No. 32 – Caleb Burgess
THIS YEAR: Sharp-shooting forward Caleb Burgess is a veteran of the Cougar system, having appeared in over 50 games, all off the bench, in his first 2 seasons in the program ... Always been known for his ability to knock down the 3-pointer but now has added a good mid-range shot and can create off the dribble drive ... Should display vast improvement in his assist-to-turnover ratio ... Has also improved defensively ... Will press for a key role ... Played in 3 NAIA Tourney games.
2009 (sophomore): Appeared in 26 of the Cougars' 34 games, all as a reserve ... Scored a combined 30 points in back-to-back games, tallying a career-high 17 on 6-of-8 shooting in a 20-point victory over Point Loma Nazarene ... Drained a career-high 5 treys in that game ... Followed with 13 against nationally-ranked and eventual GSAC regular-season champ Fresno Pacific ... Made at least one 3-pointer in 17 of the games he played ... Put together a 5-game stretch in which he was 16-for-25 (.640) from the 3-point arc.
2008 (freshman): Came off the bench in 27 of the Cougars' 35 games as a true-freshman in 2008 ... Scored a season-high 12 points on 3-for-4 shooting in the Cougars' setback to Western New Mexico ... Also had 11 points in a victory over Hope International ... In his most significant contribution, scored 7 points, all in the second half including a trey that gave the Cougars the lead with 2 minutes remaining in a 73-72 win at No. 14-ranked California Baptist ... Appeared in 2 of the 3 NAIA Tournament games in Kansas City, Mo.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Bernie Francis at Calvary Chapel High in Santa Ana, Calif. ... Was a 2-time all-league first team pick, first earning All-Pacific Coast recognition as a 2006 junior followed by All-Orange Coast honors as 2007 senior ... Led the Eagles in scoring his final 2 seasons, averaging 17.6 points as a senior and 16.2 as a junior ... As a senior, tallied 20 or more points in 13 games, including a season-best 29 twice, including one in a 59-55 victory over Dana Hills High in which he scored over half of the team's points ... Averaged 22.3 points through the first 8 games ... Averaged 7.3 rebounds as a senior and posted 5 double-doubles for the 18-10 Eagles ... Made a team-high 41 treys in 98 attempts (.418) ... As a 2006 junior tallied 9 20-point games, including a season-high 26 twice ... As a 2005 sophomore averaged 15.0 points... Scored a career-high 32 in a victory over Irvine (Calif.) High.
PERSONAL: Born May 1, 1989, in Newport Beach, Calif., to Steve (salesman) and Denise (teacher's aid) Burgess ... His father played basketball at UNLV (1978) and his mother played volleyball at Orange Coast College ... Has not declared a major ... Plays the guitar ... Received the Presidential Award at Calvary Chapel, graduating with a 4.25 GPA.
BURGESS at AZUSA PACIFIC YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AST PTS AVG 2008 27-0 23-53 .434 13-36 .361 20-23 .870 30 10 79 2.9 2009 26-0 42-98 .429 17-55 .309 14-21 .667 35 6 110 4.2
No. 25 – Mike Caffese
THIS YEAR: Hard-working junior Mike Caffese is one of the top point guards in the GSAC... Plays with a passion and tenacity that affects the whole team ... Rated a terrific defensive player ... Aggressive on offense ... Known for his ability to penetrate the key ... Will push for conference honors and perhaps national recognition.
2009 (sophomore): Emerged as one of the best point guards in the GSAC during his 2009 sophomore season, starting all 34 games ... Averaged 6.9 points and 5.4 assists, second-best in the GSAC ... Topped the GSAC with 91 steals (2.7 avg./game) and a 2.64 assist-to-turnover ratio ... Tallied 6 double-digit scoring game, including a career-high 23 at nationally-ranked Fresno Pacific ... Best overall game may have come in a victory over Vanguard in which he registered 11 points, 7 steals and 6 assists ... Had 4 games without a turnover including one at Biola where instead he tallied 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in a win ... Averaged 8.1 points and 5.0 assists in GSAC play.
