DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis (8-6, 1-2 Big West) heads to the Central Coast this week for a pair of crucial Big West matchups against UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly. 

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW
Jan. 8 – at UC Santa Barbara | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)
Jan. 10 – at Cal Poly | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports KYMX 96.1 FM HD3 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)

GAME NOTES

• Opening Tip: The Aggie offense will look to continue operating with strong efficiency, averaging 84.0 points per game over its last two contests. The Aggies have placed at least four players in double figures in back-to-back games, including a balanced attack against the Roadrunners where all five starters reached double digits. 
• By the Numbers: The Aggies are a perfect 5-0 this season when scoring 80 points or more. The UC Davis offense has been key to the success this season, posting a dominant 8-1 mark when shooting a higher field goal percentage than its opponent. A strong start also is key for the Aggies, posting a 5-1 record when taking a lead into halftime.
• Disruptive Defense: The Aggie defense remains one of the most disruptive units in the country. UC Davis ranks first in the Big West and 83rd nationally with 8.2 steals per game. The team has forced opponents into 20 or more turnovers twice this season, including a league-best 28 turnovers forced against Pacific Union. This pressure has UC Davis ranked 33rd in the country in turnovers forced per game.
• Sharing the Rock: UC Davis' ability to share the basketball with the depth throughout the roster has been a strength. The Aggies rank second in the Big West and 72nd nationally with 16.6 assists per game. In the last two games alone, the team has recorded 41 assists. This ball movement has led to high-percentage looks, propelling the team to rank 78th nationally in effective field goal percentage (54.9%). UC Davis has recorded 10+ assists in every game, and has recorded 20+ as a team on three different occasions.
• Big West Legacy: Head Coach Jim Les continues to cement his legacy as one of the top coaches in conference history. Les currently owns 120 career Big West victories, ranking No. 8 on the all-time wins list. He is one of only two active coaches (Russell Turner: UCI, 183) with more than 100 conference wins and is just the ninth coach in the history of the Big West 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.
• Cooking With Connor: Connor Sevilla has been the team's most potent offensive weapon to start the new year. Over the last two games, Sevilla is averaging a team-high 17.5 points per game while shooting an incredible 61.9 percent from the field. He has been lethal from long range, connecting on 8-of-14 (57.1%) three-pointers in that span. Sevilla enters the week leading the Big West in three-point percentage (46.6%) and is currently flirting with the rare "50-40-85" shooting splits for the season.
• Cooper's Leap: Nils Cooper continues to find ways to impact the game. Cooper is averaging 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds over the last two games, doing most of his damage from the charity stripe where he is 12-of-14 (85.7%) in that span. On the season, Cooper is averaging 14.3 points per game, and ranks No. 2 in the Big West in field goal percentage.
• Chappell Does it All: Isaiah Chappell is playing the best basketball of his career entering the heart of conference play. Chappell is averaging 15.5 points per game over his last two contests, matching Sevilla with 8-of-14 (57.1%) shooting from beyond the arc. He has scored in double figures in back-to-back games—16 against CSUN and 15 against Bakersfield—while continuing to crash the glass (3.5 rpg). His ability to stretch the floor as a forward has been a key factor in the Aggies' recent offensive output.
• Niko The Anchor: Niko Rocak provides the interior presence for UC Davis, averaging 9.5 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game over the last two contests. Rocak serves as the defensive safety net, ranking third in the Big West with 23 total blocks (1.6 per game). His activity in the paint has been crucial, as he pulled down 13 rebounds combined against CSUN and Bakersfield. He has four games with 3+ blocks on the season.
• Marcus Making His Mark: Marcus Wilson has been hyper-efficient from the perimeter in conference play. Over the last two games, Wilson is averaging 15.0 points while shooting 71.4 percent (5-of-7) from three-point range. He is also dishing out 4.5 assists per game in this stretch with a strong 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Wilson's spacing and decision-making have helped the Aggies average 16.6 assists per game on the season, which ranks second in the Big West.
• Floor General Fagbemi: Brayden Fagbemi is distributing the ball at an elite level. He has recorded 14 assists (7.0 per game) over the last two contests, directing an offense that has scored 168 points in that span. Defensively, he remains the Big West's premier pest, leading the conference and ranking 33rd nationally with 2.25 steals per game. Fagbemi ranks No. 9 nationally in assist rate, and No. 10 in steal percentage.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS

• UC Santa Barbara enters the matchup at 9-6. The Gauchos currently are the top shooting team in the conference, as they rank first in the Big West in both three-point percentage (37.0%) and free-throw percentage (76.9%), while sitting third in effective field goal percentage.
• They complement this shooting touch with a physical presence, ranking second in the league in rebound margin (+6.3).
• Aidan Mahaney leads the attack, averaging 14.9 points per game while ranking inside the top 10 of the conference in field goals made.
• Zion Sensley anchors the frontcourt, averaging 10.3 points and ranking third in the Big West with 7.7 rebounds per game.
• The Gauchos feature a balanced lineup with four players (Mahaney, Colin Smith, CJ Shaw, and Sensley) averaging double figures in scoring.
• Cal Poly enters the week at 6-10 on the season. The Mustangs are known for their shooting as well, ranking 13th in the country in three-point attempts.
• The Mustangs are led by conference leading scorer, Hamad Mousa, who is averaging 20.9 points per game.
• Mousa is joined by two other scorers averaging more than 15 points a game in the form of Peter Bandelj (15.2) and Cayden Ward (15.1).
• Family Connection: Ylan Esso-Essis' twin brother Jess is on the Mustang roster.

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.