It has money, buzz, Mike Bibby and even Shaq. But does Sacramento State have what it takes to get to the next level?
"We're thrilled to welcome CJ to the Aggie family," Les said. "He brings great size and length at the guard position, and he plays with a high motor that we love. CJ is dynamic in the open floor and gives us tremendous flexibility in the backcourt. His ability to defend multiple positions, especially as an elite on-ball defender, sets him apart. CJ's upside is through the roof, and we're excited about his future here at UC Davis."
Franklin Jr., a 6-foot-5 guard from Las Vegas, Nevada, dominated the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) during his lone season at the NJCAA Division I level. He averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 49.4% from the field for the Coyotes. His standout campaign included 17 double-digit scoring efforts, highlighted by a career-high 28 points against Arizona Western College, and 11 multi-steal games, featuring a career-best six steals vs. Phoenix College. Franklin Jr. also showcased his playmaking with 11 games of five or more assists, including a pair of eight-assist performances, and was a consistent presence on the boards from the guard position with 17 games grabbing five or more rebounds, ranking third on the team. His performance during his lone season with the Coyotes earned him ACCAC Freshman of the Year and all-conference accolades in the very competitive ACCAC.
Short of winning a national championship can’t prove anything new at the FCS level, with this years weak schedule. — Riveraggie
Well, this is another twist in the ever-evolving saga of Sacramento State. For those of you keeping score at home, the Hornets have gone from launching a $50 million Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) fund to scaling back academic programs, all in pursuit of the elusive dream of joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). A dream that, let’s face it, only a handful of programs actually turn a profit from competing at that level (or any level!). Oh, and don’t tell Ohio State, Alabama and Texas (among others!) that a FCS school has a bigger NIL budget than them.
Now here comes the latest chapter.
On Monday, the FBS Oversight Committee formally recommended that the Division I Council deny Sacramento State’s waiver request to move up to the FBS — the highest level of college football. That decision isn’t final yet, but you can feel the direction this is heading.
So, how did Sacramento State respond?
Yes, the Hornets plan to go independent in football, even as an FCS independent, if the FBS bid is officially denied. And don’t be surprised if legal action follows. A lawsuit wouldn’t be shocking, given how committed they seem to this path.
Monday: Denial recommendation.
Tuesday: Leak an announcement to become an independent.
Wednesday: Make the announcement official in a very extravagant way.
Thursday: Find a way to make “Go-Go” work more into their marketing scheme for becoming independent.
Life comes at you fast.