DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis will host Hawai'i on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the University Credit Union Center for the final home game of the season. The Aggies picked up a key road win Saturday at UC Riverside, 78-73, improving to 17-11 overall and 10-7 in Big West play. Connor Sevilla led the way with 22 points, while Jalen Stokes added 16. 

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW
Feb. 26 – vs. Hawai'i | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 96.1FM HD3 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)

GAME NOTES

• The Big West Race is On: UC Davis enters the final stretch of the regular season at 10-7 in Big West play, just one game back of a three-way tie for first place. With three games remaining, the Aggies remain firmly in contention for a top seed in the conference tournament. A win over Hawai'i would pull UC Davis level with the top of the standings and provide valuable head-to-head positioning, while the regular season finale at UC Irvine could serve as a decisive game for seeding. The Aggies will also be keeping a close eye on results around the league, particularly games involving Hawai'i, UC Irvine, and CSUN, as multiple tiebreaker scenarios remain in play.
• Numbers to Know: The Aggies have established a blueprint for success this season, posting an 8-1 record when they reach the 80-point mark. Defensively, the team is equally dominant when controlling the glass and the perimeter, holding an 8-0 record when keeping opponents under 40% shooting from the field. Efficiency remains the ultimate indicator for this group, as they boast a 14-1 record when finishing with a higher field goal percentage than their opposition.
• Disruptive Defense: UC Davis continues to hang its hat on a high-pressure defensive identity that ranks among the best in the country. The Aggies force an average of 14.86 turnovers per game, ranking 19th nationally and second in the Big West, while averaging 8.0 steals per contest, which ranks 61st nationally and first in the conference. That pressure consistently disrupts opposing offenses and fuels transition opportunities. The Aggies notably rank 16th in the country in non-steal turnover percentage, adding more context to the Aggies' ability to force turnovers in a multitude of ways.
• Sharing the Rock: Ball movement remains the cornerstone of the Aggie offense, as UC Davis ranks 63rd nationally and fourth in the Big West with 16.1 assists per game. The Aggies assist on 61.7% of their made field goals, a mark that ranks 20th in the country, and six players average at least 8.6 points per game, underscoring the team's balance. UC Davis has recorded 10 or more assists in every game this season.
• Protecting Home Court: The University Credit Union Center has become a true fortress this season, with UC Davis boasting a stellar 12-3 home record. Along with this, superstitions are part of the game, and the Aggies have found success in their lighter threads this season. The Aggies are 8-3 when wearing white uniforms and 3-1 record when wearing Tahoe Blue.
• Big West Legacy: Head Coach Jim Les continues to cement his legacy as one of the top coaches in conference history
  • 129 career Big West victories
  • 7th all-time in conference history
  • One of three active Big West coaches with 100+ league wins (Eran Ganot and Russ Turner)
  • 227 total wins at UC Davis, passing Jerry Pimm on the all-time list on Saturday, Jan. 31
• Vogt Earns National Recognition: Assistant Coach Kyle Vogt was named to the Silver Waves Media Top 100 Mid-Major Assistant Coaches and GMs list. Vogt has been instrumental in building the Aggies' defensive identity, with UC Davis ranking inside the top 50 nationally in forcing turnovers in six of the last eight seasons.
• Cooking With Connor: Connor Sevilla has established himself as one of the Big West's most reliable perimeter scorers and closers. Sevilla leads the conference and ranks 26th nationally in free-throw percentage, shooting 89.4%, while also averaging 2.33 three-pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the Big West. Sevilla is also shooting 42.6% from three-point range on the season, ranking first in the conference.
• Cooper's Continued Ascent: Nils Cooper is leading the team with a 54.9% field goal percentage while averaging 12.3 points per game. His efficiency has him fourth in the conference in field goal percentage. Cooper has also provided value across the board with 41 steals, which ranks eighth in the Big West. Last week against Fullerton, he matched his career-high with 26 points against the Titans.
• Niko the Anchor: Niko Rocak leads UC Davis with 42 total blocks, averaging 1.56 blocks per game, which ranks third in the Big West. Rocak is shooting 54.1% from the field and is tied for the team lead at 5.0 rebounds per game. He has recorded three or more blocks in six games this season. Thursday will serve as Rocak's final game inside the University Credit Union Center. In home contests throughout his Aggie career, Rocak is averaging... Highlighting Rocak's home resume this season was a monsterous 13 point, 11 rebound, 4 steal, 4 block night against Idaho in UC Davis' 74-66 win back on December 18 of 2025. Thursday night is Niko's 60th game inside the University Credit Union Center.
• Marcus Making His Mark: Marcus Wilson is averaging 11.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, and ranks among the Big West leaders with 113 total assists. Wilson earned Big West Player of the Week on February 9, after back-to-back 24-point performances against UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly.
• Stokes Stepping Up: Freshman Jalen Stokes is averaging 4.7 points and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 87.8% from the free throw line. In Big West games, Stokes is averaging 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds, while shooting 88.9% at the stripe.
• Call on Carl: Carl Daughtery Jr. is averaging 9.9 points per game and shooting 43.4% from three-point range this season. In Big West play, that number jumps to 45.3% from deep, continuing to make him one of UC Davis' most dangerous perimeter threats. Daughtery Jr. along with Rocak, make up the two Aggie seniors being recognized for Senior Night. Daughtery Jr. is in his second season with UC Davis and has notably reached double figure scoring 30 times throughout his college career, where he also featured for two seasons prior at Central Arkansas. Thursday will be Daughtery Jr.'s 27th game in front of the Aggie faithful at the University Credit Union Center.
• Player Trends to Watch: Brayden Fagbemi leads UC Davis with 4.3 assists per game and 49 total steals, ranking second in the Big West at 1.88 steals per game. Isaiah Chappell is averaging 8.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, providing versatility on both ends, while freshman Omer Suljanovic continues to add frontcourt depth, averaging 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

ABOUT THE OPPONENTS

• Hawai'i leads the all-time series at 12-16, winning the last matchup earlier this season in Hawai'i, 75-69 back on Dec. 4, 2025.
• The Rainbow Warriors are known for their defense, and rebounding, ranking fourth nationally in three-point percentage defense, and 11th in defensive rebounds per game. 
• Hawai'i enters the week with a 19-7 record overall, and an 11-5 mark in conference.
• Dre Bullock and Isaac Johnson pace the unit offensively, each averaging 13.3 points per game.

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.