ROHNERT PARK, Calif- The Sonoma State men’s basketball team has announced the signing of eight players set to join the Seawolves for the 2008-09 season.
"We are extremely excited about this years recruiting class," said associate head coach Rich Shayewitz. "We worked hard at identifying our needs and feel that we did a great job in filling them. All our recruits come with high character and great families. The addition of these new players to our returners is sure to increase the competitiveness of practice every day."
Australian native
Ashley Arnott comes to Sonoma State as a sophomore after a season at the University of Texas-Permian Basin. A starter as a freshman, the 6’1” guard led the Falcons with 90 assists last season. Arnott starred at Box Hill Senior Secondary in Melbourne, where he led his school to the 2006 state basketball championship. He represented his state at the U-16, U-18, and U-20 national championships, helping his team to the title in the U-18 division. Arnott is currently playing with the Dandenong Rangers' U-19 team. Former Sonoma State All-American Vince Inglima is a star on the Rangers' parent club in the Australian Big V League.
"We are extremely excited to have Ash join our program,” said Shayewitz. “He is an extremely tough and gritty competitor who makes winning decisions and does not turn the ball over. He's a winner and a leader."
Chad Chambers arrives at Sonoma State after two seasons at Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista. A Second Team All-Pacific Coast Conference pick in 2007-08 when he averaged a double-double, the 6’7” Chambers spent a season the 2005-06 season as a redshirt at Shepard University, an NCAA Division II school in Virginia. He spent the ’04-’05 season at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia.
"Chad is a great addition to our program. He's a great person, student, and player. He is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker and he will add scoring to the front line. He plays with a lot of passion and energy and will give us everything he's got every time he steps on the floor."
Dalton Francis joins the Seawolves from Newbury Park High School in Southern California. The 6’5” Francis earned Second Team All-League and Second Team All-County honors for the Panthers in 2007-08. His team’s captain as a senior, Francis also earned team MVP, Most Improved, and Coaches Award honors at Newbury Park.
"Dalton is a versatile forward with an untapped upside. He has the ability to make perimeter shots as well as score on the block. Also a great student and person, we are fortunate to have a player like Dalton join our program."
Curtis Harrison arrives at Sonoma State for his senior season after competing for two years at Sacramento State. The 6’8” power forward played in 24 games as a junior and was off to a nice start as a senior, playing in four games before an injury cut his season short. Before attending Sacramento State, Harrison played at Monterey Peninsula Junior College.
"Curtis will make an immediate impact on our front line because of his athleticism. We haven't had a player like Curtis in a long time and he is sure to have an impact on both ends of the floor."
Will Olsem joins the Seawolves from El Camino High School in Sacramento, the same school that produced former Seawolf point guard and assistant coach, Kevin Christensen. A 6’3” shooting guard, Olsem averaged 15 points per game in helping El Camino to a section championship in ’08. A First Team All-Capitol Athletic League pick, Olsem guided his squad to two league titles and a spot in the NorCal semi-finals. Olsem is the reigning “Sac vs. Bay Area Showdown” three-point champion and he made a school-record 110 three-pointers as a senior this year.
"Will is an unbelievable shooter. He has the ability to make shots from anywhere on the floor. He has won at every level he had played and we look forward to him joining our program."
James Sandoval transfers to Sonoma State from Monterey Peninsula Junior College. The 6’5” forward earned First Team All-State honors and was the Most Valuable Player of the Coast Conference as a sophomore in 2007-08. Prior to attending Monterey Peninsula, Sandoval led his Woodside High School team to back-to-back-to-back league championships.
"James will be our most efficient player. He shoots high percentage shots and knows how to make tough shots from anywhere on the floor. He's extremely competitive and knows what it takes to win. James is very versatile and will impact our team immediately."
Chris Warne joins the Seawolves from Hartnell College in Salinas. A native of Salinas, the 6’5” Warne was a member of the Panthers’ 2006-07 league championship team. He had a career game against De Anza this year in which he connected on eight three-pointers on his way to 31 points.
"Chris is a big guard who knows how to knock down shots. He's an excellent defender who knows how to use his size. Chris will add depth to our wing position."
Chris Weber comes to Sonoma State for his freshman season in 2008-09. The 5’9” point guard is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, though he graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. While there, he was a member of two Central Coast Section and Northern California championship teams. As a junior and senior, he helped lead his team to the state championship game. Last year’s squad was 32-2 and ranked ninth in the nation by USA Today.
"I loved Chris the first moment I saw him. His character, passion, and leadership are second to none. He's a natural leader and a born winner. He will be the "voice" of our team in years to come and I feel honored to get the opportunity to coach him."