Cougar Athletics
30 NAIA National Championships
95 GSAC Championships
...and counting

THIS YEAR: A quality returnee, senior Chidi Ajufo figures to battle for playing time around the basket … Gives the Cougars great depth and a physical presence ... A terrific athlete who runs the court quite well ... One of the strongest players in the conference … Is a fan favorite because of his thunderous dunks.

2007 (junior): Appeared in all 36 of the Cougars’ games during his 2007 junior season, starting 3 at midseason … Averaged 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds … Best showing came in a Cougar victory over Hope International in which he tallied season-highs of 12 points and 6 rebounds in 15 minutes of play … Also had 11 points in a victory over St. Francis (Ind.) … Had a team season-high 4 blocks in a win over Adrian (Mich.) at a tournament in Florida … Converted .663 (63-for-95) of his shots, many of which were dunks.

UCSB (sophomore): Spent his 2006 sophomore season at NCAA Division I UC Santa Barbara of the Big West Conference ... Appeared in 14 games for the 15-14 Gauchos, scoring 20 points in the process while grabbing 14 rebounds ... Was 8-for-14 from the floor and had 4 blocked shots in 72 minutes of play.

JUNIOR COLLEGE (freshman): Spent 2 seasons at Pensacola Junior College in Florida, redshirting the 2004 campaign ... As a 2005 freshman, averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots for the Pirates ... Posted season-highs of 13 points, 14 rebounds and 6 blocked shots in a game vs. Okaloosa Walton Community College.

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Holland Park High in London ... Did not play basketball but did compete in track & field in the high jump, discus and shot put.

PERSONAL: Born Sept. 18, 1982, in London, England, to Lexy (self-employed) and Lizzy (politician) Ajufo ... Majoring in communication ... Enjoys traveling and cooking.

YEAR   G-GS  FG-FGA  PCT 3FG-3FGA FT-FTA  PCT REB AVG AST PTS  AVG
2007  36-3   63-95  .663   0-0    30-71  .423  81 2.3  9  156  4.3

THIS YEAR: Freshman Troy Baugh is likely to redshirt the season as he adjusts to the college game … Good athlete and very smart about the game … Runs the court well and plays hard ... Has an uncanny knack for making plays around the basket ... Figures to have a promising future with the Cougars.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 4 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Steve Goldstein at La Salle High in Pasadena, Calif. … As a 2007 senior, averaged 13 points, 6.6 rebounds and a team-high 3.4 assists for the 23-6 Lancers, who won the Camino Real League title … Earned All-CIF Division IV and All-Camino Real first team honors and was named league MVP … Also garnered all-area second team recognition and was named to the Pasadena Star News all-star team … Best overall showing came in a 73-69 win over Serra in which he recorded 22 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists … Tallied a season-high 23 points to go along with 12 rebounds in a 74-51 win over Cantwell-Sacred Heart … As a 2006 junior, averaged 12. 8 points and 5 rebounds while leading the Lancers to a 24-5 record … Missed 5 weeks of the season with an injury … Against Flintridge Prep scored a career-high 28 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 2 steals … Named the team’s most improved … As a 2005 sophomore, was a member a La Salle squad that went 22-6 and advanced to the second round of the CIF playoffs.

PERSONAL: Born April 14, 1989, in Pasadena, Calif., to Shari Baugh … Majoring in athletic training … Enjoys bowling … His uncle is former UCLA standout and New York Jet defensive back Johnny Lynn.

THIS YEAR: A team player, junior Peter Bond is an experienced Cougar who understands his role and performs it quite well ... Shoots very well from the outside ... Can play down low on the blocks when called upon ... Smart player.

2007: Appeared in 21 of the Cougars’ 37 games during his 2007 sophomore season … Emerged as an instant-offense type of player because of his dead-eye shooting from the perimeter ... Shot .475 (19-for-40) from the field and .385 (10-for-26) from behind the arc … Most significant contribution of his collegiate career came in the NAIA Tournament in a “Sweet 16” game vs. Park University (Mo.) in which he buried all 3 treys he attempted in 11 minutes of first-half action to help lead the Cougars to a 3-point victory ... Also had 9 points in the Cougars’ blowout victory over Life Pacific.

