DAVIS, Calif. — After a successful non-conference finale to close out 2025, the UC Davis men's basketball team rings in 2026 with a pair of Big West home games, beginning with a historic New Year's Day matchup versus CSUN this Thursday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT at the University Credit Union Center. 

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW
Jan. 1 – vs. CSUN | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)
Jan. 3 – vs. Cal State Bakersfield | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)

GAME NOTES

• Opening Tip: Thursday's contest marks a milestone for the program: it is the first time in the Division I era that UC Davis will play a game on New Year's Day. (The only previous scheduled occurrence in the 2020-21 season was canceled). With momentum on their side and a 5-1 record in Davis, the Aggies look to start 2026 with a victory.
• By the Numbers: The Aggies have established a clear formula for success at the University Credit Union Center, building a 5-1 record at home while outscoring opponents by an average of nearly 14 points in those contests. Defense remains the primary barometer for the team, as UC Davis holds a 4-1 record when keeping opponents under the 70-point threshold. Efficiency on the offensive end is equally predictive; the Aggies are 3-1 this season when shooting 50 percent or better from the field and are a staggering 7-1 when shooting a higher percentage than their opponent.
• Disruptive Defense: Stifling defense continues to be the signature identity of Aggie Basketball entering Big West play. UC Davis forced a season-high 28 turnovers against Pacific Union, which stands as the highest single-game mark by any Big West team this season. When combined with their performance against Menlo earlier this year, the Aggies now own the top two "turnovers forced" games in the conference. This disruption isn't just about steals; the Aggies rank 18th in the nation in "Non-Steal Turnover Percentage," highlighting their elite ability to force opponents into travels, shot clock violations, and offensive fouls.
• Cooking With Connor: Connor Sevilla remains the Aggies' primary perimeter threat. He is averaging 14.0 points per game while shooting a blistering 44.1% from 3-point range. Sevilla is the team's closer; coming off an 18-point performance at Idaho State where he went a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. He currently ranks 3rd in the Big West in free throw percentage (89.5%), and has made 13 consecutive free-throws.
• Cooper's Leap: Nils Cooper has cemented himself as the Aggies' offensive centerpiece and arguably the most reliable scorer in the conference. He leads the team with 15.1 points per game while shooting a stellar 59.2 percent from the field, a mark that ranks first in the Big West and 36th nationally among qualified players. Cooper is coming off a polished 19-point performance against Pacific Union where he shot 6-of-11 from the floor. A complete two-way player, he also ranks 4th in the Big West in steals per game.
• Chappell Does it All: Isaiah Chappell is entering conference play on a tear, showcasing his versatility as a complete forward. In the win over Pacific Union, Chappell filled the box score with career highs in rebounds (8), steals (4), and assists (5), all while continuing to stretch the floor. He is currently averaging 9.8 points per game and ranks among the top rebounders on the team. Whether scoring 20 points against Seattle U or acting as a distributor and defensive disruptor, Chappell has become an indispensable connector for the Aggies' lineup.
• Niko The Anchor: Niko Rocak continues to patrol the paint as the team's defensive anchor, averaging 9.3 points and a team-high 5.3 rebounds per game. His rim protection is elite, as Rocak ranks third in the Big West in blocks with an average of 1.75 per contest. His six-block performance against North Dakota State earlier this year remains the second-highest single-game block total in the conference this season. He has five multi-block games this season as well.
• Marcus Making His Mark: Marcus Wilson provides steadiness and scoring punch in the backcourt alongside Fagbemi and Sevilla. Coming off a 15-point outing against Pacific Union where he matched Cooper's efficiency, Wilson is averaging 9.6 points and 3.4 assists per game. He has recorded more than three assists in three straight games.
• Floor General Fagbemi: Brayden Fagbemi is playing at an elite level on both ends of the floor. He has evolved into one of the nation's premier pests, averaging 2.3 steals per game to rank 28th nationally, and first in the Big West. Fagbemi filled the stat sheet against Pacific Union with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five steals, showcasing his all-around impact. Offensively, he paces the Aggies, leading the team with 4.6 assists per game.
• Depth and Production: The defining characteristic of this UC Davis team is the depth up and down the roster, which was on full display as the bench unit exploded for 56 points in the non-conference finale. Beyond the emergence of Stokes, Carl Daughtery Jr. continues to be a spark plug, averaging 10.2 points per game while owning the single-game conference high for steals with six against Menlo. Omer Suljanovic also chipped in last game with an Aggie season-high 13 rebounds.
• Career Day For Stokes: Jalen Stokes is entering conference play fresh off the best game of his young career. The Oakland native poured in a career-high 17 points in the win over Pacific Union, showcasing the depth of the Aggie roster. His emergence adds another layer to an offense that saw five players score in double figures for the third time this season. Stokes' ability to provide instant offense reinforces the "Strength in Numbers" philosophy that has defined the non-conference slate.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS

