The Bulldog Basketball Hour With Matt Norvell, Coach Jamie White & Players Avery Watkins, Elif Dila Bayrak & Rayna Williams

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:02):
On the Bulldog Sports Network from Learfield. Welcome to the
Bulldog Basketball Hour, brought to you by Table Mountain Casino Resort,
Lucky Days and Epic Nights, bud Light, Easy to Drink,
Easy to Enjoy and buy, Pepsi, official soft drink of
Fresno State Athletics. Live from crowin Wolf tap Room in Clovis.

(00:24):
Here's Matt Norvil.

Speaker 2 (00:28):
And good evening and welcome to Croling Wolf five twenty
six Spruce Avenue here in Clovis. Thanks for listening on
AM thirteen forty Fox Sports Radio or the iHeart app.
It is the Bulldog Basketball Hour. I am at Norble
talking with Presno State Women's basketball at coach Jamie White.
We've got a three student athletes that will be chatting
with the next couple of segments, but first let's talk

(00:48):
with Fresno basketball head coach Jamie White. You guys have
won four of your last six since we've talked. You've
won two of your last three, knocked off CSU Bakersfield
and Northern Arizona most recently just fell to UNLV in Vegas.
So talk me through what's been going on really the
last two and a half three weeks.

Speaker 3 (01:05):
Yeah, well I think we we you know, kind of
got used to preseason and got comfortable with all of
our new players, and you know, played a really good
game against Bakersfield and then a really good Innau team,
which was a really good win. I really I felt
like our players, especially towards the last half of the

(01:26):
well of the fourth quarter, just really bought in and
and competed and played aggressive and really played bulldog basketball.

Speaker 4 (01:34):
So I was really proud of him.

Speaker 3 (01:35):
Good to go home on a on a positive note
and have a good Christmas break and then back to
go to UNLV and start on the road. Not ideal
to start on the road in conference, but and and
not ideal to start with the team that's won the.

Speaker 4 (01:50):
League last couple of years.

Speaker 3 (01:52):
So although I think, you know, we had some good moments,
I think it was a good start because when you
play the one of the better teams, you know that
first game you can learn a lot and move on
from there.

Speaker 4 (02:05):
So we're we're moving on from there.

Speaker 2 (02:08):
Let's I don't before we get into the conference part
of it, Let's talk about non conference because you guys
did an excellent job of scheduling.

Speaker 5 (02:14):
I know, sometimes it's a luck of the draw how
it works out.

Speaker 2 (02:16):
But you ended up playing at three schools that were
preseason picked to win their league, and mentioned Northern Arizona,
who you beat, picked to win the Big Sky. You
took on Hawaii picked to win the Big West, and
then USC picked to win the Big Ten. And he
also threw a number one rank to UCLA. So your
non conference schedule was so good and you guys came
out of there with nine wins.

Speaker 3 (02:37):
Yeah, I mean I thought, I thought we really scheduled. Well,
that's not me, that's coach Mandy, But I thought we
did a good job for what we had. Obviously, we
saw the UCLA and the USC game and knew those
were going to be tough. But really I thought we
came together in games like the UT Martin game. I thought, again,

(02:57):
Inau is as good as any. They are conference champions
from the Big Sky Conference tournament and.

Speaker 4 (03:03):
Had knocked off they'd knocked off.

Speaker 3 (03:08):
New Mexico, They'd knocked off Colorado State, and so for
for them to come in and for us to to
really compete at that level, I was really proud of
our kids and and happy with our preseason. Obviously, we
love how we did and that it was, you know,
one of our better preseasons, but I think our kids
are still hungry.

Speaker 5 (03:28):
It was.

Speaker 4 (03:28):
It always is.

Speaker 3 (03:29):
A good sign when they get back from Christmas and
they're going hard. They're they're sweating and huffing and puffing,
but they're they're working hard and having fun and competing.

Speaker 5 (03:37):
Yeah, how do you handle that? I was?

Speaker 2 (03:39):
What I like about you is you give your kids
what they call it the winter break. They let they're
able to go home and kind of you know, decompressed
from preseason and get rejuvenated for conference. But what really
started you where you were deciding, hey, let's give the
kids Christmas off, because not every coach does.

Speaker 3 (03:56):
That, right, I mean, here's the reality is what we've
learned over the years of doing this is that kids
are beat up, you know, they they we want them
to give us everything they've got during the preseason and
knowing that they can go home and recover and recouper rate.
And I think it's been a really good formula for us.
We've usually come back from Christmas and started the conference

(04:20):
well and been fresh and ready and excited for what
the conference season brings.

Speaker 2 (04:25):
Talk about conference obviously just in full swing, you got
a game this Saturday against Wyoming, who's preseason pick to
finish second in the Mountain West. The only time you
guys see them, but you see them at the Savemart Center.
I was talking to you off the year. I think
it's going to be a tightly contested conference this season,
no doubt about it. I think you're gonna see where
home court means a lot.

Speaker 6 (04:46):
Yeah.

Speaker 3 (04:46):
I mean, I think we've got a really good group
of teams in our conference. I would say from you
know all, all the teams are tough, and every game
on the road is going to be extremely tough. So
being prepared for each game. We had a buy over
the New Year, so that's great, and then moving into

(05:07):
the next game, it gives us a little more preparation.
But then once we're done with that game, we go Wednesday, Saturday,
Wednesday Saturday for all of June and almost all of it, sorry,
all of January and all of February.

Speaker 5 (05:20):
Yeah, you do, you guys just continue to go.

Speaker 2 (05:22):
What was it like having the buy on New Year's
Because I remember with you guys a couple of years
ago that was the trip where the flights all were
all jacked up. We had to take a Wyoming charter,
and it seemed like we were spending all of Christmas
and two years on the road.

Speaker 3 (05:36):
Yeah, you know, it's nice to be at home, just
the fact that we have a little bit more time
to prepare and get ready after the Christmas break, I
don't think we had our sea legs back playing un LV,
But now that we've had a chance to practice, I
think we're gonna be be better for Wyoming on Saturday.

(05:58):
And nice that it's home, so it just gives us
a minute to catch up. And obviously having the new
year at home could be good, could be bad. A
bye is also something, you know, when everybody else is
playing a real game and we're practicing and trying to managed.

Speaker 4 (06:17):
Are we going to take a day off? Are we
going to go? Are we gonna shoot? You know? What
are we going to do? And how do we make
sure that we're ready to go on Saturday?

Speaker 2 (06:24):
Coach, Who've got a three student athletes We're gonna be
chatting within the next segment, Avery Watkins, Reina Williams and
Elie Bayrak And just talk me about those three before
we get the chance to chat with them.

Speaker 3 (06:36):
Well, I mean, I think all three have really added
to our program in different ways. By Rack has been
here for a while and just a great kid, like
works so hard, great personality or not transferred, but came
to us from Turkey and really has done just a

(06:59):
good job finding her way in Fresno, in Clovis at
Fresno State and really integrating into the community and being
a part of our team.

Speaker 6 (07:10):
And then you've.

