http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/bulldogs/story/7928454p-8804532c.html
'Dogs suspend Major
For violating team policy, Renaldo Major becomes the third player disciplined this season.
By Jeff Passan
The Fresno Bee
(Published Monday, December 22, 2003, 5:58 AM)
Discipline problems struck the Fresno State men's basketball team again Sunday when leading scorer Renaldo Major was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team policy.
Major, a senior, became the third Bulldog suspended by coach Ray Lopes this season. His absence leaves a 14.9-point-per-game hole tonight at 7 when Fresno State hosts Washington State at the Save Mart Center.
Lopes last week lifted the suspension of guard Terry Pettis, who practiced for the first time Saturday after spending 30 days in a substance-abuse program. Forward Jonathan Woods returned from a three-game suspension the previous week.
Just when Lopes thought he could tinker with a full roster -- a season-high 11 players were on it after Reggie Butler gained academic eligibility last week -- he lost Major on the eve of playing the third-stingiest defense in the country.
"It definitely stunts our growth," Lopes said. "We don't have anybody on the floor in games. Sometimes we don't have anybody in practice."
In late November, Lopes benched Major, Woods and forward Chris Adams in a 69-64 loss at Santa Clara because the trio missed a practice.
The 6-foot-7 Major, who did not return phone messages, emerged in the second half of last season as one of Fresno State's go-to players. Just as important this season, he backs up Shantay Legans at point guard.
Major averages 35.1 minutes per game, quite a sum to fill from a Fresno State bench that has contributed zero points in two of the past three games. Four junior-college recruits relegated to bench roles could see an increase in playing time.
If Lopes opts to use Woods at the wing position, Adams, forward Francis Koffi or center Jack Marlow could grab Major's minutes. If Woods stays in the post, swingman Dreike Bouldin could step in.
Butler, an untested sophomore, remains a possibility. And then, of course, there's Pettis, whom Lopes on Sunday called "rusty." Pettis' return, Lopes said, is predicated on how the sophomore plays in practice.
"Terry will come back when I feel like he's ready for competition," Lopes said.
Asked if that could be as early as today, Lopes said: "I don't think so. I'm not predicting anything."
Pettis is a natural fit as Legans' backup. Until he plays, though, Lopes could turn to the 6-5 Marcus West or even the 6-7 Woods should Legans get into foul trouble or need a breather.
"One guy's misfortune is another's opportunity," Lopes said. "We've been down this road before. Somebody will step up."
The reporter can be reached at jpassan@fresnobee.com or 441-6400.
'Dogs suspend Major
For violating team policy, Renaldo Major becomes the third player disciplined this season.
By Jeff Passan
The Fresno Bee
(Published Monday, December 22, 2003, 5:58 AM)
Discipline problems struck the Fresno State men's basketball team again Sunday when leading scorer Renaldo Major was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team policy.
Major, a senior, became the third Bulldog suspended by coach Ray Lopes this season. His absence leaves a 14.9-point-per-game hole tonight at 7 when Fresno State hosts Washington State at the Save Mart Center.
Lopes last week lifted the suspension of guard Terry Pettis, who practiced for the first time Saturday after spending 30 days in a substance-abuse program. Forward Jonathan Woods returned from a three-game suspension the previous week.
Just when Lopes thought he could tinker with a full roster -- a season-high 11 players were on it after Reggie Butler gained academic eligibility last week -- he lost Major on the eve of playing the third-stingiest defense in the country.
"It definitely stunts our growth," Lopes said. "We don't have anybody on the floor in games. Sometimes we don't have anybody in practice."
In late November, Lopes benched Major, Woods and forward Chris Adams in a 69-64 loss at Santa Clara because the trio missed a practice.
The 6-foot-7 Major, who did not return phone messages, emerged in the second half of last season as one of Fresno State's go-to players. Just as important this season, he backs up Shantay Legans at point guard.
Major averages 35.1 minutes per game, quite a sum to fill from a Fresno State bench that has contributed zero points in two of the past three games. Four junior-college recruits relegated to bench roles could see an increase in playing time.
If Lopes opts to use Woods at the wing position, Adams, forward Francis Koffi or center Jack Marlow could grab Major's minutes. If Woods stays in the post, swingman Dreike Bouldin could step in.
Butler, an untested sophomore, remains a possibility. And then, of course, there's Pettis, whom Lopes on Sunday called "rusty." Pettis' return, Lopes said, is predicated on how the sophomore plays in practice.
"Terry will come back when I feel like he's ready for competition," Lopes said.
Asked if that could be as early as today, Lopes said: "I don't think so. I'm not predicting anything."
Pettis is a natural fit as Legans' backup. Until he plays, though, Lopes could turn to the 6-5 Marcus West or even the 6-7 Woods should Legans get into foul trouble or need a breather.
"One guy's misfortune is another's opportunity," Lopes said. "We've been down this road before. Somebody will step up."
The reporter can be reached at jpassan@fresnobee.com or 441-6400.