2008 (freshman): Overcame early-season hamstring injuries to appear in 26 of the Cougars' 35 games, starting 22 including the final 19 in a row ... Was 1 of just 2 freshmen in the GSAC to start at point guard for their team, and led Azusa Pacific into the Elite Eight of the NAIA Tournament ... Averaged 2.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 17 minutes of play per game ... Led the team with 34 steals and had 3 or more steals in 5 different games ... Best overall game came in the Cougars' buzzer-beating 73-72 upset at No. 14 California Baptist when he tallied season-highs of 9 points and 6 assists in 30 minutes ... Also scored 9 points to go along with 3 steals vs. Western New Mexico.
2007 (redshirt): Redshirted his first season at Azusa Pacific as he made an adjustment to the college game.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 4 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Dustin Lanz at Tokay High in Lodi, Calif. ... Was 3-time All-Tri-City League ... As a 2006 senior, averaged 11.6 points and 4.5 assists while leading Tokay to a 25-9 record and its first-ever CIF championship, beating Modesto High in the title game ... As a 2005 junior, averaged a team-leading 16.0 points and 4.4 assists for the 24-6 Tigers who won the Tri-City League championship and advanced to the third round of the CIF playoffs ... Named league MVP and the Stockton Record Co-Player of the Year ... Scored a career-high 28 points in a victory over Douglas High ... Also had 6 points, 13 assists, 7 steals and 6 rebounds in a win over Bear Creek High ... Was also a 3-time all-area pick and team MVP ... Played 2 seasons of varsity football (WR/SS), earning all-area recognition for his defensive play both seasons.
PERSONAL: Born July 30, 1987, in Stockton, Calif. ... His parents are Robert (self-employed) Caffese and Valerie (teacher) Caffese ... Step-mom is Kim Caffese … Comes from an athletic family ... Has 4 brothers (Angelo, Bobby, Justin, Joe) and a sister (Andrea) ... His brother Angelo, was a defensive back in football at UC Davis ... Bobby was a wide receiver at San Joaquin Delta Community College ... Majoring in business ... Enjoys boating and skiing.
CAFFESE at AZUSA PACIFIC YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AST AVG PTS AVG 2008 26-22 28-81 .346 5-27 .185 13-31 .419 54 62 2.4 74 2.8
No. 10 – Mike Danielian
THIS YEAR: The veteran of the program, senior guard Mike Danielian has played in over 100 games in the Cougar system ... Is known for his long-range shooting and is fourth on Azusa Pacific's all-time career list with 163 3-pointers made ... Is a streaky player who can take over a game ... Cougars are 10-2 when he scores 20 or more points in a game (both losses were in OT) ... Noted for his toughness and physical style of play ... Has never missed a game at Azusa Pacific, appearing 105 consecutive games ... Consistency at both ends of the court will be a key. 2009 (junior): Appeared in all 34 games as 2009 junior, starting 13 primarily at the beginning of the season ... Averaged 8.2 points (fourth on the team) and 2.1 rebounds ... Posted 11 double-digit scoring efforts, including a season-high 21 points to lead the Cougars to an 18-point victory over Fresno Pacific in the GSAC Tournament championship game ... Also scored 20 in a 20-point victory over The Master's, avenging an early-season loss ... Put together a 5-game stretch in December in which he averaged 12.6 points ... Made at least 1 3-pointer in 23 of 34 games, including 4-or-more on 3 occasions (canned a career-high 6-of-8 in the win over Fresno Pacific) ... Led the team in free throw percentage (.824). 2008 (sophomore): Endured an injury-plagued 2008 sophomore campaign in which he played through a torn knee ligament suffered early in the season ... Nonetheless, appeared in all 35 games, starting 26 ... Was second on the team in scoring (10.7 avg.) ... Led the team with 66 3-pointers (fifth in the GSAC) ... Was the Cougars' leading scorer in 7 games ...Tallied 5 20-points games, 4 of which the Cougars won ... Registered a season-high 27 points in a victory over NCAA Division III Occidental ... Dropped in 20, including 12 in the first half, in the Cougars' 73-72 upset at No. 14-ranked California Baptist ... Also tallied 24 vs. Cal Baptist in the semifinals of the GSAC Tournament ... Scored 21, including 16 in the first half, when he drained 5 treys in the Cougars' victory at Vanguard ... Made 3-or-more treys in 12 different games. 