Speaker 3 (07:11):
Got a transfer in Avery Watkins and she transferred from
the University of Hawaii and that was kind of interesting
when we had to go there and play, but just
extremely athletic, tall fits fits you know, the bill for
a couple different spots, can play the five, can play
the four, handles the ball like a perimeter player, jumps

(07:34):
out of the gym, just really bouncy and shoots at
the top of her of her reach, and so really
excited about that. She's kind of come in and had
limited minutes, but but has grown in every minute that
she's played, and we're excited to see how she continues
to grow. And then with Reyna Williams from from Texas,

(07:56):
we're so excited about her athleticism, her speed, her physicality.
She has been you know, breaking into the lineup early
she was probably one of the first ones off the
bench in the UNLV game just to match some of
that and really have seen her grow too. She got in,

(08:17):
you know, it never fails, especially at the post. You
kind of get in. You gotta take some lumps, you
gotta you know, get some fouls here and there.

Speaker 4 (08:25):
And feel what that feels like.

Speaker 3 (08:26):
But I just really think with every moment that she's
in the game, she's gotten better and really added that
athleticism and physicality underneath.

Speaker 2 (08:35):
Or we're gonna chat with those three coming up here shortly.
When you were looking into recruiting them, you kind of
talked about what they bring to the table, what you
like from them, maybe from their personality wise, and you
thought would fit with the kind of system you do.

Speaker 3 (08:48):
Yeah, I mean, I think Byraq, obviously coming from an
international type program, she's able to face, she can play
multiple positions, she's got a real good outside shot, she's
a great runner, and just resilient on the court. So
you know that's so helpful and no matter what she's doing,

(09:10):
whether it's in practice in in the games, and then
avery just her ability to jump and be able to
score over people. And we've really only seen that in
this last little while because she was kind of limited early.

Speaker 4 (09:25):
And uh, you know.

Speaker 3 (09:27):
Just fun kids, great kids that have that have connected
with each other, connected not only those three, but connected
with the team as a whole. And then Reina, I
think you know her playing in Texas, they play a
lot of games, they play year year round. They play
at a high pace and a high physicality, and I
think that's really been something that we've we've loved, loved seeing.

(09:51):
And uh, you'll have to ask her about her her
pet she brought from home.

Speaker 5 (09:57):
I'll be I know about that.

Speaker 3 (10:00):
It's important to her and it says a little bit
about her personality too.

Speaker 2 (10:05):
Okay, well, we'll definitely have to remember to ask her
about her pet, that's no doubt about it. A coach,
let's transition back to a Mountain West conference, and what
are you looking for from your team? Obviously with conference
play just starting that you're looking to still kind of
improve and tinker with as the conference season goes on.

Speaker 3 (10:21):
Yeah, well, I think offensively in the games that I
feel like we've struggled a little bit. We haven't scored early,
so a little bit better start carving out some different
ways to get to the rim to score early and
to either grab that lead or defend at a high intensity.

(10:42):
I think against in a U, we came out and
pressed early, and I just thought that really set the
pace for the game and set the tone. And our
kids were aggressive and physical and excited about that. And so,
you know, I think moving forward, I always say this
about our conference. You got to win on the road,
and you've got to be prepared. You've got to get

(11:05):
there and and get a practice in and just be
focused in business like manner. And I think our staff
does that. Our our kids, I think are comfortable with that.

Speaker 4 (11:14):
So, you know, just trying to keep the main thing
the main thing.

Speaker 3 (11:19):
And you know, you're seeing a lot of these football
games and and you know, now the NCAA's have started,
the NBA started, like you know, something about defense works,
and so making sure that we are defending and you know,
you're not always gonna make those shots, but you've got
to have consistent defense. You've got to make it hard

(11:41):
for teams to score on you. And so I am
excited about this team. I think that defense is in
the forefront of their minds and understanding, and they dig
in and they like it. You know, whether it's Saga
Raina's you know, defense is stellar. You know it's it's
important to have that be the focus day in and

(12:04):
day out.

Speaker 4 (12:04):
It seems more consistent for our kids.

Speaker 2 (12:07):
This is the Bulldog Basketball Hour at crol on Wolf
five twenty six through Savenue. We'll take our first break
when we come backly that the three student athletes. This
is Bulldogs Women's basketball from Deerfield.

Speaker 7 (12:18):
Hey, Bulldog fans.

Speaker 8 (12:19):
Basketball season is here and SeatGeek is here to help
you experience all the actions. Seat Geek makes it easy
to find tickets so you can be a part of
all the court side celebrations this season. Whether you're buying
or selling tickets to Fresno State basketball games or to
any other live event in your area, seat geek is
the place to do it. Seat geek is the official
ticket marketplace of the Fresno State Bulldogs. The most disruptive

(12:42):
idea in ticketing a ticket that works, expect the expected
seat geek.

Speaker 9 (12:48):
My FFB is finding Future Bankers Macury Bank Business Development
Manager at FFB.

Speaker 10 (12:54):
At FFB, you're able to build strong relationships with your teams,
get one on one access to our executive team, and
always experience, open communication and what's going on in the organization.

Speaker 9 (13:04):
Banking means different things to different people. Find out more
at FFB dot bank.

Speaker 10 (13:08):
We're always looking for humble, hungry and spark to join
our team. If you're interested and that sounds like you,
and please reach out to as FFB.

Speaker 9 (13:16):
Remember FDIC Equal Housing lender.

Speaker 11 (13:18):
When Fresno State athletes get injured, they get immediate attention.
You can do the same. Sierra Pacific Orthopedics Team physicians
for the Bulldogs, proudly offer an orthopedic urgent care for
any bone, joint, or muscle injury.

Speaker 9 (13:32):
Having hand, hip, knee, foot, or shoulder pain.

Speaker 11 (13:35):
Is your back causing your problems? Skip the er and
walk into our Orthopedic Urgent Care on Herndon Avenue Monday
through Saturday.

Speaker 12 (13:43):
Learn more at www.

Speaker 11 (13:45):
Dot spocdh ortho dot com.

Speaker 13 (13:49):
Here in the heart of California, traditions are as deeply
rooted as the abundant fields that drapar Valley. They link
us across generations. They make us who we are. So
what do mean when traditions unite? When a beacon of
hope beats a source of pride, When you combine a
place that's full of life with people who can save
the life. We call it a victory for our valley,

(14:11):
for our kids, for generations to come. Valley Children's official
healthcare partner of the Fresno Save Bulldogs.

Speaker 8 (14:19):
Best Drayage, the official truncking logistics company of Presno State Athletics,
is the premier intermodal drayage company in the Central Valley.
We handle imports and exports between Central Valleys farmers and
the rest of the world through the Port of Oakland.
When only the best will do, Best Drayage is your
number one choice, the best service provided by the best team.
Find out more about all that Best Drayage has to

(14:42):
offer at Best Drayage Company dot com. That's Best Drayage
Company dot com. Gold Bulldogs.

Speaker 14 (14:49):
Here's the thing, got adventure, It's never going to come
knocking on your door. You've got to get out there
and track it down. And there's no better way to
find it. And behind the wheel of a twenty twenty
four Toyota to the trail hungry power, legendary capability and
head turning style.

Speaker 9 (15:05):
The Tacoma is not for.

Speaker 14 (15:06):
The secondary three hundred and twenty six horse power, four
hundred and sixty five pound feet of torque and with
all the toughness you could ask for. The Toyota Tacoma
is the inventor you've been missing.

Speaker 9 (15:17):
Toyota.

Speaker 2 (15:18):
Let's go places, hey me, welcome you back to the
Bulldog Basketball Hour here on AM thirteen forty Fox Sports Radio.
It's Crolingwall five twenty six Bruce Avenue here in Clovis.

