Sims gets to the point and Chico prospers

Chico State Sports Information Director Luke Reid writes about former Bishop O'Dowd backcourter Damario Sims switching positions as the Wildcats took down both Sonoma State and San Francisco State and  this past weekend.

Chico falls to Pomona

It was 67-64 not in favor of host Chico State on Friday night in a matchup with Cal Poly Pomona. The Wildcats shot 56% overall and held CPP to 46% but went below water in TOs with 17 to eight.

Chico State nabs another victory

It was Chico State 66-56 over UC San Diego last night highlighted by threes (11-20) raining from the sky as Luke Reid creatively serves up the details. It was the court firm of Flores, Sims and Carraway leading the firepower.

Chico State romps

Chico State romped past Academy of Art 83-36 Sunday night. The Wildcats were paced by Damario Sims' team-leading 18 points and seven boards.

Meet the 2011-12 Chico State Wildcats

Greg Clink is the head coach of the Chico State men's basketball squad. With a pair of post-season appearances while performing in the classroom.

In fact, the Wilcats finished on top in the 2010-11 University Foundation Board of Governors Award for Academic Excellence competition, presented to the Chico State men’s team achieving the highest academic success for the school year.

Clink, who played at Chico State and has also coached at UC Davis, Gavilan College and UC Santa Barbara, is rightfully proud of what has been accomplished: "We have done a great job building our program since taking over in 2008, with back-to- back winning seasons and back-to-back post season appearances."

It's a location in which he feels comfortable.

"Chico is the best college town in the west -- it's a great place to go to school and play basketball," he said adding, "we play in a big-time atmosphere. The students and community really support our athletic program. Our players are recognized around town and our local media does a great job of covering us. We are located 90 miles from the nearest professional team, so if you live in Chico and you love basketball, you support Chico State."

For Clink, it's a matter of identifying and securing the appropriate building blocks and then working on development.

"We have built the program by recruiting really good players with great character," he explained. "We recruit guys who care about getting a college degree. We have the highest grade point average of any men's team in our athletic department. How many men's basketball teams can say that?"

Clink continued, "We are all about getting better everyday, every week, every month, every year. We want guys who want to live in the gym and work at their game. Constant improvement is our theme.

Jay Flores (Jesuit High - Sacramento) is a perfect example of a guy who has dedicated himself to his improvement. He was an all-conference player as a junior and we are looking for him to have an outstanding year as a senior. He is also a member of the All CCAA Academic team with a 3.5 grade point average."

The Wildcats coaching staff definitely focuses on local and regional talents as Clink offered, "We recruit the Sacramento area and Bay Area hard. We have 11 student-athletes on our roster from those two areas."

* Nate Appel F 6-8 Fr. 
* Jordan Barton F 6-6 Fr.
* Amir Carraway F 6-5 So.
* Jason Conrad C 7-0 Jr. 
* Sam Hicks C 6-9 So.  
* Jay Flores G 6-0 Sr.
* Josh Jackson G 6-5 Sr.
* Drew Kitchens G 6-4 Fr.
* Jake Lovisolo G 6-2 Jr.
* Chris Magalotti C 6-10 Fr.
* Connor McGrath G 6-0 Fr.
* Spencer Moyer G 6-0 Jr.
* Sean Park G 6-4 So.
* Rashad Parker G 6-0 So.
* Mike Rosaroso G 5-8 Fr.
* Jordan Semple F 6-6 Fr.        
* Damario Sims G 6-0 Jr.
* James Staniland F 6-7 Jr.

Here's the remainder of the Wildcat coaching staff:

 Chris Cobb

Phil Rasmussen

Tim Haley

Terence Pellum