2006: As a redshirt freshman, appeared in 12 games, all off the bench ... Averaged 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in 89 minutes of action ... Tallied career highs of 16 points and 11 rebounds in the Cougars’ victory over Puget Sound Christian ... Scored 9 points in 11 minutes against Hope International.

2005: Worked out with the team while attending classes at Azusa Pacific but did not play in any games.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2-time All-Century League first-team selection during his 4-year varsity career at El Dorado High in Placentia, Calif. … Holds the school record for most 3-pointers in a career and highest free throw percentage in a single season … Named team MVP as a 2004 senior and offensive team MVP as a 2003 junior … As a 2002 sophomore, was second in Orange County in 3-point shooting … Was a key member of a Golden Hawks program that went 87-23 (.791) … Also played 1 season of volleyball.

PERSONAL: Born July 13, 1985, in Orange, Calif., to Jay (administrator) and Jana (children’s director) Bond … Has 2 sisters (Allison, Sasha) … His father is the associate vice-president for facilities management at Cal State Fullerton … His grandfather, Marlin Davis, played basketball at Whittier College … Is a communication major and would like to teach and coach.

3PT              
YEAR  G-GS FG-FGA  PCT FG-FGA FT-FTA PCT REB AVG AST PTS AVG  
2006  12-0  17-38 .447  7-24   3-4  .750  23 1.9  5  44  3.2
2007  21-0  19-40 .475 10-26   3-5  .600  34 1.6 14  51  2.4
      33-0  36-78 .462 17-48   6-9  .667  57 1.7 19  95  2.9

THIS YEAR: A promising newcomer, freshman Caleb Burgess is an athletically gifted forward who brings a physical dimension to his game ... Noted for his terrific outside shooting ... Works well within a half-court offense and is quite smart about the game ... Could develop into a key reserve as the season unfolds.

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 during his 2007 senior season ... Led the Eagles in scoring his final 2 seasons, averaging 17.6 points as a senior and 16.2 as a junior ... During his senior season, 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 Eagles first 8 games of the season ... Averaged 7.3 rebounds as a senior and posted 5 double-doubles for the 18-10 Eagles ... Made a team-high 41 3-pointers 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.).

PERSONAL: Born May 1, 1989, in Newport Beach, Calif., to Steve (salesman) and Denise (teacher’s aid) Burgess ... Has not declared a major ... Plays the guitar ... Received the Presidential Award at Calvary Chapel, graduating with a 4.25 GPA.

THIS YEAR: One of the top impact newcomers to the NAIA this year, junior center Dave Burgess gives Azusa Pacific its best physical presence under the basket in many years ... Smart player who makes things happen with the ball in his hands ... Has a great shooting touch but is also a quality passer and sees the floor well ... Noted for his work ethic ... Will push for postseason honors.

GONZAGA: Played the second half of his 2007 sophomore season at Gonzaga University after complying with NCAA transfer rules ... Appeared in just 6 games, collecting 6 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes of play for the 23-11 Zags.

BYU: Signed with BYU out of high school ... Missed nearly the entire 2005 freshman season after undergoing early-season surgery on both ankles ... Appeared in 2 games, playing 7 minutes against North Carolina and California before receiving a medical hardship from the NCAA ... As a 2006 redshirt freshman, appeared in 3 of the Cougars’ first 7 games, tallying 2 points and 5 rebounds in 15 minutes of action ... At semester break, transferred to Gonzaga.

HIGH SCHOOL: One of just 3 players ever to letter 4 years in varsity basketball at Woodbridge High in Irvine, Calif. ... Was a 2-time all-state honoree, including first team recognition as a 2004 senior when he averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists ... Was all-state third team as a 2003 junior, averaging 16.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2 blocks ... Was also a 2-time All-Orange County and All-CIF pick ... Also collected All-CIF third team honors as a 2002 sophomore, averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks ... Was the nation’s No. 14-ranked prep center in 2004 by Rivals.com.