Speaker 5 (15:32):
I'm Matt Norble.

Speaker 2 (15:33):
We're talking with the Presno State women's basketball team. We've
got three student athletes, Avery Watkins, Rena Williams, and Elite
Brack alongside. Thanks for joining us here this evening, and
let's go down the list. Guys, let's first introduce yourself
and tell me a little bit about yourself and why
you came to Fresno State.

Speaker 5 (15:49):
Let's start off Avery.

Speaker 6 (15:51):
Hi, guys, I'm Avery Watkins. I'm from Seattle, Washington. I
transferred in here from the University of Hawaii because it
Presdent's They actually recruited me out of high school. They
were on me pretty heavy in high school. Just didn't
it up there. So when I entered the transfer portal,
they immediately showed me the most love and reached out
to me first, and I was like, Yep, this is

(16:13):
a good place to be. This is where I want
to be. Also, I was coming injured and the facilities here,
the team's here, the support here. It was the best
fit for me, and it proved true because I'm back
on the court again. So it was a good pick.

Speaker 15 (16:29):
I'm Raina from Dallas, Texas and I'm from a big
basketball family. Coming to Fresno, it just felt like a homey,
family environment. Everyone was close and I feel valued here.

Speaker 16 (16:45):
So Fresne was my.

Speaker 15 (16:46):
Pick and I liked it so far, meeting new teammates
and finding a home for myself.

Speaker 17 (16:54):
Hello, my name is Aadi Fiduck.

Speaker 18 (16:56):
This is my toe gear here and they recruited me
all the way back from Turkey, which is pretty far.
I really like it here because of the community, Like
my sponsor Jusie is here as well, Like they are
always supporting us, like we have great fans here.

Speaker 17 (17:14):
Community is amazing. Let's I really like it.

Speaker 5 (17:18):
Irek.

Speaker 2 (17:18):
Your English has gotten so much better too. I remember
you as a freshman and now it's it's crystal clear.
It's perfect. Yeah, you guys, talk me through why you
got into the game of basketball. I know a lot
of you guys have background of it. Obviously, you've gotten
this level. You can play the game. Sometimes it's with
the family. But talk me through why you got a
ball in your hand and why you felt like you
would go and avere. You can start us off.

Speaker 6 (17:40):
As a kid, I really never played with dolls or barbies.
I always had some type of ball in my hand.
My dad played football at the University of Washington, so
I think that's.

Speaker 19 (17:49):
Why I.

Speaker 6 (17:51):
Grew up playing five sports. And then all throughout high
school I played three sports. I played volleyball, softball, and basketball,
and for a long time I thought for softball and
soccer at my best sports. And then it just kind
of came a time where I couldn't commit to all
three teams. All the coaches wanted me at practice, and
I'd have a tournament here or a game here, and
so finally my dad was like, well, let's just stick

(18:14):
with basketball, and so that's what I did. I got
on the circuit and got exposed. But even though I
picked basketball for the sport I was gonna go to
college for, I still remained playing my other sports, and
that's something I don't regret. I think that was really
good for me. The cross training and just different experiences
and teams and stuff like that. But yeah, from a

(18:34):
young age. I think I started playing basketball maybe two
or three years old, so it's always been with me.

Speaker 15 (18:41):
I feel like basketball is just all around my family,
as both my parents played D one and my older
siblings played, so I always grew up watching basketball.

Speaker 16 (18:51):
At first, I started.

Speaker 15 (18:52):
With like soccer and volleyball, but then as I got
to around four fifth grade, my parents basically likestball.

Speaker 16 (19:02):
So yeah, just.

Speaker 15 (19:03):
Growing up growing up around it, and I feel like
it's just a fun sport to play, like watching basketball
and playing So I just really grew up loving basketball.

Speaker 2 (19:14):
Your older sister played a duke, right, Yes, your brother
are Tulane, and then your dad played at Princeton.

Speaker 5 (19:20):
Yes, yeah, that's a that's a you're we're going to
play basketball. I'm sorry to say that you were going
to play basketball all right, by Rack.

Speaker 18 (19:26):
For me, my family doesn't have a sports background, but
still I started playing basketball when I was I think
six or seven, which I was always running around and
my family just wanted me to kind of stop or like.

Speaker 17 (19:41):
I don't know, span my energy and like.

Speaker 18 (19:44):
Act something helpful like basketball.

Speaker 5 (19:47):
That's how I started what and in Turkey basketball is
pretty big? Is it not? Over there?

Speaker 6 (19:52):
It is?

Speaker 18 (19:53):
I feel like we have a great league, Like we
have so many WNBA players who plays overseason Turkey, Like oh,
I think Counnas played Coundas Parker played for Vanarbochet.

Speaker 2 (20:04):
Which is yeah, she did, she played over there. Yeah,
she's one of my favorite of all times from Chicago.
So that's where the talian is. All right, you guys,
So that's why you played ball, That's why you guys
ended up coming here because of obviously the relationship. What's
it been like in your first for you guys? Obviously
by Iraq this is your third year. What's it been
like for you guys with the team, meeting new teammates

(20:26):
and just getting to know everybody.

Speaker 6 (20:28):
I think the transition has been really smooth. I think
we all meshed together like kind of instantly. We took
a team retreat, which I think really helped. We got
to kind of know each other's personalities outside of basketball,
which was fun. And I don't know every like Coach
White said, it's just an easy, fun group of girls,
and we all just meshed together really well.

Speaker 15 (20:49):
As a freshman, I was definitely scared coming in like
being able to fit in, but coming here.

Speaker 16 (20:56):
Everybody's close, As she says, it's like.

Speaker 4 (20:58):
We're all family.

Speaker 15 (21:00):
And I feel like as the games pass, we get
closer and closer, especially through the losses or hard games,
it just builds us up more.

Speaker 18 (21:12):
For me, like when I first got here, I feel
like it was the scariest experience I've ever had, because
like I was living my family for the first time,
I was still young, I was going to a different
country without knowing their language.

Speaker 17 (21:27):
But I feel like it was.

Speaker 18 (21:28):
Still so fun and I'm glad that I experienced all
these things.

Speaker 2 (21:33):
All right, talk me through the coaches. We don't have
coach right up here, but there is there a coach
that is maybe your favorite on the team that you're
sitting here that maybe times get tough and you just
feel like, hey, I can go talk to whoever it
is and kind of confide in avery.

Speaker 6 (21:49):
I think all of our coaches would be a good
pick to confide it. I know they all have our
back and they all support us. I think coach Jolly
would probably be the easiest. She's real personable, she's really
social and funny, and yeah, that's probably who I'd go
to coach Mandy too, because she's our position coach.

Speaker 15 (22:07):
I would say Mandy because she'll give you the hard truth,
like she's not gonna sugarcoat, which I appreciate a lot.

Speaker 18 (22:14):
Same for me, I would say all of them are
really helpful, like if I need something, they will.

Speaker 17 (22:21):
Definitely help me.

Speaker 18 (22:22):
Like I don't think olther wise, But I would say
coach Wide is the one who I can also ask
for help outside of basketball as well.

Speaker 2 (22:33):
That is very important. We're gonna take a break. We'll
come back and talk a little academics. This is the
Bulldog Basketball Hour and we are at Curling All five
twenty six Prius Avenue. It's Bulldogs Women's basketball from lear Field.

Speaker 9 (22:44):
Here in the heart of California.

