California State University-Fresno Men's Basketball

University President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval named Vance Walberg as the 20th head men's basketball coach at Fresno State on Saturday, April 6. We...

A former player under Vance Walberg and coach alongside him, Chris Stahowski returned to the Central Valley, joining Walberg’s staff as an assistant coach in April 2024. Most recently, Stahowski was the lead assistant at Scottsdale Community College (2019-23) where he helped run the system that he learned under Walberg. Scottsdale won back-to-back region championships, the program’s first and second in its 50-year history. Stahowski has also coached at Lee County HS in Leesburg, Georgia (2013-2019), and locally at Central HS (2011-12), Madera HS (2006-08) and Fresno City College (2003-06). During the 2004-05 season, he helped FCC win the California state championship and post an undefeated 34-0 record. It was just the third time in the state’s history that a team had gone undefeated in a season. He also founded an operated Organized Chaos for eight years, an AAU organization in Fresno for players from the Central Valley. Stahowski is a 2007 graduate of Fresno State and holds a Master’s degree in Athletic Administration from UC Irvine (2015-17).

Last Updated: Nov. 1, 2024 Elijah Hill enters his first season as the Director of Player Development for the Fresno State men's basketball program. He previo...

Longtime NBA assistant coach John Welch was named the associate head coach for Fresno State men’s basketball in April 2024. Welch spent the 2023-24 season on John Calipari’s staff at Kentucky. He helped the Wildcats to a 23-10 record, tying for second in the SEC. The ‘Cats earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. He was tasked with serving as a vital part of Calipari’s offensive strategy, while being a primary contributor to UK’s scouting and game-planning. Welch was integral in the development and implementation of all individual on-court player training. This included individual workouts and film sessions to improve skills, decision making and efficiency. With Welch, Kentucky’s offense ranked as one of the best in the nation, finishing first in 3-point percentage (40.9%), second in scoring offense (89.0 PPG), fourth in fastbreak points (15.4 PPG) and sixth in field goal percentage (49.5%). Welch has served as an assistant coach in the NBA for nearly 20 years and spent almost 10 years on a collegiate staff prior to moving into the professional ranks. He has worked under notable coaches such as Doc Rivers, George Karl, Jason Kidd, Hubie Brown and Jerry Tarkanian. In his last NBA role, he was a part of the Los Angeles Clippers staff that advanced to the playoffs twice, including moving on to the Western Conference semifinals in 2020. Prior to his stop in Los Angeles, he spent time with the Sacramento Kings (2015-16). He was also a part of staffs with the Brooklyn Nets (2013

Last Updated: July 2, 2024 Nate Leal is in his sixth season as the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations and 12th season overall working for the Fresno Sta...

Ray Barefield returned to his hometown and joined Fresno State’s men’s basketball program as an assistant coach in April 2024. Barefield played a vital role ...

Men's BasketballSkip AdStamps, ToryBarefield, RayHill, ElijahJohnson, TylerLeal, NateStahowski, ChrisStamps, ToryWalberg, VanceWelch, John

Fresno State men’s basketball head coach Vance Walberg is proud to announce the addition of former Bulldog standout and NBA veteran Tyler Johnson to the Bulldogs’ coaching staff as an assistant coach. A Fresno State alumnus, Johnson returns to his alma mater bringing a wealth of experience from his nine-year professional basketball career, including stints with the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs. In addition to his NBA tenure, Johnson also competed overseas in the NBL. “We’re thrilled to welcome Tyler Johnson back to Fresno State,” said Walberg. “As a former Bulldog and a proven professional, Tyler brings tremendous knowledge, passion, and a deep connection to this program. His career through the professional ranks is something our team can benefit from.” Johnson played at Fresno State from 2010-14, where he emerged as a key leader for the Bulldogs and was a two-time All-Mountain West selection. He finished his collegiate career ranked among the program’s top performers in scoring, assists, and steals. He is currently ranked 20th all-time in program history with 1,346 career points. “I am excited to have the opportunity to come back to the Valley,” Johnson said. “I am looking forward to being a part of the transformation of this program.”