PERSONAL: Born Feb. 14, 1986, to Ken and Sandi Burgess ... Has an older brother (Chris, played basketball 2 years at Duke and 2 years at Utah, and is currently playing professionally overseas) and a sister (Angela, who played basketball at BYU).

THIS YEAR: A hard-working, smart point guard, redshirt freshman Michael Caffese could push for a significant role as a key reserve ... Plays with a passion and tenacity that affects the whole team ... Rated a terrific defensive player ... Considered a good game manager who runs the system well and makes the players around him much better.

2007: 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 ... 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.

THIS YEAR: A sharp-shooting returnee, sophomore Mike Danielian is expected to battle for a starting position from the outset of the season ... Bolsters the Cougars perimeter shooting in a significant way ... Provides an instant-offense aspect ... Could push for GSAC postseason honors.

2007: 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 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

THIS YEAR: One of 3 redshirt freshmen on the Cougar roster looking for his first collegiate action, David Gantt is a raw talent who will benefit from playing behind David Burgess and Chidi Ajufo ... Has earned a reputation as a good shot blocker ... Gives the Cougars good depth under the basket.

2007: 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 (pastor) and Janet Gantt ... Has 1 brother (Patrick) and a sister (Lisa, who graduated from Azusa Pacific in the spring of 2006) ... Majoring social science ... Would like to be a teacher.

THIS YEAR: One of the Cougars’ top returnees, senior forward Todd Martin is a sharp-shooting big man who provides an instant offense aspect to the Cougar attack ... Teams with Mike Danielian and Christiaan Hammond to give Azusa Pacific a variety of quality weapons from the perimeter ... Is also a physical player and can be a strong rebounder ... Should be one of the Cougars’ top impact player and could push for postseason honors.

2007 (junior): Appeared in 34 of Azusa Pacific’s 36 games during his 2007 junior season, all off the bench ... Averaged 7.8 points and 3.2 rebounds ... Was fourth on the team with 29 3-pointers made ... Scored in double-digits in 14 games ... Was the Cougars’ top scorer in 4 games, including when scored a season-high 19 vs. California Baptist ... Tallied 17 points on the strength of a trio of 3-pointers vs. eventual NAIA champion Oklahoma City in the “Elite Eight” of the national tournament in Kansas City, Mo. ... Made 2 free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining to lift Azusa Pacific to a 71-69 victory and a season sweep of arch-rival Biola.

TROY (sophomore): Spent 1 season at NCAA Division I Troy (Ala.) University ... As a 2006 sophomore, appeared in 29 games for the Trojans, averaging 4 points and 2 rebounds a game ... Scored in 22 games, reaching double-figures twice which included a season-high 12 points off the bench vs. North Texas ... Collected a season-high 6 rebounds in a victory over Arkansas State.

ALBANY (freshman): Out of high school signed with NCAA Division I Albany where he spent the 2004 season, averaging 2.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 27 games, starting 7 all early in the season, including his collegiate debut when he grabbed a career-high 9 rebounds vs. Siena ... Scored a career-high 10 points in a victory over Army ... Registered 7 points, 8 rebounds and a career-high 4 assists in 26 minutes of play in a game vs. Boston University ... Left at the end of the season and spent the 2005 season as a redshirt at Chaffey Community College.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2-time All-San Bernardino County pick at Upland (Calif.) High, playing for head coach John McNally ... Averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds during his career ... As a 2003 senior, averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds and was named All-Baseline League ... Led the Highlanders to a 73-17 combined 3-year record ... Played on Upland’s CIF championship team as a 2001 sophomore.

PERSONAL: Born Oct. 14, 1984, in Fontana, Calif., to Paul Martin ... Has 2 brothers (Jeremy, Jared) and 2 sisters (Kelly, Jessica) ... Majoring in political science with a minor in history.