Speaker 13 (22:45):
Traditions are as deeply rooted as the abundant fields that
drape our valley. They link us across generations. They make
us who we are. So what does it mean when
traditions unite? When a beacon of hope treats a source
of pride, combine a place that's full of life with
people who can save a life, we call it a
victory for our valley, for our kids, for generations to come.

(23:09):
Valley children's official healthcare partner of the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Speaker 20 (23:16):
It's a busy time of the year and if you're
taking kids from school to practice, you probably have a
long to do list when you get home. Let Sud's
Laundromac take care of the laundry.

Speaker 6 (23:26):
Just schedule a pickup at.

Speaker 20 (23:28):
Sudz clean dot com and SuDS will wash, drive, fold,
and neatly package your clothes and get them back to
you one day later.

Speaker 5 (23:37):
That's it.

Speaker 17 (23:38):
Life is too busy.

Speaker 20 (23:39):
Let SuDS handle the dirty laundry.

Speaker 5 (23:44):
Quick.

Speaker 11 (23:45):
Where can you find a great selection of temper pedic
sterearns and foster Serta and mattress first bedding Easy The
same place you'll find adjustable beds, sheets, pillows, mattress protectors
and more. Sleep retreat inside fashion Furniture. It's worth the
time to walk through and imagine what year home did
look like with beautiful new furniture, or how comfortable you'll

(24:06):
be on your new mattress fashion furniture an El Paso
across from River Park, There's nothing like it in all
of California Bulldog fans.

Speaker 5 (24:15):
It's the old culture.

Speaker 21 (24:16):
Pat Hill here to tell you about our friends at
Table Mountain two thousand slot machines, Hi Gal Blackjack and
Mini Baccarac on a smoke free floor, head to sky
the rooftop Tepanyaki Restaurant with unbelievable views, or Eagles landing
a one of a kind steakhouse sing along with headliner
entertainment before returning to one of the luxurious suites.

Speaker 6 (24:39):
Have your own.

Speaker 21 (24:40):
Lucky day followed by an epic night at Table Mountain
Casino Resort.

Speaker 22 (24:45):
Producer's Dairy, your hometown favorite, is now the official milk
partner of Fresno State Athletics. For over ninety years, they've
nourished our community with the freshest, most wholesome milk straight
from Valley Farms. In having the privilege of serving jen
iterations of bread Waves supporters, They're also committed to fueling
our local legends on and off the field. Producer's Dairy

(25:07):
Official milk partner of Fresnelle State Athletics. Wish is the
Bulldogs a truly legendairy season at Save Mart.

Speaker 23 (25:17):
Being part of each community we serve is at the
core of who we are and as a proud partner
of the Fresno State Bulldogs, we're your Headquarters to help
you cheer on your favorite team. Shop any of your
local safe marts to score big savings with our Bulldog Bundle.
Just look for the sign shop and save plus explore
a collection of Fresno State gear that showcases the spirit

(25:37):
and pride of.

Speaker 9 (25:38):
The Bulldog community.

Speaker 23 (25:39):
Go Bulldogs, Save Mart Valley, Fresh Valley, Made Valley Proud.

Speaker 2 (25:48):
Welcome you back to Crow and Wolfed five twenty six,
Ruce Avenue.

Speaker 5 (25:51):
We're here in Clovis.

Speaker 2 (25:52):
Thanks for listening on AM thirteen forty Fox Sports Radio.

Speaker 5 (25:55):
This is the Bulldog Basketball Hour.

Speaker 2 (25:57):
I'm Matt and we'll talking with three student athletes on
the fresh State women's basketball team, Avery Watkins, Rena Williams
and e Leif Birec. Thanks for joining us here this evening.
We say student athletes because yes, they don't just play basketball.

Speaker 5 (26:09):
They have to of course, they do some studies.

Speaker 2 (26:11):
So talk me through what it is that you if
you know what your major is going to be, but
just talking through what classes have been like here at
Fresno State go ahead for a savory.

Speaker 6 (26:23):
Transferring in was kind of hard. The credit the credits
kind of don't always align, so coming here was kind
of piecing together some things. I was actually majoring in
economics just to keep me eligible for this semester, just
because transferring is difficult with credits. But moving forward, I
kind of I want to touch a little something and

(26:44):
maybe some marketing, maybe some business, maybe management. I don't know.
I'm working closely with our academic advisor to map out
a plan for me. But the classes happen great. The
professors are great. They're always there for you to help
and their office hours and they work well with our
schedule too, which is always helpful.

Speaker 2 (27:03):
Yeah, that's that's important to work with your schedule because
you guys are always very busy. Yes, Raina, What about
you first semester in college? How was that for you?

Speaker 16 (27:11):
Coming in?

Speaker 15 (27:11):
I was definitely worried because you know, college classes, they
seem hard. But as the first semester has ended, I
did pretty well at all.

Speaker 5 (27:22):
E's oh wow, okay, mb.

Speaker 15 (27:26):
Okay, But it was it wasn't too hard, and I
feel like I was able to organize well off of
our basketball schedule, especially as we started playing.

Speaker 5 (27:37):
And all that.

Speaker 15 (27:39):
And my major is kinesiology. I hope to be either
a nurse or in sports smith. So hopefully the classes
don't get too.

Speaker 2 (27:49):
That's something you like to do a lot of times,
you enjoy doing it, so it might not be as difficult.

Speaker 5 (27:54):
What about you bout rack For.

Speaker 18 (27:56):
Me, I'm going to like, I'm going to my towurdy
right now, which is pretty hard.

Speaker 17 (28:02):
My major is computer science, which is a little.

Speaker 18 (28:04):
Harder now, and I would say I have to have
a schedule for everything like practices then studying because it
is a year I'm major that I definitely have to
study to pass my classes and be successful.

Speaker 17 (28:23):
Hopefully. I'm still exploring the.

Speaker 18 (28:26):
Fields that I can go into, but I'm still not
sure what to do.

Speaker 2 (28:31):
Like everything that's okay, I mean that's you don't have
to have it all figured out. No one has it
all figured out. I'm go and tell you that no
matter how old you get, you guys are a big
planner kind of person with all your schedule because absoustly
you have you have basketball, then you have lifting, and
you have tutors and you have all that stuff. So
do you you have planners as somebody to put on
your phone or how do you go about it?

Speaker 6 (28:51):
We have it's an app called TeamWorks, and what we
are required to do is in our calendar, so I mean,
if you miss it, you really have no because it
was put in our calendar for us. But I use
that as my calendar as well, Like I'll go in
and have things I need to do. But yeah, every
day we see what our schedule is like ten today,

(29:11):
have waits, just our days planned out for us through there.

Speaker 16 (29:15):
Yeah, it's the same.

Speaker 15 (29:17):
Either TeamWorks or Canvas usually has like a to do
list so it shows all the assignments.

Speaker 16 (29:23):
That's really why use.

Speaker 18 (29:26):
I usually try to write my schedule down every Sunday
nights for the week, so oh I can't just like
see everything and like think through it. I'm like, just
have my plans for the week.

Speaker 2 (29:40):
What's it been like a time management wise? I'll start
with you Rina coming to college and obviously it seems
like you have a lot of free time, but then
you start to break it down, you really don't have
as much free.

Speaker 5 (29:50):
Times as you think. What's it been like for you
really managing your time?

Speaker 16 (29:55):
At the start, it was pretty easy.

