DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis closed out January with a win over Cal State Bakersfield, and now looks ahead to a crucial two-game home stand, hosting UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly.

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW
Feb. 5 – vs. UC Santa Barbara | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)
Feb. 7 – vs. Cal Poly | ESPN+ | Live Stats | Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 | @ucdavismbb (X/Instagram)

GAME NOTES

• By the Numbers: The Aggies have established a definitive blueprint for success this season, moving to a perfect 7-0 record when they reach the 80-point mark. Defensively, the team is equally dominant when controlling the glass and the perimeter, holding a 5-0 record when keeping opponents under 40% shooting from the field. Efficiency remains the ultimate indicator for this group, as they boast a 10-1 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 nation. The Aggies force an average of 14.55 turnovers per game, which ranks 40th in the NCAA and second in the Big West. This disruption is fueled by active hands and high-level anticipation, leading to 7.8 steals per contest, a mark that ranks 86th nationally. Over the last five games, the Aggies have maintained this intensity, averaging nearly seven steals per game and forcing 15 turnovers in their most recent win.
• Sharing the Rock: Ball movement is the cornerstone of the Aggie offense, which currently ranks 63rd in the country with 16.3 assists per game. The team's unselfish culture is further evidenced by a 61.3% assist-to-field-goal-made ratio, ranking 23rd in the nation. This distribution-heavy approach has allowed six different players to average at least 9.5 points per game, making the Aggies a deep offensive team. The team has shown incredible consistency in this area, recording 10 or more assists in every single game this season.
• Protecting Home Court: The University Credit Union Center has become a true fortress this season, with UC Davis boasting a stellar 9-3 home record. Along with this, superstitions are part of the game, and the Aggies have found success in their lighter threads this season. The team holds a strong 6-3 record when wearing white uniforms and a 3-1 record when wearing Tahoe Blue.
• Cooking With Connor: Connor Sevilla has established himself as one of the most lethal perimeter threats and reliable "closers" in the Big West. Sevilla leads the conference and ranks 41st nationally in free-throw accuracy, shooting a blistering 88.9%. He is coming off a sensational performance against Cal State Bakersfield, where he dropped 22 points and went a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. Averaging 13.8 points per game, Sevilla also ranks fifth in the conference for total three-point field goals made and first in percentage at 44.7%.
• Cooper's Leap: Nils Cooper remains the gold standard for efficiency in the Aggie lineup, leading the team with a 56.3% field goal percentage, a mark that ranks third in the Big West, while averaging 14.0 points per game. Cooper is a legitimate two-way star who currently ranks eighth in the Big West in steals per game (1.62). His consistency is his greatest asset; over the last five games, he has maintained his high-efficiency scoring at 55.3% from the floor. Cooper has now reached double-figure scoring 20 times in his collegiate career.
• Chappell Does it All: Isaiah Chappell continues to contribute across multiple areas, now averaging 9.8 points per game while draining 2.0 threes per contest. Chappell has been vital on the glass, averaging 4.8 rebounds per game and pulling down 4.1 defensive boards per outing to end possessions.
• Niko The Anchor: Niko Rocak provides the interior muscle for UC Davis, leading the team and ranking third in the Big West with 32 total blocks (1.52 per game). Rocak is more than just a rim protector; he is shooting 55.0% from the floor and leads the team with 5.5 rebounds per game. He has been particularly active lately, averaging 6.2 rebounds over his last five outings, providing a steady veteran presence in the paint.
• Marcus Making His Mark: Marcus Wilson has quickly developed into a premier facilitator and defensive pest. Wilson ranks second in the Big West in total assists (85) and has maintained a strong 1.89 assist-to-turnover ratio. He is coming off a defensive masterclass against Cal State Bakersfield where he recorded a career-high five steals. Wilson also showcased his vision recently by tallying a career-high eight assists against CSUN on January 29
• Stokes Stepping Up: Freshman Jalen Stokes has seen his role expand significantly, earning his first start in Big West play on January 31 against Cal State Bakersfield. Stokes responded to the opportunity with a career-high performance in conference action, logging 13 points and 5 rebounds while shooting 7-for-8 from the charity stripe
• Call on Carl: Carl Daughtery Jr. has provided an essential spark off the bench, particularly in conference play where his shooting has reached elite levels. While he shoots 45.3% from deep for the season, that number jumps to a staggering 48.9% in Big West games. Daughtery Jr. has reached double figures in three of his last five games, including a 15-point effort against Bakersfield as he joined the starting lineup alongside Stokes.
• Player Trends to Watch: Brayden Fagbemi remains a vital component of the Aggie rotation, leading the team in both assists per game (4.2) and total steals (37). He currently ranks third in the Big West with a 1.98 assist-to-turnover ratio. Isaiah Chappell continues to be a versatile force, averaging 9.5 points and ranking 11th in the Big West for defensive rebounds per game (4.14). Additionally, freshman Omer Suljanovic continues to provide valuable minutes on the frontcourt
• Big West Legacy: Head Coach Jim Les continues to cement his legacy as one of the top coaches in conference history.
  • 125 career Big West victories
  • 7th all-time in conference history
  • One of three active Big West coaches with 100+ league wins (Eran Ganot & Russ Turner)
  • 223 total wins at UC Davis, passed Jerry Pimm on all-time list on Saturday, Jan. 31
• 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

• UC Santa Barbara enters the week as one of the hottest teams in the Big West, riding a five-game win streak and powered by one of the nation's best perimeter attacks.
• The Gauchos rank 15th nationally in three-point percentage (38.7%) while also leading the conference in both effective field goal percentage (.564) and overall shooting (48.1).
• With Aidan Mahaney at the center of a balanced scoring group and consistent production from deep (9.2 threes per game), Santa Barbara's offense is built to stretch defenses and punish mistakes.
• Cal Poly also brings an aggressive offensive profile, ranking 10th nationally in three-point attempts per game and 20th in makes per game. The Mustangs are led by Hamad Mousa, who tops the Big West in scoring at 20.6 points per game, ranking 22nd nationally.
• Cal Poly plays at one of the fastest tempos in the country, ranking second nationally in adjusted offensive tempo and third in pace, creating constant pressure on opposing defenses.

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.