YEAR   G-GS  FG-FGA  PCT 3FG-3FGA FT-FTA  PCT REB AVG AST PTS  AVG
2007  34-0   94-208 .452  29-83   48-67  .716 109 3.2  32 265  7.8

THIS YEAR: An extremely bright player, senior Matt Oliver is the most experienced Cougar on the 17-man roster ... Can play a variety of positions from down low near the basket, to the perimeter as a point guard and to the wing, his natural position ... Will be a key figure in the Cougar scheme ... Good ball-handler and quite adept at getting to the basket … Can shoot the three with accuracy ... Fearless in his style of play … Popular with his teammates because of his work-ethic.

2007 (junior): Made the switch to point guard for the first time in his college career and appeared in all 36 Cougar games, all off the bench ... Averaged 4.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists ... Converted his 3-point attempts at a .447 (21-for-47) clip, tops on the team ... Came off the bench to score a career-high 22 points in just 23 minutes in the Cougars’ 94-85 victory over eventual NAIA runner-up Concordia, nailing the go-ahead trey with 67 seconds left in the game ... Also had a team-high 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting vs. California Baptist at home ... Twice registered a career-high 8 rebounds (vs. Vanguard and Hope International) ... Recorded a career-high 11 assists in a blow victory over Life Pacific.

2006 (sophomore: Made great strides during his 2006 sophomore season, appearing in 24 of the Cougars’ 36 games, all off the bench ... Averaged 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in nearly 9 minutes of action per outing ... Enjoyed a strong start to the season, averaging over 6 points a game at one point ... Scored a season-high 11 points in 17 minutes of play in a victory over Occidental ... Also had 10 points and a career-high 8 rebounds against Puget Sound Christian

2005 (freshman): Made the Cougar team during fall tryouts and translated his opportunity into 23 appearances off the bench as a true freshman … Scored 47 points in 23 games, averaging 6 minutes of play … Saw quite a bit of play early in the season, averaging over 11 minutes in his first 8 games … Best showing came against St. Mary (Kan.) with 10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals in 23 minutes of play.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2-year standout at Crescenta Valley High in La Crescenta, Calif., playing for head coach Tim Smiley … Was a 2-time All-Pacific League first team selection, earning league MVP honors as a 2004 senior after averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists a game … Had 15 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Glendale High … Led the Falcons to a 2-year record of 41-14.

PERSONAL: Born June 7, 1986, in Glendale, Calif., to Doug (retired) and Melinda (company vice-president) Oliver … Has 1 brother (Jonathan) … Majoring in computer science.

3PT                                   
YEAR   G-GS  FG-FGA  PCT FG-FGA FT-FTA  PCT REB AVG AST PTS  AVG
2005  23-0   19-33  .576  1-4    8-13  .615  36 1.6  24  47  2.0
2006  24-0   23-47  .489  5-11   8-13  .615  42 1.8  20  59  2.5
2007  36-0   56-122 .459 21-47  44-61  .721 129 3.6 111 177  4.9
      83-0   98-202 .485 27-62  60-87  .690 207 1.7 155 283  3.4

THIS YEAR: Freshman guard Ashton Roberts used his speed and quickness to earn a spot on the Cougar roster during the fall workouts ... Figures to use the season as a developmental year as he adjusts to the college game ... Has great quickness and is good in the open court.

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 ... 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 athletic training ... 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.

THIS YEAR: A high impact newcomer, senior forward Davon Roberts is outstanding power forward who should be one of the Cougars’ primary offensive weapons ... Terrific athlete who moves well in the open court but is quite strong around the basket ... Noted for his intensity and physical style of play ... Can change a game at both the offensive and defense ends ... Rated an excellent offensive rebounder ... Will push for postseason honors.