Speaker 15 (29:58):
As games started getting in more practices, I feel like
it has been hard, but I just I try to
at least look at my school work when I get
home from practice and work on it for a few hours,
so I'll make sure to always work all my school
work and Sundays, I'll make sure everything is done for

(30:18):
the week.

Speaker 5 (30:20):
That's pretty smart.

Speaker 2 (30:20):
What about you, avery, I know you've been through it already,
but what's it like, time management wise for you? At
least think back to when you were Refreshment was a
pretty tough coming in.

Speaker 6 (30:28):
It was, but also because I was so in high school,
I was very busy, Like I was involved in a
lot of clubs. I was my school body president, like
I was just really involved. So coming into college, I
actually had more free time than I did in high school,
which sometimes isn't always a good thing. Like sometimes when
you have a busy pack schedule, like this is all
you have the time to do what you need to do,

(30:50):
and you have to get it done. Whereas free time,
we're like, well, you know, I have three four hours
I can I can do it within that time. But
now it's pretty it's pretty solid. Like year three, it's
kind of like clockwork, like I can prioritize what I
need to do when I need to do it. Sometimes
it's in the morning, sometimes that night. It kind of
just really depends on what I have for the day.

(31:13):
And how I'm feeling.

Speaker 18 (31:16):
For me, I would say I don't really have free time.
But when I have free time, I usually spend up
with my friends. But to have free time, I feel
like I need to just get on everything like early,
like right after practice or before practice, because I feel

(31:37):
like our schedule is pretty constant, like every day twelve am, sorry,
like noon practice, so I can't just schedule my day
throughout the day, like depending on practice.

Speaker 2 (31:53):
One thing we talk about with you guys, I talk
about it with all the other ones, all the other
student athletes we interview is mental health stops the big
important So what do you do to like get away
from basketball in terms of a stress reliever between basketball
and academics? And then what do you try to do
to give yourself really a break from just what goes
on every day? Do you have anything you I have.

Speaker 5 (32:14):
A pet cat kitty.

Speaker 16 (32:18):
I brought her from home.

Speaker 15 (32:20):
She's just I don't know, it's just a comfort that
takes my mind off of basketball or any worries I have.
So having her has really helped me, especially as a
freshman away from home from family.

Speaker 6 (32:33):
So yeah, I'd say I lean into my family, my friends.
I usually will call some of my old teammates from
Hawaii or check in on my brother. This my family
kind of is my break and just reminds me that
I do have an existence outside of basketball.

Speaker 5 (32:51):
Yeah, sometimes you kind of you can get caught in
just basketball, basketball, basketball and forget about that. What about you?
By reck, I will.

Speaker 17 (32:56):
Say, like staying out of my room, just squalking.

Speaker 18 (32:59):
O're all like eating good food, experiencing their places.

Speaker 6 (33:02):
Yea, Brock's always somewhere.

Speaker 5 (33:07):
You trying to experience everything.

Speaker 2 (33:08):
Yeah, what's what's the best food you've had over here
in California? Doesn't have to necessarily be in Presno, but
just is there something that you veating over here? And
you're like, man, I really like that.

Speaker 17 (33:19):
I feel like it defounds all the food.

Speaker 18 (33:21):
Like some there are some sushi places, some good pizza
places like the Pans.

Speaker 17 (33:26):
But I don't have a favorite place.

Speaker 5 (33:28):
Okay, but but sushi and pizza.

Speaker 17 (33:30):
Yeah, okay, that.

Speaker 5 (33:32):
Is that is good. That is a good one. That's
I like that.

Speaker 6 (33:35):
Oh Yeah, we love ikes.

Speaker 5 (33:36):
I love I've never had a coach fit will like
that because you guys get a lot of ikes. That'll
be that'll be good. Talk me about your family, guys.

Speaker 2 (33:46):
Obviously we talked about it in terms of sports, but
just seeing your family maybe if they should go up
to a game, or talking to them after a game,
or talking to them after a final, just what family
means to you.

Speaker 6 (33:58):
It means everything to me my she looks much younger
than she is, but she drives from San Jose to
every single one of my home games and it doesn't
matter the time. It could be a seven pm game
and she's still going to drive back to San Jose
after And for me, that just means the world to
me because it's something she doesn't have to do, and

(34:18):
just seeing her there in the stands reminds me that
she's just so proud of me, and that I'm so
blessed to have the opportunity I have to play here,
and I just feel so supported and loved, And even
after the game, I'll get text from my family about
the games and their thoughts and my thoughts, and it
just it really helps a lot that support aspect, because

(34:41):
we have a family within the team, but also like
the family that raised me is the whole reason why
I'm here.

Speaker 15 (34:46):
So I think it's cool because I just feel accomplished
to have like my mom came to Hawaii to watch
me play, and having my parents to be able to
watch me play college basketball because that was just dream
of mine. It's really cool to be able to experience that.
And of course for my basketball family, I get.

Speaker 5 (35:07):
All the advice m I'm sure you do, but yeah.

Speaker 16 (35:11):
That's like our little connection.

Speaker 17 (35:15):
For me.

Speaker 18 (35:16):
I'm coming from a small family. I don't have any siblings,
only my mom and dad. I'm like Turkey has eleven
hours time difference, but still my parents always wake wake
up around like four am, five am to just watch
our games, and like they call me every day, like
literally every day. So yeah, I feel like it's really.

Speaker 2 (35:37):
Important right now with your family at being from Texas.
So are they gonna do they come to too many
home games? Or is it more like they hit the
road like New Mexico. I would imagine they'll probably be
at that one or something like that.

Speaker 15 (35:50):
It's more home games. They're trying to away games. They're
trying to come at home games. But I do have
a younger brother at home playing basketball, so they'll try
to make someonew But yeah, definitely a lot of road
games for them.

Speaker 2 (36:02):
We'll take another break and we'll come back. This is
the Bulldog Basketball Hour where a crowling Wolf five twenty
six Spruce Avenue and Clovis.

Speaker 5 (36:09):
This is Bulldogs Women's basketball from dear.

Speaker 9 (36:11):
Field here in the heart of California.

Speaker 13 (36:13):
Traditions are as deeply rooted as the abundant fields that
drape our valley. They link us across generations. They make
us who we are. So what does it mean when
traditions unite? When a beacon of hope treats a source
of pride, When you combine a place that's full of
life with people who can save a life, we call
it a victory for our valley, for our kids, for

(36:36):
generations to come. Valley Children's official healthcare partner of the
Fresno State.

Speaker 24 (36:41):
Bulldogs, Kasparians Paint Center has been the valley's local source
for paint and codings for over thirty five years. Family
owned and operated in Fresno, Kasparians Paint Center serves property
owners and managers, contractors, farmers, manufacturers, and food processors. Kasparians
carries a full line of PPG, industrial, commercial and residential
paint and specialty codeings. They understand your time is valuable

(37:03):
and offer on site consultations and delivery value, wide call experience,
paint center five five nine, two two two, three one
three one for all your painting needs.

Speaker 10 (37:12):
My f FB is finding Future Bankers.

Speaker 9 (37:15):
Macurybank Business Development Manager at f FB.

Speaker 10 (37:18):
At FFB, you're able to build strong relationships with your teams,
get one on one access to our executive team, and
always experience open communication and what's going on in the organization.

Speaker 9 (37:28):
Banking means different things to different people. Find out more
at f FB dot Bank.

