SportsLine/Lindy's reports
Nov. 12, 1999

Left for dead following an 0-8 start to the 1998-99 season, the Gauchos rallied to win 15 of their last 20 and earn the West title.

The winning season snapped a five-year stretch of losing marks. UCSB's three returning starters, top returning reserve and top JC recruit play on the perimeter, which means a largely untested frontcourt will need to step up in a big way.

Look for a mid-pack finish.

Keep an eye on

Brandon Payton, brother of the Seattle SuperSonics' Gary Payton, who switched from the point to the shooting guard last season and finished fourth on the team in scoring. Earned Big West All-Freshman honors in 1997-1998.

Gauchos at a glance

Boise St. Cal Poly SLO Cal State Fullerton UC Irvine UC Santa Barbara Idaho Long Beach St. New Mexico St. Nevada North Texas Pacific Utah St.

Returning starters (3):
Derrick Allen, G, 6-0, 195, Sr. (6.7 ppg, 4.2 apg)
Erick Ashe, G, 6-2, 175, Sr. (10.6 ppg, 2.6 apg, 2.4 rpg)
Larry Bell, G, 6-2, 210, Sr. (3.6 ppg, 4.3 apg)

Returning key reserves:
Brandon Payton, G, 6-0, 160, Jr. (9.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
Adama Ndiaye, F, 6-9, 220, Jr. (3.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
Mike Vukovich, F, 6-9, 235, Jr. (2.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg)

Newcomers to watch:
Mark Hull, F, 6-6, 185
Ross Carmichael, F, 6-9, 245
Juliano Jordani, F, 6-7, 235

Starters lost (2):
B.J. Bunton, F, 6-7, 220 (17.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg)
Josh Merrill, F, 6-9, 235 (13.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg)

Schedule