Basketball

UC Davis Men’s Basketball Brings Back Seven Key Players for Mountain West Debut

A mix of scoring firepower, defensive tenacity, and veteran poise aims to shape the Aggies' first season in the new conference

The Aggies will field a veteran‑laden lineup for their first year in the Mountain West, bringing back seven of the ten athletes who contributed to a 19‑14 record and a 12‑4 home mark at the University Credit Union Center.

The Offensive Anchor

Connor Sevilla emerges as the team's primary scoring threat, having averaged 13.3 points per game last season and earning All‑Big West honorable mention as a junior.

His efficiency was highlighted by a 90.3 percent free‑throw rate and a 39.9 percent three‑point clip, including a perfect 11‑for‑11 performance from the line in two separate games.

Defensive Versatility

Brayden Fagbemi returns as a two‑way guard, topping the Big West with 2.0 steals per game and ranking second in assists at 4.3 per game, underscoring his all‑court impact.

Isaiah Chappell, one of the most experienced forwards, appeared in every game last season and contributed 8.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest, providing interior stability.

Omer Suljanovic improved his three‑point shooting to 37 percent in conference play, adding 5.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while maintaining a 44.8 percent field‑goal percentage.

Jalen Stokes and Chase Rawlins offered steady scoring and rebounding, each averaging 4.7 points and roughly 2.5 rebounds, with Rawlins shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc.

Redshirt sophomore Ylan Esso‑Essis, the 2025‑26 Big 8 Conference Player of the Year from France, will make his UC Davis debut in the 2026‑27 campaign, adding international experience to the mix.

Team Outlook and Achievements

The Aggies averaged 77.6 points per game while forcing 14.9 turnovers, placing them among the Big West’s top three in free‑throw percentage, steals and turnover margin, a testament to their balanced play.

Their defensive rebounding and overall efficiency helped secure signature victories, including a 75‑71 win over Nevada, a 93‑86 road triumph at UC Santa Barbara, and a tournament win over the Gauchos in Henderson, Nevada.

The team also earned the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award for the second straight year, reflecting a commitment to scholarship that could further galvanize fan support as the new conference schedule unfolds.

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