Speaker 10 (37:32):
We're always looking for humble, hungry and spark to join
our team. If you're interested and that sounds like you,
and please reach out to.

Speaker 9 (37:38):
As FFB member FDIC Equalsing Lender.

Speaker 12 (37:42):
Reflecting on a lifetime of experiences, three ninety year olds
shared some of their proudest moments with us.

Speaker 9 (37:49):
I took every opportunity to learn.

Speaker 19 (37:51):
I've spent as much time with my family as possible.

Speaker 5 (37:54):
I was involved with my community.

Speaker 12 (37:56):
EECU is proud to celebrate ninety years of what my
most education, family and community, and it's our privilege to
serve you today, tomorrow, and for many more years to come.
EECU Smarter Banking since nineteen thirty four.

Speaker 6 (38:12):
Today we have two very special guests on our.

Speaker 1 (38:15):
Program introducing Let's and Live.

Speaker 10 (38:18):
Hello for Storry Lemon Lime Soda.

Speaker 9 (38:20):
Thanks for having us.

Speaker 19 (38:21):
What is Storry Lemon Lime Soda.

Speaker 22 (38:22):
It's a crisp, clear burst of lemon lime flavor and
it's caffeine free.

Speaker 15 (38:26):
Between us, one of you must be a little more
important to story than the other.

Speaker 4 (38:30):
Who is it?

Speaker 23 (38:31):
We're both important, so we could just as easily be
Starry Lime lemon Soda.

Speaker 22 (38:35):
No, that doesn't sound right.

Speaker 25 (38:36):
Oh I like it?

Speaker 9 (38:37):
So you saying hip hop could be hop hit works
for me.

Speaker 19 (38:39):
Storry Lemon Lime Soda story HiT's different, just like your
Fresno State Bulldogs. Sunmade Raisins are all about valley pride.
For more than one hundred years, sun Maid has produced
the world's best raisins and they're grown and harvested under
the California sun, right here in the valley. The sweet,
wholesome and delicious taste and the little red box it

(39:00):
reminds everyone of childhood couldn't have come from anywhere else,
and that should make you proud too. Find out Lauras
Sunmad dot com. Sun Made is proud to be the
official Holford Snag of Presno State Athletics.

Speaker 2 (39:16):
And welcome back to the Bulldog Basketball Hour. We are
at Crolwolf five twenty six Spruce Avenue here in Clovis.
Thanks for listening to us on AM thirteen forty Fox
Sports Radio. It's our final segment with the three student
athletes Avery Watkins, Raina Williams, se Leaf Byrac on the
Freso State women's basketball team. I'm Matt Norble. Thanks for
joining us this evening. All right, you guys are all

(39:36):
not from the state of California. Every year from Washington,
Texas for Raina and Turkey for Byrac. So when you
game into California, was there a specific maybe city, something
you wanted to do. Maybe it was, hey, head to
La San Francisco. Was there anything that you kind of
look forward to coming to the state of California.

Speaker 6 (39:55):
My dad actually grew up in southern California and born
and raised, so I traveled to California a lot as
a kid, and I was really just excited to be
close to my family because, like I said, my aunt
is in San Jose and then I have a lot
of family and so I think I'm most excited here
is to visit the national parks that are so close
I've never been to a California National Park, Like, I

(40:17):
really want to go to Yosemite. So that's something that
I'm going to get in post conference and that will
be fun.

Speaker 2 (40:25):
That'd be good to do on the off season, kind
of get away rain and what about you.

Speaker 16 (40:30):
There's definitely a lot of cities.

Speaker 15 (40:31):
I've always been fascinated with California and so it's been
a dream to come here. I definitely would like to
go out to like La. I got to see San Francisco,
and even traveling on away games, we get to see
some of the cities, but it would be nice to
stay a couple of.

Speaker 16 (40:51):
Other than that. Yes, Yosemity too.

Speaker 15 (40:53):
I really like mountains and I would love to go
out and see those.

Speaker 18 (40:58):
First of full I was I'm so excited for to
Better because I love warm Better and also I was
excited about La as well because I was always seeing
it in movies, Like, I feel like it's a different city,
like lots of celebrities every saying, Also, I feel like
we are really close to the so many beaches.

Speaker 2 (41:20):
Yeah, we are very close to beaches. That's definitely just
within two and a half hours or so. You can
get to a beach. That's nothing. Maybe not for Californians
they feel like that's a little bit further. But where
we're from and all that stuff. I know from Chicago,
that's that was one of the highlights for me. It
was the weather and then obviously beaches.

Speaker 5 (41:38):
Guys.

Speaker 2 (41:39):
Talk to me about the schedule that you guys have
played up to this point. What was it like playing
all the non conference games. Coach White talked about you
guys needed that Christmas break.

Speaker 5 (41:47):
So when you got that Christmas break, how nice was
it to just go home and have some time with
your families and have Christmas with your families.

Speaker 6 (41:55):
It was really nice. I was thankful for our break
and my past years, I haven't had that much time off,
and we had a good chunk of time. So it
was very nice for our bodies and just for like
your mental health as we were talking earlier, and yeah,
everything in general.

Speaker 15 (42:15):
Yeah, it was nice to connect with family and friends
and I got to get some food water Burger. Yeah,
but just seeing family, Like my sister got to come
home from overseas, which she didn't get to last year.

Speaker 16 (42:30):
So being able to spend Christmas as her was nice.

Speaker 2 (42:33):
Right as soon as you land in Texas. They're everywhere
they are. I mean they're they're in the airport. There
are they anywhere else but Texas?

Speaker 6 (42:40):
Do you know?

Speaker 16 (42:40):
I think Florida. Florida has some but it's the best place.

Speaker 18 (42:47):
I wasn't able to see my family during the break,
but I still visited my friend and her family in.

Speaker 17 (42:53):
Texas as well. I was on the same flight as
right now.

Speaker 18 (42:58):
But I feel like it's it's great to have a
time off, especially right before our conference starts, because I
feel like it means a fresh.

Speaker 17 (43:07):
Start, like better and stronger start.

Speaker 6 (43:10):
Yeah, we all come in with like a different focus
and we all know it's like it's go time. It's
sunder Will.

Speaker 5 (43:16):
Yeah, there's good time. Definitely about that. But I reckon.

Speaker 2 (43:18):
I want to talk to you about your sponsor. You
said you really like your sponsor. Your sponsors actually here today.
What does that meant for you? Obviously with being a
part of President States program so far from home, what
does that meant to you.

Speaker 18 (43:31):
I feel like most of us doesn't have their families
in here in Fresno, So I feel like it's great
to know that there are a couple people like supports us,
Like I can call my sponsor whenever I want, I
can go on like dinners lines with her. Like also

(43:53):
I have another sponsor as well with him, Like he's
a great cook. So I feel like it's good to
spend time with because like there are all were families.

Speaker 5 (44:05):
Yeah, away from home totally.

Speaker 2 (44:08):
I totally understand that. Let's talk about friends on the team.
So I do you guys have like a really good
type friend on the team that you'd say, maybe it's
a couple, maybe it's like four or five that you
just say, hey, that that's kind of my girl on
the team.

Speaker 15 (44:24):
I would say Avery and Mariah we have a little trio.
I don't know, we just clicked when we got here.

Speaker 6 (44:32):
Yeah, I really get along with everybody on the team.
I feel like I have a different relationship with each
person on the team, but probably most frequently it would
be Randon Mariah.