2007 (freshman): Emerged as perhaps the Cougars' top reserve during his 2007 freshman season in which he appeared in all 36 games, coming off the bench in each one ... Was fourth on the team in scoring (8.9 avg.) and second in 3-point field goals made (53) ... Tallied 5 20-point games, including a team season-high 31 in the Cougars' romp over Hope International ... Poured in 27 in a loss at eventual GSAC champion Concordia ... Put together a mid-season 4-game stretch in which he averaged 17.3 points ... Scored a team-high 24 on the strength of 6-for-7 shooting from the 3-point arc in the Cougars 20-point victory over the NAIA's No. 15-ranked San Diego Christian ... Averaged 10 points a game in GSAC play. CS FULLERTON: Was a walk-on freshman at NCAA Division I Cal State Fullerton during the 2006 season ... Redshirted the campaign and did not play in a game for the Titans. HIGH SCHOOL: Played 2 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Howard Levine at Grant High in Van Nuys, Calif. ... Was a 2-time All-L.A. City second team pick ... As a 2005 senior, led all of Southern California high schools in scoring by averaging 30.3 points a game ... Twice scored 50 or more points in a game, including a career-high 58 in a victory over Verdugo Hills High, breaking Gilbert Arenas' school record ... Had 46 points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals in a game vs. Birmingham High ... As a 2004 junior, averaged 21 points and was named All-San Fernando Valley first team ... Led the city section with 99 3-pointers made. PERSONAL: Born Merujan Danielian Nov. 8, 1987, in the Ukraine, to Sam (auto repair) and Svetlan Danielian ... Has 1 brother ... Majoring in communication.
YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA FT-FTA PCT REB AVG AST PTS AVG
2007 36-0 107-263 .407 53-151 54-62 .871 69 1.9 51 321 8.9
2008 35-26 127-332 .383 66-185 53-69 .768 87 2.5 57 373 10.7
2009 34-13 89-220 .405 44-124 56-68 .824 71 2.1 31 278 8.2
105-39 323-815 .396 163-460 163-199 .819 227 2.2 139 972 9.3
No. 35 – David Gantt
THIS YEAR: Now in his fourth year in the program, junior David Gantt offers the Cougars some added depth along the front line ... Figures to fill a reserve role ... Rated a good shot blocker ... Has a good perspective about the game.
2009 (sophomore): Appeared in 10 games as a 2009 sophomore, getting 29 minutes of playing time ... Had 3 points and 5 rebounds in just a minute's worth of action against St. Francis ... Played a season-high 7 minutes, finishing with 2 points, 2 rebounds and an assist in a blowout win over Grand Canyon.
2008 (freshman): Came off the bench in 8 games as a 2008 redshirt freshman ... Scored 7 points on 3-for-7 shooting, which included a 3-pointer ... Blocked 1 shot in 29 minutes of play ... Most action came in a blowout win over Trinity Western when he played 12 minutes and grabbed 3 rebounds to go along with 2 assists.
2007 (redshirt): Redshirted his first season at Azusa Pacific, attending classes while working out with the team.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 2 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Joe Robles at Santiago High in Corona, Calif. ... As a 2006 senior, averaged 4.7 points, a league-leading 11.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks ... Registered 5 games with 15-or-more rebounds, including a career-high 17 in a win over Bonanza High ... Led the Sharks to the Mountain View League title ... As a 2005 junior averaged 3.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks.
PERSONAL: Born Dec. 18, 1987, in Riverside, Calif., to Mark and Janet Gantt ... Has 1 brother (Patrick) and a sister (Lisa, who graduated from Azusa Pacific in the spring of 2006) ... Majoring in liberal studies with an emphasis in social science ... Would like to be a teacher.
GANTT at AZUSA PACIFIC
YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AST PTS AVG
2008 8-0 3-7 .429 1-3 .333 0-0 - 6 2 7 0.9
2009 10-0 3-7 .429 0-1 .000 2-4 .500 11 3 8 0.8
18-0 6-14 .429 1-4 .250 2-4 .500 17 5 15 0.8
No. 23 – Dominique Johnson
THIS YEAR: One of the most explosive players in the NAIA, All-American Dominique Johnson is looking to put an exclamation point on his collegiate season with a strong senior campaign ... Is a high impact player and can score points in a variety of ways: from the arc, in the key, or at the rim ... His high offensive skills overshadow his excellent defensive play ... Will press for conference player of the year recognition.