• CSUN is known for their up-tempo approach built on rebounding and ball movement. The Matadors rank 32nd nationally and first in the Big West in rebounds per game (41.4) and sit top three in the conference in assists per game (16.4).
• CSUN also generates offense in transition, averaging 13.9 fastbreak points per game, among the league leaders.
• Guard Larry Hughes II, the Big West Player of the Week on Dec. 15, leads the conference in three-point makes (3.6 per game) and ranks among the national leaders in total threes.
• Josiah Davis facilitates the offense, leading the Big West in assists per game (6.1), while Joshua O'Garro paces the league in rebounds per game (9.4).
• Cal State Bakersfield enters the matchup as a Big West opponent that leans on interior play and free-throw production.
• The Roadrunners rank 14th nationally and second in the Big West in blocks per game (5.8) and sit 26th nationally in free throw attempts per game (26.5).
• Offensively, Dailin Smith (16.0 ppg) and CJ Hardy (14.6 ppg) are the team's leading scorers. Bakersfield also ranks second in the Big West in steals per game (8.1).

SEASON NOTES

• Returning Ags: Niko Rocak enters his third season with UC Davis after anchoring the Aggie frontcourt with 6.8 rebounds per game and setting the program's single-season (58) and single-game (6) blocks records. His defensive presence and leadership will again serve as a stabilizing force in the paint. Connor Sevilla, now in his third year, started 24 games last season and averaged 8.9 points per game. He led UC Davis with 63 made threes and ranked among Big West leaders at the free-throw line, converting 91 percent of his attempts. His poise and perimeter shooting remain key offensive pieces. Carl Daughtery Jr. returns for his second season after playing all 32 games last year. The guard averaged 5.0 points and 1.8 rebounds while knocking down 26 threes. His scoring and defensive versatility give the Aggies additional lineup flexibility. Nils Cooper, son of Hall of Famer Michael Cooper, played 30 games last season and averaged 3.9 points and 3.5 rebounds. He posted a career-high 13 rebounds against Big West champion UC San Diego and should continue to be an active wing defender and rebounder while stepping into a larger role offensively this year. Isaiah Chappell, son of NCAA champion Mike Chappell, appeared in 21 games and connected on nine threes before an injury shortened his season. A New Zealand U18 national team member, he provides depth, shooting and athleticism to the Aggie frontcourt.
• New Faces: Brayden Fagbemi joins UC Davis after averaging 11.4 points, 4.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals as a sophomore at Central Arkansas, where he started 27 games and led the team in steals. The Illinois native began his career at Johns Hopkins, earning D3hoops.com Region V and Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year honors after posting 13.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Marcus Wilson, a three-star guard from Washington State, brings size and athleticism to the Aggie backcourt. He appeared in four games last season before injury and was previously ranked as the No. 1 recruit in New Mexico's 2024 class by PrepHoops. Cyril "CJ" Franklin Jr. transfers from the College of Southern Nevada, where he averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while earning ACCAC Freshman of the Year and all-conference honors. His all-around game provides scoring and playmaking versatility. Ylan Esso-Essis from France, comes from Modesto JC after averaging 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds while earning Big 8 Player of the Year and NABC All-America honors. Jonathan Noudjihidi joins from Coahoma CC after averaging 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. He posted six double-doubles and ranked among conference leaders in shooting percentage at 57.8. Jalen Stokes, from Dougherty Valley High School, was a four-year starter and scored 1,607 career points. The Bay Area standout averaged 24 points and nine rebounds as a senior, earning NCS Player of the Year and All-State honors. Chase Rawlins, from local Folsom High School, was a three-time academic all-conference honoree who averaged 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists. He earned league co-MVP and section MVP honors while leading his team to a championship. Abdullah Amzil, from Finland's Drive Academy, was named the 2023–24 Finnish U19 Player of the Year after averaging 14.4 points and six rebounds. He boosted his scoring to 21 points per game in the playoffs and represents Finland internationally. Omer Suljanovic, from Austria's national team and UCC Assigeco Piacenza, led Italy's U19 league in scoring at 24.2 points per game. He made his senior national team debut for Austria at age 17 and brings a combination of size and perimeter skill to the Aggie frontcourt.
• Coaching Staff Continuity and Additions: UC Davis maintains one of the most stable staffs in Division I, with head coach Jim Les, associate head coach Kevin Nosek, and assistants Kyle Vogt and Jonathan Metzger-Jones working together since 2016-17. This group together represents the longest-tenured staff in NCAA Division I men's basketball. The staff expands this year with three additions: Fortune Solomon, Mike Kosich, and Reece Lakritz. Solomon joins as an assistant coach after serving with the Brooklyn Nets' G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, and brings more than a decade of experience across the NBA, G League, and international basketball. He also serves as an assistant with the South Sudan National Team, helping guide the program to its first Olympic berth. Kosich arrives as assistant coach and chief of staff following roles at San Diego State and South Alabama. His experience in roster construction, scouting, and day-to-day operations will play a major role as UC Davis transitions to the Mountain West. Lakritz, a UC Davis student and former team manager, becomes the program's video coordinator and assistant director of basketball operations. He has been part of the Aggie program since 2023.