SACRAMENTO STATE: Played 3 seasons at NCAA Division I Sacramento State of the Big Sky Conference ... Appeared in 83 games, starting 9, including the final 6 of his 2007 junior season ... As a junior averaged 4.5 points and 3.4 rebounds while leading the Hornets with 25 blocked shots ... Also led the team with a school single-season record (Div. I since 1991) field goal percentage of .593 (51-for-86) ... Scored a career-high 13 points to go along with 9 rebounds vs. Cal Poly ... Averaged 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in 30 games as a 2006 sophomore ... As a 2005 freshman, averaged 2.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in 24 games.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 4-year varsity standout at nearby Glendora (Calif.) High, playing for head coach Mike Leduc ... Led the Tartans to 3 league titles ... Was a 2-time All-CIF and San Gabriel Valley Tribune All- Valley first team pick ... As a 2004 senior named Sierra League MVP after averaging 20.4 points and 9.8 rebounds ... Best game came in a win over Alta Loma (Calif.) in which he tallied 24 points, 22 rebounds and 10 blocked shots ... Received all-state second team recognition as a 2003 junior ... Led the Tartans to a 26-2 conference record over 3 seasons of play

PERSONAL: Born June 20, 1986, in Bellflower, Calif., to William and Patricia Roberts ... Has 2 older brother (Jeron, who played 4 years at Wyoming and is currently playing professionally in Europe, D’Andre) ... Majoring in communication ... First name pronounced DAVE-on.

THIS YEAR: One of 5 seniors on the team (Oliver, Roberts, Ajufo and Martin are the others), Caleb Rouse is a dead-eye long-distance shooter who can provide a spark to the Cougar offense ... Figures to play in spot situations.

2007 (junior): Appeared in 11 games during his 2007 junior season, his first at Azusa Pacific ... Scored 20 points in 46 minutes of play, including a season-high 11 on 4-for-4 shooting in a victory over Life Pacific College ... Played a season-high 9 minutes in a win over Hope International.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played 2 seasons for head coach Mike Jones at Pasadena (Calif.) City College ... During his 54-game career with the Lancers, averaged 6.1 points ... As a 2005 freshman earned All-South Coast Conference honorable mention after averaging 6.1 points (8.2 in conference play) while draining a team-high 38 treys in 27 games.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball at Maranatha High in Pasadena, Calif. ... Was a 2-time All-Delphi League selection ... As a 2004 senior averaged 13 points and was named Pasadena Star News All-Area second team ... Finished second in the Delphi League with 41 3-pointers made ... Tallied a career-high 23 points and 9 rebounds in a victory over Franklin High ... Buried 4 treys to finish with 20 points in a win over Grace Brethren ... As a 2003 junior named team MVP and all-area third team ... Led the Minutemen to a combined 36-18 record over his final 2 seasons ... Also ran 3 seasons of track & field and cross country (running for his father, the Maranatha cross country head coach) ... Was a member of Maranatha’s 2003 California state cross country championship team.

PERSONAL: Born Feb. 28, 1986, in Pasadena, Calif., to John (admissions dean at Maranatha) and Kay (art teacher) Rouse ... Has 2 brothers (Matthew, Jesse) ... Majoring in social science ... Would like to eventually teach and coach ... Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

3PT              
YEAR   G-GS  FG-FGA  PCT FG-FGA FT-FTA  PCT REB AVG AST PTS  AVG 
2007  11-0    8-23  .403  4-16   0-0     -   5  0.5  3   20  1.8