2009 (junior): Started 33 of 34 games played as a 2009 junior at Azusa Pacific ... Named NAIA All-American third team and All-GSAC first team after putting together a campaign in which he lead the team and finished third in the GSAC in scoring (17.2 avg.) and was among the GSAC's top ten in free throw percentage (.763), 3-point field goal percentage (.402) and 3-pointers made (70) ... Scored in double-digits in all but 3 games, tallying a season-high 34 on the strength of 7 3-pointers against GSAC regular-season champ Fresno Pacific ... Registered 11 20-point outings ... Had 26 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in a victory over Montana Western ... Scored 16 of his team-high 21 points in the second half to lead Azusa Pacific to a 90-83 come-from-behind win at Point Loma Nazarene ... Fashioned a 7-game run in which he averaged 24 points while shooting 55% (62-for112) from the floor ... Put together a late-season stretch in which he made 17 consecutive free throws over 6 games.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: As a 2008 sophomore played for head coach Verties Sails at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, Tenn. ... Named the 2008 co-Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association Player of the Year and NJCAA All-American second team after averaging 17.6 points for the 24-4 Saluqis who led the TJCCAA with 101.7 points a game ... Also led the team in 3-point field goals (69), 3-point field goal percentage (.406/69-for-170) and steals (66) ... Made 67-of-81 (.827) free throws ... Scored a career-high 34 points vs. Chattanooga State .. Also named TJCCAA All-Region ... Sat out the 2007 season ... As a 2006 freshman played for head coach Dale Vos at St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, Mich. ... Averaged 12.6 points and 3.5 rebounds for the 17-14 Skippers ... Had a season-high of 28 points vs. Alpena College ... Originally signed with NCAA Division I Northern Illinois University out of Southwest Tennessee but did not meet initial eligibility requirements and opted instead to attend Azusa Pacific.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 2 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Gregg Jordan at Laura F. Osborn High in Detroit, Mich. ... As a 2005 senior named the Knights' team MVP after averaging 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals a game ... Earned all-city honorable mention ... Led Osborn to a 12-8 record and the district championship game.
PERSONAL: Born June 9, 1987, in Detroit, Mich. ... Parents are Clyde (General Motors) and Eloise (nurse) Johnson ... Has 2 brothers (Rodney, Donald) ... Majoring in sociology and psychology.
No. 21 – Marshall Johnson
THIS YEAR: An outstanding athlete with a knack for scoring, sophomore Marshall Johnson is an impact player at both ends of the court ... Can finish above the rim and on both sides with both hands ... Teams with Dominique Johnson and Mike Danielian to give the Cougar a trio of strong mid-range jump shooters ... Rated very good at going to the offensive glass ... Will press for All-GSAC recognition.
2009 (freshman): Put together a very good freshman campaign in which he came on strong over the second half of the season ... Appeared in 33 of the Cougars' 34 games, earning a starting berth midway through the season and starting 17 contests ... Was third on the team in scoring (9.2 avg.) and 3-point field goals made (38) ... Averaged 10.9 points in his 17 starts in which the Cougars went 13-4 (3 losses were to nationally-ranked teams) ... In just his eighth collegiate game, came off the bench to drop in 21 points at The Master's ... Finished the season scoring a career-high 25 vs. MidAmerica Nazarene in the opening round of the NAIA Tournament ... Led the Cougars to a pair of GSAC Tournament victories over Westmont and Concordia by combining for 25 points (4-for-5 from the 3-point arc) and 8 rebounds in the 2 games ...
PREP SCHOOL: Played one season at Gulf Shores Academy in Houston, Texas, where in 2007 he averaged 15 points and 4 rebounds for the top-ranked prep school in the state ... Led Gulf Shores to a 33-2 record.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played one season for head coach James Paleno at Palisades Charter High in Pacific Palisades, Calif., after his family moved to California ... As a 2006 senior was named All-Western League, averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds for the 13-14 Dolphins ... Twice scored a season-high 26 points ... Was a teammate of current Cougar Ashton Roberts ... As a 2005 junior, played for head coach Jared Nuness at Park Center High in Brooklyn Park, Minn. ... Earned All-Northwest Conference honorable mention and was named team MVP after averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds.
PERSONAL: Born June 18, 1988, in Minneapolis, Minn. ... Mother is Davra Johnson ... Has 3 brothers (Marlandious, Mikhail, Micai) and 2 sisters (Marsheila, Malia) ... Majoring in psychology and wants to be involved in community programs.