• International Experience and Family Connections: UC Davis features one of the most globally connected and family-rooted rosters in Division I. Several Aggies bring international playing experience or heritage, while others continue family legacies that have shaped the program's identity both on and off the court. Graduate forward Niko Rocak represents Switzerland after competing for the nation's U20 team and earning his first senior national team cap earlier this summer. Rocak, fluent in multiple languages, is also one of the program's top academic performers, pursuing an MBA after earning his degree in chemistry. Freshman forward Omer Suljanovic, from Vienna, Austria, made his senior national team debut at just 17 years old, becoming one of the youngest players in the world to appear in a FIBA qualifying window. He is the son of longtime professional player and coach Ramiz Suljanovic, who spent more than a decade in European basketball. His brother, Imran, is also a freshman on the men's basketball team at St. John's. Freshman Abdullah Amzil, from Finland, earned Finnish U19 Player of the Year honors and has represented Finland at multiple youth levels. Basketball runs in his family as well. His brother Mustapha starred at Dayton and New Mexico before signing professionally in Europe, and his sister Latifa played collegiately at Detroit Mercy. Sophomore Isaiah Chappell competed for New Zealand's U18 National Team and follows the example of his father, Mike Chappell, who won an NCAA championship at Michigan State and played professionally in the Australian NBL. Junior Nils Cooper, a California native, represented the Swedish U18 National Team and is the son of Hall of Famer Michael Cooper, a five-time NBA champion and WNBA championship coach who most recently led the BIG3's Miami 305 to a league title. Sophomore Ylan Esso-Essis, from France, developed within the Metropolitans 92 program, one of Europe's premier basketball clubs. Jonathan Noudjihidi, born in N'Djamena, Chad, adds further international perspective to the Aggies' lineup and is one of several players who bring a truly global background to Davis. The 2025-26 Aggies reflect the growing international reach of college basketball, representing Switzerland, Austria, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, France, and Chad.
• Excellence in the Classroom – The UC Davis Standard: UC Davis men's basketball continues to set the academic standard within the Big West, maintaining a 98 percent graduation rate and a team GPA above 3.0. The Aggies also led all UC Davis men's programs in winter quarter GPA. Niko Rocak, Connor Sevilla, and Nils Cooper earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors last season, recognizing student-athletes who maintain a minimum 3.50 GPA and play in at least 90 percent of games. The 2025-26 roster features 14 student-athletes representing seven different majors. Among the highlights are Niko Rocak, who is part of the master's of management program, and Brayden Fagbemi, who is a human development major on a pre-med track. The blend of majors reflects UC Davis' academic diversity and its commitment to preparing student-athletes for long-term success beyond basketball.
• From Past to Present to Future: The 2025-26 season is the 19th for UC Davis as a member of the Big West Conference. UC Davis will join the Mountain West for the 2026-27 season. Previous conference affiliations include: Big West Conference (2007-present), Division I Independent (2004-2007), California Collegiate Athletic Association (1998-2004), Northern California Athletic Conference (1982-1998), Far West Conference (1925-1982).
• Program Legacy and Success: UC Davis men's basketball has built a lasting tradition of success across eras. The Aggies captured the 1998 NCAA Division II national championship, made 12 NCAA regional appearances, and have since risen to become a consistent Division I contender. UC Davis has won two Big West regular-season titles (2015, 2018), a Big West Tournament championship (2017), and earned NCAA Tournament (2017) and NIT appearances (2015, 2018). Over the past decade, the Aggies have posted winning records in seven of ten seasons, highlighted by multiple 20-win campaigns. The 2014-15 squad set the Division I program record with 25 victories, while the 2017 team delivered UC Davis' first Division I NCAA Tournament win by defeating NC Central in the First Four. Signature wins include Utah State, California, Oregon State, Washington State, and Grand Canyon — a 75-68 road victory that snapped the Lopes' 18-game home winning streak, one of the nation's longest at the time. Professional success stories include T.J. Shorts II (2023 EuroCup MVP, Greece), Chima Moneke (EuroCup MVP, former Sacramento King), Elijah Pepper (Perth Wildcats, NBL), Brynton Lemar (Europe), Ezra Manjon (Italy), and A.J. John (Japan, Belgium, Israel, and Mexico). Beyond the court, notable Aggie alumni include Corey Hawkins (assistant coach, Orlando Magic), Joe Harden (founder, Salty Goats Winery), Mark Payne (vice president, Morgan Stanley), Ryan Howley (vice president, Bessemer Trust), and entrepreneurs Ryan Sypkens and Justin Dueck. UC Davis basketball has proven itself as a program built to win, graduate, and prepare players for success in every stage of life.