TURLOCK, Calif.---The 2024-25 regular season tips off this weekend for Stanislaus State men's basketball as the Warriors travel to the Bay Area for the Pioneer Conference Challenge, hosted by Cal State East Bay at Pioneer Gymnasium. Stan State opens against Jessup University on Friday at 5:30 p.m. before facing Fresno Pacific on Saturday, also at 5:30 p.m.

Warriors Open Season with Deep, Versatile Lineup
This year's Warriors blend veteran leadership with fresh talent across the board. All-CCAA forward Daniel Ameyaw (9.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg) anchors the frontcourt, joined by senior sharpshooter Jason Cibull (.405 3FG%) and sophomore guard Lloyd French (6.2 ppg). Returners Jason Zimmer, Tahjae Ordonio, and Jordan Smith provide experience, while newcomers Donjae Lindsey (East LA College), Javon Johnson (Cal State Monterey Bay), and freshman guard Mark Jones III (Oak Hills HS) bring scoring and athleticism. The front line adds length with 6'10" Malachi Johnson, redshirt freshmen Malik Johnson and JJ Funk, and 6'6" freshman Caedman Dickson.

CCAA Preseason Outlook
Stanislaus State was picked seventh in the 2025–26 CCAA Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll, earning 71 points from conference coaches. Cal State Dominguez Hills topped the poll with 11 first-place votes and 141 points, followed by Cal Poly Pomona (119) and Cal State San Bernardino (117). Chico State (108), Cal State LA (96), and Cal State East Bay (91) rounded out the top six.

Scouting Jessup University
Stanislaus State opens against a retooled Jessup squad led by head coach Mark Darnall. The Warriors' 2025-26 roster features a versatile mix of returners and international newcomers. Returning guards include Troy Crighton (Sacramento/Sheldon HS), Cayden McDaniel (Tacoma, Wash.), and Tamatoa Humbert (Tahiti/Sierra College). Newcomers include 6'4" guard Andre Norris (Hawai'i Hilo), 6'3" transfer Varick Lewis (Long Beach State), and 6'8", 245-pound forward Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia/Indian River State). Freshmen Tom Parsons (Australia) and Kendall Connor Jr. (Canada) add interior size and athleticism. Jessup finished 9–17 last season, averaging 68.4 points per game while shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from three-point range.

This marks the second all-time meeting between the programs. The Warriors won the first matchup, 95–79, during the 2008 season.

Scouting Fresno Pacific University
Saturday's matchup features Fresno Pacific, guided by head coach C.J. Haydock. The Sunbirds return senior guard Isaac Peralta (13.1 ppg) and junior forward Ryan Abbott (.448 3FG%), both key scorers from a 13–15 campaign in 2024-25. Their 2025-26 roster adds size and international depth, including 6'9" guard Jaden Geron (Montana State), 6'10" forwards Harrison Pennisi and Liam Switzer (Australia), and several Central Valley products such as Tyler Parr (Atwater), Abram Potts (Fresno), and Brandon Gibson Jr. (Sacramento).

Stanislaus State leads the all-time series with Fresno Pacific, 6–2, and has won the last three meetings. The Warriors took last season's opener, 74–62, in Hayward behind 16 points from Jason Zimmer and a 12-point, 8-rebound performance by Daniel Ameyaw.

Watch Live
Fans can watch both games of the Pioneer Conference Challenge live on FloCollege. Select contests and all home games will also be carried on Blue Chip Broadcasting with Bryan Nelson on the call. Live statistics are available throughout the weekend at warriorathletics.com.

Up Next
The Warriors continue non-conference play next week, visiting Menlo College on Wednesday, November 19, at 6 p.m. in Atherton and Dominican University on Saturday, November 22, at 3:30 p.m. in San Rafael. Stanislaus State returns home to Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena on Wednesday, November 26, to host Saint Martin's University at 5 p.m. for Schedule Poster Night. All games will stream live on FloCollege.