MARSHALL at AZUSA PACIFIC YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AVG AST PTS AVG 2009 33-17 111-242 .459 38-99 .672 45-67 .672 87 2.6 25 305 9.2
No. 4 – Christian Katuala
THIS YEAR: One of 2 freshmen to join the Cougars this season, Christian Katuala is young in basketball experience and yet will likely play a key role off the bench because of his physical maturity and knowledge of the game ... Terrific athlete with good post moves ... Known for his tireless work ethic ... Plays a physical game and has great strength that allows him to defend bigger players ... Is a quick learner ... Has a knack for scoring points off loose balls and rebounds.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Dave Kleckner at local power Etiwanda High ... Helped leads the Eagles to 3 straight Baseline League titles and a trio of CIF playoff appearances ... As a 2009 senior helped lead the Eagles to a 25-6 record, averaging 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds ... Best effort came against Dana Hills High in which he tallied a career-high 26 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 3 assists to lead Etiwanda to a CIF second-round playoff victory ... Also had 16 points and 11 rebounds against El Camino High in the opening round of the state tournament ... As a 2008 junior, was a key player on the Etiwanda's CIF runner-up squad that went 31-3, averaging 7.5 points a game ... As a 2007 sophomore, came off the bench averaging 3.9 points in 29 games played for the 22-8 Eagles.
PERSONAL: Born Oct. 3, 1992, in France ... His mother is Maryjean (nurse) ... Has 3 brothers (Patrick, Joe, Omar) and 3 sisters (Mimi, Jeanine, Monique) ... Came to the United States in 2004 ... Didn't play basketball until his freshman year at Etiwanda ... Majoring in nursing.
No. 34 – Mason Maynard
THIS YEAR: Junior transfer Mason Maynard is a key newcomer who will vie for a starting berth along the Cougar front ... Will have to be the Cougars top post defender ... Offensively will be a difficult match-up for many opposing teams ... Moves well without the ball and is very good around the basket ... Can also put the ball on the floor and dribble drive to the basket ... Will have to work off the rust from a year lay-off.
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT: Played 2 seasons at NCAA Division I Loyola Marymount of the West Coast Conference ... Appeared in 49 games during his 2-year Lion career, starting 7 contests all during his 2007 freshman campaign ... Best outing came he recorded 10 points in 22 minutes in a start against Sam Houston State ... Also recorded 8 points and 3 rebounds in 16 minutes in a win over San Diego ... As a 2008 sophomore, appeared in 25 of the Lions' 31 games, averaging 3 points and 1.6 rebounds in just under 9 minutes of play off the bench ... Transferred to NCAA Division II Dixie State for the 2009 season but did not play for the Red Storm.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Jason Girnius at Mountain Ridge High in Glendale, Ariz. ... Enjoyed a breakout 2006 senior season in which he emerged as one of Arizona's top big men, averaging 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game ... Registered 11 double-doubles including a 23-point, 13-rebound effort in a win over Independence High ... Also had 22 points and 18 rebounds vs. O'Connor High and followed that with 20 points, 12 rebounds against the same team later in the season ... Led the Mountain Lions to a 16-12 season after they had gone 11-16 the prior campaign ... Named all-region.
PERSONAL: Born Jan. 19, 1988, in Saginaw, Mich. ... Parents are Ron and Debora Maynard ... Has an older brother (Adam) ... Communication major.
MAYNARD at LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AVG BLK PTS AVG
2007 24-7 23-60 .383 0-0 - 7-15 .467 38 1.6 5 53 2.2
2008 25-0 31-67 .463 0-1 .000 13-18 .722 40 1.6 6 75 3.0
49-7 54-127 .425 0-1 .000 20-33 .606 78 1.6 11 128 2.6
No. 31 – Matt McHugh
THIS YEAR: Freshman Matt McHugh is the lone walk-on to make the Cougar squad this year ... Will likely redshirt the season as he adjusts to the college game and continues to physically mature.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 2 years of varsity basketball for head coach Ryan Mounce at El Dorado High in Placentia, Calif. ... As a 2009 senior, averaged 9.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 22 games for the 12-16 Hawks ... Tallied 18 points and 5 rebounds in games against El Modena High and Tustin High ... Averaged 6 points and 4.7 rebounds and a 2008 junior ... Also lettered one season in volleyball.
