By David Aliaga
Staff Writer

The CSUB men’s basketball team gave fans a preview of the upcoming season as they hosted the Blue and Gold Scrimmage presented by Hall Ambulance at the Icardo Center on Saturday, October, 12, 2013 at 6:00PM. The event was held to promote the ‘Runners highly anticipated season as fans look forward to what could be CSUB’s most successful and exciting basketball year.
The function was welcoming to the public as fans were greeted with complimentary food, parking, and admission. CSUB attracted a large crowd filled with excited fans as they were given a sneak peak to the school’s new era of basketball.

The night began with the men’s basketball team being divided into two separate squads, the blue team and the gold team. Both teams went head to head in a full basketball scrimmage. Though the scrimmage had no statistical value, the teams showed their inner will to win while demonstrating great competitiveness.

Issiah Grayson, CSUB’s senior point guard and captain said, “I feel like these guys really want to win. We all have the same mind set, and everyone wants to win.”

With the team sharing the same common goal and determination, the upcoming season looks promising for the ‘Runners.

When asked about the team’s chemistry on and off the court, Grayson continued by saying, “We’re like brothers. We do everything together. We go to the mall together, we eat together. It’s a brotherhood man.”

Following the scrimmage, the team entertained the crowd with a dunk contest as the ferocious dunkers brought the fans to their feet with excitement. After the dunk contest, the fans were able to meet the team while they autographed posters. The night concluded with a team picture as the ‘Runners smiled widely with high hopes for the season.

“This year, we have more of a team. We have the depth that we need, and we also have players coming back from injury. It gives us a better chance in winning,” said Coach Barnes.

With Issiah Grayson back from injury, and him being a key part of the offense, his presence on the court changes things for the ‘Runners as his leadership and court awareness was one of the major troubles that the team faced last year.

“He’s a guy with a lot of experience and he understands what we need to do to win, and the guys respect him as a leader,” said Coach Barnes on Issiah Grayson.

Sophomore forward Erik Kinney, also added, “I really like this year’s team. Our chemistry is coming along. Having Issiah back brings back the chemistry.”

Grayson’s feel for the game as a true point guard will be a key factor in bringing the ‘Runners to a winning season once again. As mentioned by teammates and Coach Barnes, the ‘Runners are looking forward in the return of their starting point guard.
At the end of the night, coach Rod Barnes was pleased with the outcome of the event as he personally thanked fans’ for their support as they headed for the exit.