Speaker 17 (44:44):
I'm close with like everyone.

Speaker 18 (44:47):
So I don't have it like best friends because I
feel like all my teammates are my best friends, Like
I spend lots of time with every day.

Speaker 2 (44:57):
So yeah, find a question for you guys before I
let you go. But it's something that obviously I worked
basketball camp with all you guys. The younger girls and
boys look up to you guys obviously playing Division one sports.
They show up to games and gets so excited. I
can't tell you how many people I've seen from camp
that come up and they'll be.

Speaker 5 (45:13):
Like, Oh, there's coach blah blah blah.

Speaker 2 (45:14):
So what does it mean to you to be not
only obviously their inspiration but also a role model for them?
Maybe not something you necessarily wanted to be, but you are.
How do you guys take that?

Speaker 6 (45:24):
To me? It truly means the world because I see
myself and them. I remember going to you Dub camps
and all these different camps, and oh my gosh, I
just looked up to those girls so much, and it
really does mean a lot. Even when I went back
to Hawaii for our Thanksgiving tournament. After the game, one
of my camp girls from two years ago came up
and gave me a stuffed animal turtle and a letter

(45:46):
and said this is from Arohana, like we love you basically,
and I was like, I mean, it just goes so far.
And I literally I still remember my my camp coaches
from when I was a young girl, Like I would
see them at the football games and they take pictures
with me. So I know the impact we have on
those girls and how inspiring we can be, and so
I camps and I love to work with them. And

(46:08):
you never know which kids you're gonna touch and which
one will take take your influence all the way. And
we're just I'm thankful, I'm thinking for the opportunity that
we have to be around them.

Speaker 15 (46:20):
It's fun to be looked up to, and it makes
me feel special because it's like, wow, this little girl
wants to be me when I was in her position
as a kid as well.

Speaker 16 (46:30):
So I don't know, just having fans and the little girls.

Speaker 15 (46:34):
Tears on it just makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Speaker 18 (46:39):
I feel like these years are like, oh, these years
shape their lives like in the future. But also I
want to inspire kids back in Turkey as well, because
it kind of looks scared to just come here and
play basketball.

Speaker 17 (46:55):
But I want to. I want them to be brave
about it.

Speaker 6 (46:59):
And also I was gonna add little girls and boys
because we have little boys that our kids.

Speaker 5 (47:03):
Ye said, quite a few boys, yeah, yeah.

Speaker 6 (47:05):
And representation matters, like just having a coach that looks
like you, and even having a male coach out there too,
So I think those kids can see part of themselves
in US, which is really cool.

Speaker 2 (47:15):
Well, that is well done, thanks for joining us. I'm
gonna wrap up the things with a head coach Jamie White.
Best of luck this season. We'll see on Saturday.

Speaker 6 (47:22):
Thank you.

Speaker 2 (47:23):
This is the Bulldog Basketball Hour. We're a cool five
twenty six Bruce Avenue. It's Bulldogs Women's basketball from dear
Field Quick.

Speaker 11 (47:30):
Where can you find a great selection of temper Pedick,
Stearns and Foster's, Cirta and mattress first Betting Easy The
same place you'll find adjustable beds, sheets, pillows, mattress protectors
and more sleep retreat inside Fashion Furniture. It's worth the
time to walk through and imagine what your home could
look like with beautiful new furniture, or how comfortable you'll

(47:52):
be on your new mattress. Fashion Furniture on El Paso
across from River Park, There's nothing like it in all
of California.

Speaker 26 (48:00):
At Close Family Dentistry, a great dental experience is as
fundamental to our team as a good pass on the court.

Speaker 9 (48:06):
From the moment you walk in, we strive to make
you feel.

Speaker 26 (48:09):
Comfortable and confident, decades of experience, convenient extended hours in
advanced technology help you escape dental paint and get back
to living that happy, healthy life. The official dentist of
Kresto State Athletics. Give us a call at five five
to nine Dentists and see how we love to make
the value smile one patient.

Speaker 12 (48:29):
At a time.

Speaker 25 (48:30):
I myself am a bit of a hybrid. I like
to couch surf, but I also like to surf surf.
I'm a homebody, but I also love a good camping trip.
So I drive a Toyota Hybrid with pickup sedans and crossovers.
Toyota makes fuel efficient hybrids for any lifestyle, like the
versatile RAB four and its stylish looks and adventurous spirit,

(48:51):
or the comfortable, spacious Camering now standard as a hybrid.
Want that hybrid life, Go get it in a Toyota Toyota.

Speaker 21 (48:58):
Let's go places, oldog fans, it's the old culture. Pat
Hill here to tell you about our friends at Table Mountain,
two thousand slot machines, Hi Gal, Blackjack and Mini Baccarac
on a smoke free floor. Head to sky the rooftop
Tepanyaki Restaurant with unbelievable views or eagles landing a one
of a kind steakhouse, sing along with headliner entertainment before

(49:22):
returning to one of the luxurious suites. Have your own
lucky day followed by an epic night at Table Mountain
Casino Resort.

Speaker 7 (49:30):
Looking for the finest locally grown pistachios. Horizon Nut Company,
nestled in to Larry, is proudly owned by the farmers
who carefully cultivate these exceptional nuts. Our growers live and
work right here in the valley and are huge supporters
of the Dogs and the entire Redwave community. Join the
Horizon Growers family at Horizon Nut dot com and find
their pistachios and pistachio butter online at Fittimant Farms dot com, Amazon,

(49:54):
or in Northern California, Whole Foods. Horizon Growers the official
pistachios of Fresno State Athletics.

Speaker 23 (50:01):
At Save Mart. Being part of each community we serve
is at the core of who we are and is
a proud partner of the Fresno State Bulldogs. We're your
headquarters to help you cheer on your favorite team. Shop
any of your local save Marts to score big savings
with our Bulldog Bundle. Just look for the sign shop
and save plus explore a collection of Fresno State gear
that showcases the spirit and pride of the Bulldog community.

(50:25):
Go Bulldogs, Save Mart Valley, Fresh Valley, Made Valley Proud.

Speaker 2 (50:33):
Welcoming you back to Crole Wolf at five twenty six
Bruce Avenue here in Clovis. Thanks for listening to us
on a AM thirteen forty Fox Sports Radio. This is
the Bulldog Basketball out wrapping things up here the next
to ten minutes or so with head coach Jamie White.
Our next Bulldog Basketball Hour will be taking place with
the women's program at January sixteenth, is so two weeks

(50:55):
from tonight? Crazy to say January sixteenth is two weeks
from today. That's right now already in January. Coach, I'm
at normal. Head coach Jamie White alongside, thanks for joining us.
Next week it'll be the men's Basketball Hour happening one
week from today at six o'clock. So let's talk about Obviously,
Mountain West Conference plays being on. What's going on with
you guys at the Safe Mart Center. You got Wyoming

(51:16):
on Saturday at two o'clock start. But the big one
rally in the Valley on February first.

Speaker 4 (51:21):
Yeah, rally in the Valley.

Speaker 3 (51:22):
We did a good job with that last year, really
just opening it up to having all of our community
be involved with that, you know, just trying to get
schools out and you know, we send out some stuff
to Presnol Unified and club As Unified, and we really
want to make that a signature game.

Speaker 4 (51:44):
It's with San Jose State, so it's a cross state rival.

Speaker 5 (51:49):
And down right down there.

