After a 1998 season that saw Azusa Pacific go 34-5, win 17 consecutive games, collect their 6th straight Golden State Athletic Conference title, their 2nd straight GSAC Tournament title, finish the season ranked No. 3 in the NAIA, grab the No. 1 seed at the NAIA Tournament and advance to the NAIA Final Four, the Cougars are ready for the 1999 season, where they look to grab the one title that eluded them in 1998; the NAIA National Title.

Head Coach Bill Odell, who is 188-54 in his career at APU and 171-40 in the last 6 years, has put together what may be his most talented team at Azusa Pacific. The Cougars return 7 players from last season, including a pair of starters, and welcome 2 JC transfers, 1 redshirt freshman, a Div. I transfer, an NAIA transfer and one of the top international youth players.

The two returning starters for Azusa Pacific- T.J. Walker- 6-0, Sr., G- Walker was the GSAC Player of the Year and an NAIA First Team all-American as a junior last season. He has been selected to every preseason NAIA All-American First Team. He is arguably the premier point guard in the NAIA.

Jason Boswell- 6-3, Sr., G- Boswell, the most experienced Cougar starter (started the past 2 seasons) is probably the best outside shooter on the team. He should push for all-conference recognition.

The other returners:

Justin Leslie- 6-8, Jr., C- Leslie is the projected starter at center. Tall and lanky but is a great defensive player and good rebounder, and teams best shot-blocker. Has great outside shot for a big man.

Matt Reed- 6-8, Sr., C- Reed will provide plenty of minutes off the bench. Is a big body in the middle and can bang with the best of them. Had great game against Utah and Michael Doleac/Hanno Mottola combo last season.

Jon Dean- 6-1, Sr., G- Dean is another great shooter who can contribute valuable minutes at both the point and shooting guard. Dishes the ball out well.

Brian Gianello, 6-4, Sr., F- Gianello had to sit out much of last season while trying to gain eligibility but has had a good preseason and could contribute because he is so athletic.

Corey Smith, 6-4, So., F/G- Smith had a great postseason in 1998 during his freshman season. Twice in the postseason hit 5 3-pointers in a game and was the second leading 3-point shooter during the NAIA National Tournament. Can play good defense and when his shot is on, is dangerous.

The newcomers:

Kevin Daley, 6-6, Jr., F- Daley is the most heralded newcomer on the Cougars. A transfer from UCLA, where he spent the past 2 seasons, Daley is probably going to be the most exciting player in the conference. One of the most athletic players to play in Azusa, Daley is projected to start at the 4 for the Cougars. He has had a tremendous preseason and could contend for postseason honors. He was stuck at the small forward position for the Bruins but can now play a power forward position for the Cougars where his size isnt as important.

Damian Raibon, 6-4, Jr., F- Raibon, a transfer from Irvine Valley College, signed with San Francisco out of high school, but later left. At IVC, was all conference. He is projected as the starter at the small forward/wing position. Might be the best defensive player on the team.

Owen Healy, 6-5, Jr., F- Healy played a season at CS San Bernardino, but transferred to San Bernardino Valley College, before coming to APU. Healy is the strongest player on the Cougars and can play both the 3 and the 4.

Jerome Joseph, 6-0, Jr., G- Joseph was an NAIA all-Southwest Regional First Team pick while at The Master’s College last season. He averaged 17 points for the Mustangs and now will compete for the backup point and shooting guard spots for the Cougars. He will play several minutes, and will probably be the 6th man, but may start if the Cougars decide to go small.

Ryan Smith, 6-3, Fr., G- Smith, the younger brother of Corey, will see action at the shooting guard spot, but because of his youth and inexperience, may not see a whole lot of time. An outstanding shooter like his brother, he is an improving defender.

Gary Dredge, 6-8, Fr., C- Dredge comes to the Cougars with impressive credentials. He was the Ireland Junior National Basketball Player of the Year last season and is one of the best freshman big men to come to APU. As he adjusts to the Cougars game, his playing time will increase.

The Cougars have been picked between 2 and 6 in the NAIA Preseason Polls. They are the consensus No. 2 team in the NAIA behind defending national champion Georgetown (Ky.) They are picked to win their 7th straight GSAC title and will battle Westmont and Biola for that crown.

Their schedule is tough again, with games against NCAA Div. I runner-up Utah and Andre Miller (the Utes season opener), 3-time NCAA Div. II champion Cal State Bakersfield, Div. II member Hawaii Pacific and then the GSAC schedule.