PERSONAL: Born 3/1/91... Parents are Jeff (vice-president for medical sales) and Lori McHugh ... Has 2 younger sisters (Andrea, Lauren) ... His father, Jeff, played basketball 3 seasons at Stanford ... Has not declared a major.
No. 20 – Zane Meehl
THIS YEAR: Senior guard Zane Meehl returns to his more natural position at the wing and will not play the point this year ... Is a smart, durable and aggressive player who makes good decisions in transition ... Has a good outside shot but also penetrates well and could spend a lot of time at the free throw line ... Is a company man who will play a key role.
2009 (junior): Came off the bench in all 33 games played in his first season as a Cougar ... Averaged 2.5 points and 1.1 assists while primarily playing the point, a first in his career ... Played his best game in his Cougar debut, scoring a season-high 14 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 23 minutes of play in a victory over Montana Western ... Registered 8 points in both games vs. GSAC rival Hope International ... Averaged 4 points in 16 minutes through the first 2 months of the season before playing time dwindled in conference play.
MID-CONTINENT (sophomore): Spent his 2008 sophomore season at Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, Ky. ... Appeared in 18 of the Cougars' 33 games, missing the entire month of February with a shoulder injury ... MCU went 9-11 in the games Meehl played, 2-11 in the games he missed ... Led the team in scoring (14.6 avg.), assists (3.3 avg.) and free throw percentage (.849/79-for-93) ... Registered 5 20-point games, including a season-high 29 in a 64-63 win over Spaulding ... Also had 27 in a loss to Lyon College ... Handed out a season-high 7 assists in a win over Missouri Baptist University.
INTERNATIONAL: Was a member of the New Zealand national team that played in the 2007 World University Games in Bangkok, Taiwan ... As a regular, tallied a best of 20 points in a win over Israel.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played his 2007 freshman season at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, the reigning NJCAA national champion ... Appeared in 27 of UAFS's 31 games, averaging 5.4 points and 1.2 assists for the 17-14 Lions.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played one season at John Paul College in Brisbane, Australia before earning a scholarship to Arkansas-Fort Smith ... Played 2 years at Avondale College in Auckland, Zealand, and another 2 years at Mountain Creek State High in Queensland, Australia.
PERSONAL: Born July 14, 1986, in Brisbane, Australia ... Parents are Warwick (business owner), a former basketball standout in New Zealand, and Denise (office manager) Meehl ... Has 2 brothers (Jamie, Zeke) and a sister (Zorah) ... Enjoys disc golf and reading.
MEEHL at AZUSA PACIFIC YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AVG AST PTS AVG 2009 33-0 28-68 .412 10-39 .345 18-23 .783 38 1.2 39 84 2.5
No. 1 – Reggie Owens
THIS YEAR: An potential impact newcomer, junior Reggie Owens is a big, burly frontline man who is a good athlete with excellent basketball skills ... Will be among the strongest players in the conference ... Is very good around the basket and is difficult to move off a spot ... Rated a versatile and complete player ... Very smart about the game ... Has a good jumper that makes him a valuable offensive weapon ... Could press for all-conference recognition.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Split his 2-year junior college career, playing his 2006 freshman season at Jackson (Tenn.) State CC before sitting out 2 seasons and then transferring to Southwest Tennessee CC in Memphis, Tenn., for his 2009 sophomore campaign ... At Jackson State, averaged 16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots, ranking among the conference leaders in all 3 categories while leading the Generals to a 24-8 record ... Named All-Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association third team for his play ... In 29 games at Southwest Tennessee last year averaged 12.7 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting at a .567 (160-for-282) clip form the floor ... Was a key member of the Saluqis squad that went 26-3, won the state junior college title, and advanced to the NJCAA national tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. ... Scored a career-high 30 in an early-season game vs. Highland.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 4 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Sylvester Ford at Fairley High in Memphis, Tenn. ... Was a 3-time all-district honoree, earning first team honors as a 2004 junior and 2005 senior ... Averaged 11 points over his final 2 seasons while playing on a Bulldog team that went 59-12 ... Was a member of a Bulldog program that won back-to-back city and district championships and finished second in the region twice.
