He Sees Injury as Opportunity

Kenroy Jarrett says he was a little disappointed when he learned he probably will be sidelined for the rest of Cal State Fullerton’s basketball season.

After all, basketball has become fun again at Fullerton, where the Titans are 7-2.

But it appears as if Jarrett, a sophomore point guard, will be a medical redshirt after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in mid-November.

“I’m fine with it now,” Jarrett said. “I see it as an opportunity. It will give me another year to get stronger physically, to build myself up even more, concentrate on school and then be ready for next season.”

Jarrett played in the Titans’ first exhibition game against High Five America, but he injured cartilage in his right knee in practice before the second exhibition against Global Sports.

Coach Bob Hawking, however, isn’t closing the door on the possibility that Jarrett could be activated this season if needed.

“The paperwork doesn’t have to be turned in until the season is over, so we’ll keep our options open, but we’re not going to play him unless something dictates it,” Hawking said. “The way we’ve had injuries around here in the last couple of years, you can’t be sure.”

Senior point guard Ali Nayab won an appeal with the Big West Conference Council for an additional medical redshirt season before the start of the season, and that helped Fullerton’s depth at the position.

The smooth transition for Chris St. Clair from off-guard to the point also has helped.

“It’s not his natural position, but he’s doing fine,” Hawking said. “He has good court savvy in terms of being a leader there.”

Both are capable and have been splitting time. Nayab started the first five games, and St. Clair has started the last four. Freshman Dane Plock also can fill-in at either guard position.

Hawking said no consideration had been given to a redshirt year for Jarrett before the injury. “He was in contention for the starting position at that time,” Hawking said.

Jarrett and Nayab split time as the starter last season, and St. Clair missed most of the season because of knee problems.

Hawking sees definite benefits in Jarrett being a redshirt this season.

“Just the year of maturity alone can help,” he said. “And he should be able to get bigger and stronger. It’s just unfortunate it has to come because of an injury.”

Under revised NCAA rules, Jarrett is able to resume working out with the team without jeopardizing the potential of being a medical redshirt.

“I’ve already been doing a lot of lifting, and I want to build up the strength in my legs, so something like this doesn’t happen again,” Jarrett said. “The injury was disappointing because I had worked so hard to get ready for this season.”

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If the Titans win Saturday night at Gonzaga, it will be the first time Fullerton has won eight nonconference basketball games since the 1983-84 season.

That was also the senior season for All-American Leon Wood. The Titans were 9-2 in nonconference games, losing to Montana and Pepperdine. That team had a 13-2 record at midseason, but lost 10 of its last 13 games and finished 17-13 under George McQuarn. Four of the losses were in overtime.

The Titans equaled the seven nonconference games won by the 1990-91 team Monday night with the 91-81 victory over Columbia.

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Three Titan baseball players are among 66 invited to the U.S. national team trials, Jan. 8-12 in Tampa.

Fullerton will be represented by sophomore outfielder Aaron Rowand, freshman catcher Craig Patterson and freshman second baseman Ryan Owens.

Coach George Horton was pleased they were selected, but sorry the trials will begin two days after the Titans start practice.

“It’s an honor for them to be picked, and they’re very deserving,” Horton said. “It’s just unfortunate that they’ll have to miss so much time at the beginning of our workouts. But it’s important for their future, and we want them to do that. They’ll just have to overcome missing what they will with us.”

The squad will be divided into three 22-player teams, and each team will play four games as part of the tryouts. Those sessions are normally well-attended by major league scouts.

The players chosen for the team will play in the International Cup, Aug. 1-10 in Barcelona, as well as in a U.S. summer tour against national teams from Cuba, Nicaragua, Korea and Australia.

The trials will be held at Legends Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training site.

California Coach Bob Milano has replaced Louisiana State’s Skip Bertman as Team USA coach.

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Coming Attractions

Here’s a look at key games this week for Cal State Fullerton.

* Men’s basketball, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Gonzaga.

* Women’s basketball, at 7 p.m. Friday in Titan Gym against San Diego.