Fresno State’s men’s basketball team concluded their dismal season with an 86-71 loss to Nevada in the Mountain West Tournament’s first round. The Bulldogs’ campaign was marred by record-breaking lows and a betting scandal.
Key Takeaways:
- Fresno State’s 2024-25 season set new program lows in wins, losses, and win percentage.
- A betting scandal involving players overshadowed the already poor performance.
- Freshman Elijah Price emerged as a bright spot, earning multiple Freshman of the Week honors.
A Season to Forget
The Fresno State Bulldogs’ 2024-25 men’s basketball season will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. With a final record of 6-26, the team shattered previous program lows, including the fewest wins (6) and most losses (26) in a single season. The .188 win percentage marked the worst in Bulldog basketball history, eclipsing the previous low of .259 set in 1977.
Head Coach Vance Walberg’s Division I record now stands at a concerning 20-61. Following the team’s early exit from the Mountain West Tournament, Walberg addressed the media, acknowledging the disappointment while maintaining an optimistic outlook. “I thought we’d be a lot better, but things happen for a reason,” Walberg stated. “We’re going to learn and we’re going to get better.”
Betting Scandal Rocks the Program
Adding to the on-court struggles, Fresno State found itself embroiled in a betting scandal that further depleted its roster. Forward Mykell Robinson and Guard Jalen Weaver were dismissed from the team for allegedly placing bets on games in which they participated. Sophomore Guard Zaon Collins was also implicated for betting on professional sports but was later reinstated to the team.
Sources close to the situation reported that Coach Walberg cooperated fully with the gambling investigation, promptly notifying school officials upon discovering the illicit betting activity. The scandal left the Bulldogs with only seven available players for their final games, exacerbating an already challenging season.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the overall gloom, freshman forward Elijah Price emerged as a potential cornerstone for the program’s future. Price earned three Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors throughout the season, drawing praise from Coach Walberg as a ‘culture guy.’ In the team’s final game against Nevada, Price showcased his potential with a double-double performance of 17 points and 11 rebounds, his 11th such feat of the season.
Looking Ahead
As the Bulldogs close the book on this historically poor season, the focus shifts to rebuilding and regaining trust. The program faces the dual challenge of improving on-court performance while addressing the off-court issues that plagued the team. With young talent like Elijah Price in the fold, Fresno State basketball hopes to turn the page and write a more positive chapter in the seasons to come.
The road ahead for Fresno State basketball is undoubtedly steep. The program must not only improve its win-loss record but also restore its reputation following the betting scandal. As the offseason begins, all eyes will be on Coach Walberg and the administration to see how they navigate these turbulent waters and chart a course for future success.
For Bulldog fans, the hope is that this season serves as rock bottom, from which the only direction is up. The development of players like Elijah Price offers a silver lining, suggesting that with proper nurturing and recruitment, Fresno State could rebuild its program into a competitive force in the Mountain West Conference.
As the dust settles on this tumultuous season, the Fresno State men’s basketball program stands at a crossroads. The choices made in the coming months will likely define the trajectory of Bulldog basketball for years to come. For now, the team, coaching staff, and fans alike must regroup, reflect, and recommit to the principles that once made Fresno State a respected name in college basketball circles.