Speaker 4 (51:51):
Yeah, it's an exciting game.

Speaker 3 (51:52):
We do a lot of different things at the at
the game right now, we're still doing the half court shot.

Speaker 4 (51:59):
I think that's up thousands of dollars now it is. Yeah,
and then we.

Speaker 3 (52:04):
Light it up in the fourth quarter and you know,
we've just done a lot of good things for the environment.
There's free parking. We need to bring that up every time.
Is uh, we're the only team playing in Save Mart
that's gotten free parking and so you know that's that's
half the spend right there.

Speaker 2 (52:22):
That is definitely and that is a big, big nice
thing about it. You can show up and don't have
to worry about paying for parking this week. I know
you guys don't get to see it because you guys
are always.

Speaker 5 (52:31):
In the locker room. But the baby race this Saturday
is wild.

Speaker 4 (52:36):
Yeah, the baby.

Speaker 3 (52:36):
Race is one of the biggest games that we have
as far as fans.

Speaker 4 (52:42):
You know, everybody wants to be in that. And I think.

Speaker 3 (52:44):
They're having actually they're having a women's game baby race,
and then the top so many go to the championship round. Meanwhile,
they'll have a men's baby race. And I think they
just had they've already had it.

Speaker 2 (52:57):
I can't remember they had it yesterday, maybe two days
ago when played on New Year's Eve.

Speaker 5 (53:01):
I don't think they had no they played. Oh maybe
they did, Yeah, I don't remember when they did theirs.

Speaker 3 (53:06):
But then they're gonna have the championship baby race and
by then, I hope those kids aren't wrapping.

Speaker 5 (53:12):
They could be the way kids are. You never know.

Speaker 4 (53:15):
Yeah, but that's intense.

Speaker 5 (53:16):
It's fun.

Speaker 8 (53:17):
It is.

Speaker 4 (53:17):
I mean some of them.

Speaker 3 (53:19):
Coach Mandy's nephew, he got out there and he started hot.

Speaker 4 (53:22):
He was ahead of everybody.

Speaker 3 (53:24):
He stopped right on the bulldog, right on the bulldog, sat.

Speaker 4 (53:27):
Down and was just having a day. He was not moving.

Speaker 2 (53:31):
Oh, it's it's a lot of fun. That's this Saturday
against Wyoming. It'll be the Baby Race at halftime again,
tip off at two o'clock. Our pregame coverage right here
will begin at one thirty. But I wanted to talk
to you about You've got the Women in Sports Era,
which happens on February fifth, when you guys take on
San Diego State. That's so important, you know, women in
sports Just I know Title nine has been a big

(53:53):
topic recently over the last couple of years, but how
far and women's sports has come from when it first
was implemented where it is today.

Speaker 3 (54:01):
Yeah, I mean it's it's a great day for for
all sports. We usually do some kind of clinics and
people are able to come for free and they're giving
away T shirts and doing this and that. But obviously
it's just to encourage young kids to get out there
and be a part of it and even just have

(54:22):
exposure to different types of sports and different athletes, and
it's it's so fun for them to see I think
role models people doing some of the things that they
maybe haven't thought that they've could do, and just encourage
young kids. Obviously I'm a little bit partial to basketball. Yeah,
young kids to be active, to be involved, to work

(54:45):
as a team. So many things that are important that
you learn in sports, and so many great memories for
me and great experiences that I've had, you know, in basketball.

Speaker 4 (54:56):
Now in my umpteenth year of coaches, I.

Speaker 5 (55:00):
Have Hall of fames for you right away. You're in
two different hall of fames. Can't let that slide.

Speaker 3 (55:05):
Yeah, I mean it just goes to show you work
hard and you keep your you know, you keep your
head down and you keep grinding, and you keep treating
people properly, and you know, lifting up some of the
you know, the kids that needed at times and pushing
people through some of those hard things and things work out.

Speaker 5 (55:24):
Yeah.

Speaker 2 (55:25):
Sports has been definitely very important. Honestly, the three ladies
before you were talking about that, and you talk about
other sports, all of them talked about other sports were
a part of their life. I mean, softball, soccer, you
name it, they played it. We only have a couple
of minutes left, coach. I just wanted you to kind
of to piggyback on that. What have you noticed has
been the biggest change from maybe when you started playing

(55:47):
basketball to where the game is today.

Speaker 3 (55:49):
Well, I think one obvious one is opportunities. I mean
when I was growing up in small town Utah, there
I had no opportunity to play club. There was no
club close, there was no club far, there was no opportunity.

Speaker 4 (56:02):
So I went to camps. There was no softball, there.

Speaker 3 (56:06):
Was no I mean, there was just such a limited,
you know, variety of experiences for me to have.

Speaker 4 (56:13):
So that's huge.

Speaker 3 (56:15):
The other one is just the availability of competition and
the amount of people that are interested in the sport,
the obviously the finances and the amount of support that
we're getting now through seeing.

Speaker 4 (56:32):
Sports on TV. Seeing women's basketball on TV is like television. Yeah,
you don't have to live stream it.

Speaker 3 (56:39):
You can just turn it on and sit in your
living room and watch it. And it's funny because even
me as a coach, I have to work hard to
find the game I want to watch because it's either
online or it's been recorded and I've got to watch it.

Speaker 4 (56:52):
And now you just sit.

Speaker 3 (56:54):
Down, turn the TV on and you're able to find
most games.

Speaker 5 (56:58):
It's pretty much every game, which.

Speaker 3 (56:59):
Is we had more popularity, which is then created people
making more money wanting to go to more games, and
that exposure that I think nobody knew if that was
going to create the momentum that we have.

Speaker 4 (57:14):
They're seeing that it does.

Speaker 3 (57:16):
Exposure creates the momentum, and the momentum creates opportunities for women,
and that's exciting.

Speaker 5 (57:23):
It's very exciting, especially where women's basketball is, but all
of women's sports. You talk about it.

Speaker 2 (57:29):
The women's Volleyball Championship, they bumped into Sunday afternoons. They
could be on ABC, which is what has had the
women's basketball Championship the last couple of years. It's been fantastic. Coach,
best of luck, will of course be chatting with you
this Saturday against Wyoming. We'll see you there at two o'clock.

Speaker 4 (57:45):
All right, awesome, thank you.

Speaker 2 (57:46):
That's head coach Jamie White. That's gonna wrap up the
Bulldog Basketball Hour. Reminder for you, we've got another show
coming up two weeks from tonight. The Men's Bulldog Basketball
Hour will be happening one week from tonight at six o'clock.

Speaker 5 (57:59):
Again.

Speaker 2 (57:59):
We are Chrome Wall five, twenty six Spruce Avenue here
in Clovis. Thanks for listening on AM thirteen forty Fox
Sports Radio. I'm Matt Normal, saying so long. We'll talk
to you on Saturday with our pregame beginning at one thirty.
Tip at two when the Dogs take on the Cowgirls
of Wyoming. This is Bulldog's Women's Basketball from dear.

Speaker 1 (58:19):
Field Live from crowin Wolf tap Room in Clovis. You've
been listening to the Bulldog Basketball Hour presented by Table
Mountain Casino Resorts, Lucky Days and Epic Nights, bud Light,
Easy to Drink, Easy to Enjoy and Buy, Pepsi, official
soft drink of Fresno State Athletics. The preceding has been

(58:44):
a lear Field presentation of the Bulldog Sports Network