THIS YEAR: Sophomore guard Justin Sapp returns to basketball after a near 2-year layoff ... Brings with him a great outside shooting touch... Will need time to work off the rust but is expected to be a significant contributor ... Quite strong and can play a physical brand of basketball ... Considered a natural and charismatic leader.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Spent his 2006 freshman season at Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo ... Appeared in just 6 games before an injury ended his season ... Scored a season-high 16 points in just 6 minutes of play vs. Los Angeles Southwest, converting 5-of-6 3-point attempts in the process ... Also had 8 points in 12 minutes against L.A. Trade Tech.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Mike Leduc at regional power Glendora (Calif.) High ... Was a 3-time All-Sierra League first team honoree ... As a 2005 senior averaged 18.4 points and topped the team with 102 treys in 31 games ... Made 8 3-pointers on his way to a season-high 31 points in a CIF victory over Ventura (Calif.) High ... Also scored 31 to go along with 7 rebounds and 3 steals in a victory over Marina ... Helped lead the Tartans to a 26-6 record ... Averaged over 16 points as 2004 junior ... Started as a 2003 sophomore and scored a career-high 33 to lead Glendora to a victory over top-ranked Bishop Amat High ... Played 2 seasons with current Cougar Davon Roberts.

PERSONAL: Born April 4, 1986, in Pasadena, Calif., to George (financial advisor) and Jacqueline (teacher) Sapp ... Has 1 sister (Lauren) ... Majoring in biblical studies ... His cousin is Lester Connor, a 13-year NBA player and current Indiana Pacer assistant coach ... Wants to go into full-time Christian ministry ... Has made a short-term mission trip to Japan ... Enjoys acting and doing impersonations.

THIS YEAR: The program’s first southpaw in 8 years, redshirt freshman David Stafford is a savvy player and a possible diamond in the rough who is set for his first live collegiate action ... Has healthy level of confidence ... Is aggressive in his style ... Can knock down the outside jumper but can mix it up in the key as well ... Is likely to find time as a key reserve at wing.

2007: Redshirted his first season at Azusa Pacific, attending classes while 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.

THIS YEAR: A gifted athlete with plenty of potential, newcomer Darin Stewart will sit out the year to satisfy NAIA transfer requirements from a prep school ... A good shooter who is noted for his smooth style of play ... Could develop into a very good player over the course of his college career.

PREP SCHOOL: Played the 2007 season at La Lumiere Prep School in La Porte, Ind., the same prep school that produced Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts ... Named co-MVP after leading the Lakers to a 19-8 record with a 21.8 scoring average ... Also averaged 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists while playing for head coach Delray Brooks, the 1984 USA Today High School Player of the Year ... Tallied a single-game best of 35 points.

HIGH SCHOOL: Graduated at Nampa (Ida.) High in 2006 where he competed in both basketball and track & field ... Averaged 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds during his 2006 senior season. PERSONAL: Born March 19, 1988, in Spokane, Wash. ... Has 2 brothers (Kyle, Devon) and 3 sisters (Carlyn, Savannah, Chloe) ... His father, Tommy Stewart, played for current assistant coach Jim Larson at Whitworth College in the early 1980s ... Majoring in business marketing ... Is a member of the Business Professionals of America, an organization for students pursuing careers in business management.

THIS YEAR: Another high-impact newcomer, junior guard Kimarley Williams is an athletic and explosive player plays well off the dribble ... Can score points in a variety of ways, both from the perimeter and in the key ... Should only get better as the season unfolds and as he becomes accustomed to the Cougar system.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Spent 3 seasons at Porterville (Calif.) Community College where he played the 2005 and 2007 seasons for head coach Greg Lanthier ... As a 2007 sophomore named All-Central Valley Conference first team after leading the Pirates in scoring (21.0 avg.) and rebounding (6.0 avg.) ... Put together a 3-game span in which he scored 86 points, including a season-high 34 vs. Merced College ... Registered 5 30-point games during the season ... Also tallied 29 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals and 4 blocked shots in leading the Pirates to an upset victory over the state’s No. 6-ranked West Hills College ... Was among the top 5 3-point shooters in the CVC, converting just over 40% of his shots from the arc ... Sat out the 2006 season while attending Porterville ... Was a key contributor for the Pirates during his 2005 freshman season, averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity basketball for head coach Bill Sherman at South Shore High in Brooklyn, N.Y. ... Graduated in 2002.

PERSONAL: Born Aug. 27, 1983, in Jamaica to Gladys Williams ... Has 4 brothers ... Majoring in exercise and sport science.