PERSONAL: Born March 25, 1987, in Memphis, Tenn. ... Son of Chejuana Owens ... Majoring in exercise & sport science.
No. 5 – Ashton Roberts
THIS YEAR: Junior guard Ashton Roberts is a strong and quick point guard who figures to play a key role off the bench ... Knows the Cougar system quite well, having played in 39 games over the past 2 seasons ... Rated a good on-ball defender who uses his quickness to bother opposing point guards.
2009 (sophomore): Came off the bench in 25 of the Cougars' 34 games during his 2009 sophomore season ... Tallied 34 points and 36 assists to average 1.4 per game in each category ... Used primarily as a defensive stopper and to give starting point Mike Caffese a breather ... Averaged just 8 minutes per game ... Scored 8 points in a blowout win over Grand Canyon early in the season and then late in the campaign registered 7 points against Fresno Pacific in the GSAC Tournament championship game ... Put together a mid-season 6-game stretch in which he handed out 15 assists.
2008 (freshman): Was penciled to redshirt his 2008 freshman season until injuries sidelined the Cougars' 2 other point guards and forced him into action by the eighth game of the season ... Appeared in 14 games, all off the bench, including 9 straight ... Averaged 2 points and 1.5 assists ... Best showing came in a win over Trinity Western in which he had 11 points and 8 assists in 17 minutes of action ... Made a critical twisting lay-up with 1:24 left in Azusa Pacific's 89-84 victory over Warner Pacific ... Playing time diminished as players returned from injury and appeared in just 5 of the Cougars' final 19 games.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach James Paleno at Pacific Palisades Charter High ... Was a 2-time All-Western League honoree, earning third team honors as a 2007 senior when he averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 assists and 2.3 steals a game ... Tallied season highs of 17 points, 6 assists, 5 steals and 5 rebounds ... Led the Dolphins to a 19-10 record and the quarterfinals of the L.A. City playoffs ... As a 2006 junior played with current Cougar Marshall Johnson ... Also lettered 2 years in golf and as a senior earned all-league and all-city first team recognition ... Given the outstanding student-athlete award in 2007.
PERSONAL: Born Nov. 28, 1989, in Harbor City, Calif., to Keith (golf instructor) and Dorothy (communication technician) Roberts ... Has a younger brother (Sheldon) ... Majoring in exercise & sport science ... Was a member of the Young Black Scholar organization in high school and was named to the dean's honor roll 3.5 out of 4 years.
ROBERTS at AZUSA PACIFIC
YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AVG AST AVG PTS AVG
2008 14-0 5-15 .333 1-2 .500 17-28 .607 12 0.9 21 1.5 28 2.0
2009 25-0 9-27 .333 5-17 .294 11-20 .550 19 0.8 36 1.4 34 1.4
39-0 14-42 .333 6-19 .316 28-48 .583 31 0.8 57 1.5 62 1.6
No. 24 – David Stafford
THIS YEAR: A veteran Cougar, junior David Stafford is a savvy and versatile player who can play a variety of position and defend nearly anywhere on the court ... Now in his fourth year in the program, the game is slowing down for him and he is coming into his own as a key contributor ... Can knock down the outside jumper but can mix it up in the key as well ... Is a consistent and dependable player ... Also deceptively quick ... Has already played in 68 games in his Cougar career.
2009 (sophomore): Appeared in 33 of the Cougars' 34 games, starting 1, as a 2009 redshirt sophomore ... Averaged nearly 11 minutes of play each game ... Averaged 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds ... On the strength of 4-for-5 shooting at the 3-point arc, dropped in a season-high 14 points in a victory over Trevecca Nazarene ... Also had 10 points in a win at home over Montana Western ... In his lone start of the season, scored 8 points in 22 minutes of play in a win over San Diego Christian ... Tallied a combined 15 points in back-to-back victories over Westmont, including a GSAC Tournament first-round game.
