DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis (9–7, 2–3 Big West) returns to the University Credit Union Center following a 1–1 road swing at UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly. The Aggies host Cal State Fullerton on Thursday night for International Day before welcoming Big West leader UC Irvine to Davis on Saturday in a key conference matchup.

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW
Jan. 15 – vs. Cal State Fullerton | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)
Jan. 17 – vs. UC Irvine | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)

GAME NOTES

• By the Numbers: The Aggies are 6–0 when scoring 80+ points. Efficiency has been a key as well, posting an 8–1 record when shooting a higher FG percentage than the opponent. Fast starts also are key for the Aggies, as they enter the week 7–3 when leading or tied at halftime.
• Disruptive Defense: Defense remains the Aggies' foundation. UC Davis ranks first in the Big West and among the national leaders in steals per game, using pressure to generate extra possessions rather than relying solely on half-court stops.
  • 8.1 steals per game (2nd Big West, 83rd NCAA)
  • 49th nationally in turnovers forced per game
  • Two games with 20+ forced turnovers
  • Season-high 28 turnovers forced vs. Pacific Union
• Sharing the Rock: Ball movement continues to drive UC Davis' offensive efficiency. The Aggies play through multiple options and consistently generate high-quality looks.
  • 16.6 assists per game (3rd Big West, 72nd NCAA)
  • 55.5% effective FG percentage (60th NCAA)
  • 10+ assists in every game
  • Three games with 20+ assists
  • Seven straight games with 15+ assists
  • Five different Aggies are averaging double figures
• Cooking With Connor: Connor Sevilla has been one of UC Davis' most efficient perimeter options this season. He is averaging 14.2 points per game and leads the Big West in three-point percentage, connecting on 45.3 percent of his attempts from deep. Sevilla's shooting efficiency has placed him among the national leaders in three-point percentage, where he ranks No. 14 in the country.
• Cooper's Leap: Nils Cooper has emerged as UC Davis' most efficient scorer through the early portion of conference play. Over the last two games, Cooper averaged 18.5 points per contest while shooting 63.2 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line. He also led the team in rebounding during that span, averaging 7.0 rebounds per game. On the season, Cooper is averaging 14.6 points per game and ranks second in the Big West in field goal percentage, and No. 67 nationally. Cooper scored a team-high 19 points at UC Santa Barbara.
• Chappell Does it All: Isaiah Chappell continues to contribute across multiple areas for UC Davis. Over the last two games, Chappell averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while logging over 24 minutes per contest. For the season, Chappell has shown the ability to stretch the floor, with five made three-pointers over the last two games and 2.19 per game on the season, which ranks 9th in the conference.
• Niko The Anchor: Niko Rocak provides the interior presence for UC Davis, averaging 9.5 points and a team-high 5.3 rebounds per game. Rocak serves as the defensive safety net, ranking third in the Big West with 25 total blocks (1.67 per game). He has four games with 3+ blocks on the season and is coming off a two-block effort against the Gauchos.
• Marcus Making His Mark: Marcus Wilson has been a steady contributor during conference play, particularly as a facilitator. Over the last two games, Wilson averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 assists per game, leading the team in assists during that span. Wilson on the season ranks 4th in the conference in assist/turnover ratio.
• Floor General Fagbemi: Brayden Fagbemi continues to direct UC Davis' offense while providing defensive disruption. Over the last two games, he averaged 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He also pulled down 5.0 rebounds per game in that span. On the season, Fagbemi leads the Big West in steals per game and ranks 24th nationally in steal percentage, and 23rd in assist rate.
• Big West Legacy: Head Coach Jim Les continues to cement his legacy as one of the top coaches in conference history.
  • 121 career Big West victories
  • 8th all-time in conference history
  • One of three active Big West coaches with 100+ league wins (Eran Ganot & Russ Turner)
  • One of 10 coaches in conference history to reach the century mark
• Vogt Earns National Recognition: Assistant Coach Kyle Vogt was recently named to the Silver Waves Media "Top 100 Mid-Major Assistant Coaches and GMs" list. Now in his 14th season with the program, Vogt has been instrumental in building the Aggies' defensive identity. Under his guidance, the UC Davis defense has ranked inside the top 50 nationally in forcing turnovers in six of the last eight seasons.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS

• Cal State Fullerton enters the week riding a two-game winning streak and a Big West Player of the Week honor for Christian Williams.
• The Titans play with pace and pressure, ranking No. 4 nationally in fastbreak points and leading the Big West in scoring offense, steals per game, turnover margin, turnovers forced, and assist-to-turnover ratio. 
• The matchup carries ties to UC Davis history as Fullerton head coach Dedrique Taylor previously served as an assistant coach at UC Davis (2000-01) and was a member of Aggie teams (1995-97) that combined for a 43–16 record and two NCAA Regional appearances. Aggie Associate Head Coach Kevin Nosek and Taylor were teammates during that stretch.
• UC Irvine enters the week leading the conference with a 5-1 mark in Big West play while being 12-6 overall.
• The Anteaters have one of the best defenses in the country, ranking No. 4 nationally in blocks per game, and No. 6 in scoring defense.
• Kyle Evans ranks first in the country in total blocks and blocks per game, while Jurian Dixon ranks fifth in the Big West in points per game, averaging 15.8 per contest.

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.