 269 wins are the most in school history.

Head Coach John Moore leads the Warriors of Westmont College. His career record is 498-298 in 26 years as head coach of Fresno Pacific (1988-1993) and Westmont College (1993-present). He is entering his 22nd season as the leader of the Warriors and has only had 1 season with a losing record at Westmont (1996-97). His overall record with the Warriors is 419-224.

Quick Facts: 

Westmont College Warriors

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Where Warriors Play:

The Warriors play at Murchison Gymnasium on Westmont College’s campus.

The Princeton Offense:

Coach Moore has installed the Princeton as the primary offensive attack for the Warriors. He believes that every basket should come from an assist.

The Princeton Offense emphasizes:

1. Ball movement to find the open player.

2. Player movements via back-door cuts, as well as driving after on- ball pick and rolls and flaring or curling on off-ball pick and rolls.

3. Communication between players.

Why fans should be hopeful:

The Warriors opened this season with a win against Bethesda and the coaches got an idea of who they can lean on this season. There are three players in particular to focus on.

1. Britton Williams is a 5’11”, 170 lb. guard who transferred from Iona College. He also played a year at CSU Bakersfield. Entering his Junior Season and first year at Westmont, Britton is expected to lead the Warriors attack at the Point Guard position. Coach Moore’s Point Guards initiate the Princeton offense, wait for the power forward or center to set an on-ball screen for them, and look for the Shooting Guard to get open after an off-ball screen. Britton’s collegiate experience will help him transition into the leading role for the Warriors.

2. Daniel Carlin is a 6’9”, 245 lb. center entering his senior season for the Warriors. Last season he averaged 8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. The Warriors need him to set strong screens for the guards, and be effective scoring in the low post, and defending the opponents post players.

3. Cory Blau is a 6’3” 190 lb. guard who played at Dana Hills High School. During his Senior Season at Dana Hills, he averaged 18 points per game, and shot 56% from the field including 43% from the three-point line. His ability to stretch the floor will give the Warriors Point Guards more space to operate. When the floor is spaced properly, shots will easier to make.

Why fans should be concerned:

The Warriors have three seniors, two juniors, five sophomores, and five freshmen. This is one of the youngest Warriors teams in recent memory. I’m picking them 7th in the GSAC due to their youth and inexperience. The top seven teams in the GSAC will battle each and every game, and I could see the Warriors finishing anywhere from 7th to 5th in the GSAC depending on how effectively they run their offense, and how quickly their young players mature on the court.

William Jessup, the school’s first President, founded San Jose Bible College in 1939. Jessup’s great grandson Rich Jessup was the head boys basketball coach at my high school (North County Christian High School) from 2004-2006 and was the head girls basketball coach in the 2006-2007 season. In 1989, San Jose Bible College was renamed San Jose Christian College. In 2002 the school received regional accredidation by WASC. In 2004, the school became known as its current name (William Jessup University) and it is located in Rocklin, California.

The William Jessup Warriors are the newest members of the Golden State Athletic Conference. The GSAC is one of the best conferences in NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Division One. The Warriors play in the new Warrior Arena, which seats 1,100 fans.

The Warriors are coached by Lance Von Vogt who started out as the director of basketball operations at Georgia State. He served under Lefty Driesell who is the only coach to win 100 games at 4 different colleges (Davidson; Maryland; James Madison; Georgia State). Von Vogt is in his second season with the Warriors. In his first season he led the Warriors to a 15-12 record going 9-3 in conference (California Pacific Conference).

Quick Facts:

William Jessup University

Location:

San Jose, CA

Attendance:

1,100

2013-14 Record:

Overall Record:- 15-12

Record in California Pacific Conference: 9-3

Why fans should be hopeful:

The Warriors return six players including 6’2” wing Justin Downer who averaged 6.1 points per game a year ago. They have added eight recruits this season. The Warriors will rely on three transfers in particular.

1. Chris Murry is a 5’ 11” 175 lb. guard transferring from West Valley College, averaged 16.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game in his two seasons as a Viking while shooting 40% from the three-point line. His ability to impact the game as a scorer, passer and rebounder will be a challenge to whoever is guarding him.

2. Djuan Smith is a 6’3” 200 lb. wing transferring from Peninsula College. While at Peninsula College he played for head coach Mitch Freeman who was an assistant coach on Joe Callero’s coaching staff at Seattle University as well as Cal Poly. During the 2012-2013 season, Djuan was named to the NWAAC’s (Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges) All-Defensive team as well as NWAAC’s Second Team. His size and strength will allow him to drive past defenders and finish through contact.

3. Desmond Floyd is a 6’6” 240 lb. forward transferring from Mid-Continent University where he redshirted for the Cougars. In high school he averaged 13.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in his senior season at Chandler High School in Phoenix. Coach Von Vogt is looking forward to Desmond’s ability to defend post players and rebound missed shots.

Why should fans be concerned:

The Warriors are projected to finish last in the GSAC because it is their first year. As one of the toughest conferences in the NAIA, the GSAC consistently has 3 or 4 teams make the National Tournament. The teams that make the tournament have go to players and depth on the bench. I believe depth is developed over time while in the GSAC. The competition level of the Cal Pac is a notch below that of the GSAC. A team jumping up a level will have difficulty winning in its first season. While the Warriors may not win many GSAC games I expect them to remain competitive by following the diligent leadership of their head coach.