2008 (freshman): Put together a fine 2008 redshirt freshman season in which he appeared in all 35 games, starting 9 at mid-season ... Averaged 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds ... Was third on the team with 37 3-pointers made, 14 of which came in his 9 starts ...Best game came in a runaway victory over Hope International in which he had 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting which included a career-high 5 3-pointers ... Put together back-to-back 12-point efforts off the bench in games vs. Rocky Mountain and Bethany
2007 (redshirt): Redshirted his first year at Azusa Pacific, attending classes and working out with the Cougars.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Jeff Loving at Las Lomas High in Walnut Creek, Calif. ... Was a 3-time All-Diablo Foothill Athletic League selection, including first-team honors twice ... As a 2006 senior averaged a team-high 20 points and led the Knights to a 21-5 record ... As a 2005 junior, averaged 20 points for the 17-12 Knights ... Averaged 25 points in 3 CIF playoff games ... Named All-Contra Costa Times for his play.
PERSONAL: Born Sept. 26, 1987, in San Diego, Calif., to Pete (salesman) and Sally (track & field coach) Stafford ... Has 2 younger brothers (Brian, Kevin) ... Comes from an athletic family ... His grandfather played basketball at Cal-Berkeley while his dad (football) and mom (track & field) both lettered in sports at Cal as well ... Was a scholar-athlete in high school, graduating with a 3.9 GPA ... Majoring in business.
STAFFORD at AZUSA PACIFIC
YEAR G-GS FG-FGA PCT 3FG-3FGA PCT FT-FTA PCT REB AVG AST PTS AVG
2008 35-9 53-139 .381 37-96 .385 22-30 .733 53 1.5 31 165 4.7
2009 33-1 40-96 .417 17-55 .309 14-21 .667 38 1.2 14 111 3.4
68-10 93-235 .396 52-151 .358 36-51 .706 91 1.3 45 276 4.1
No. 15 – James Staniland
THIS YEAR: Redshirt freshman James Staniland is an outstanding perimeter shooter who is great at knocking down spot-up shots ... Smart about the game ... Is an "instant-offense" type of player who can spark the Cougars coming off the bench ... Figures in a reserve role at the outset of the season but has a great future ahead of him.
2009: Redshirted his first season at Azusa Pacific, working out with the Cougars while attending classes.
HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2-time All-Ventura County and All-Channel League first-team selection during his 3-year varsity career playing for head coach Dan Larson at Ventura (Calif.) High ... As a 2008 senior earned All-CIF second team honors after averaging 17.0 points and 4.5 rebounds for the 17-10 Cougars ... Led the team with 67 treys while shooting at a .447 (67-for-150) clip from the arc ... Scored in double figures in 24 games, including 8 20-point outings ... Scored a season-high 31 on the strength of 5 treys in a loss to Pittsburg High ... Also scored 29 with 4 3-pointers in a loss Simi Valley (Calif.) High ... Strung together 3 straight 20-point contests vs. league rivals Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara and arch-rival Buena ... As a 2007 junior averaged 19.9 points and 5.4 rebounds for the 13-14 Cougars ... Drained 78 3-pointers on .494 (78-for-158) clip ... Scored a career-high 36 points vs. league foe Santa Barbara High ... As a 2006 sophomore, appeared in all 33 games for the CIF champion Cougars who posted a 27-6 record ... Averaged 7.2 points and 1.7 rebounds ... Had a season-best of 21 points in a victory over Rio Mesa High ... Scored 14 in the CIF title game victory over Thousand Oaks High ... Earned All-Channel League honorable mention ... Finished his prep career among Ventura County's all-time top ten in scoring (1,233 points) and 3-point field goals made (184) ... Is the No. 2 all-time scorer at Ventura High, trailing only older brother Jeff ... Was also a standout baseball player (pitcher) at Ventura High, lettering 3 years for head coach Paul Togneri ... Earned All-Channel League first-team and all-county second team recognition as a senior ... Fashioned a 10-3 record with a 1.90 earned run average ... Put together 10-game winning streak to close the season, which included 7 consecutive complete games ... Pitched a 2-hit shutout over Palos Verdes High.
PERSONAL: Born Oct. 5, 1989, in Ventura, Calif. ... Parents are Steve (electronics marketer) and Pam (independent consultant) Staniland ... Has 2 brothers (Jeff, Jon) ... Brother Jeff was a 4-year starter and All-GSAC performer at Azusa Pacific, playing with current Cougar coach Justin Leslie, and is among Azusa Pacific's all-time top ten in scoring and assists ... Father Steve played football at Southern Methodist and played minor league baseball in the Oakland and St. Louis organizations in the mid-1970s ... Has not declared a major, but would like to be a fire fighter after graduation ... Enjoys surfing and going to the beach.
