Fresno State backcourt takes another forward step with second big game from Jordan Campbell
It’s two games, but not too soon, perhaps, to buy into Jordan Campbell. The Fresno State guard, who has struggled at the offensive end since transferring from Oregon State, put together a second strong game in the Bulldogs’ 84-60 victory over Long Island on Friday at the Save Mart Center, hitting 6 of 11 shots in scoring 15 points with three assists and seven rebounds in just 25 minutes on the floor.
He was a big reason the Bulldogs (2-0) scored at better than 1.200 points per possession for a second game in a row, a 1.235 following a 1.254 in an opening victory over Fresno Pacific, levels they rarely have hit over the past two basketball seasons even when matched against lesser competition.
Campbell was one point shy of his career high, but he hit a career-high three threes in six attempts and tied a career-high with the three assists. He had been there, or thereabouts, but has never been anywhere close to putting up those numbers in the same game. Coach Justin Hutson, though, was not surprised.
“This is the first time he has been with me all summer,” he said. “We had summer and spring. He came in the middle of the year and we just threw him in the game, from Oregon State. Then last year we had the COVID.
“When you say Jordan had a spring, a summer and a fall and we can actually work on his game, which he does really hard, it’s not surprising to me that he’s playing well.”
The 6-foot-4 junior, a midyear transfer from Oregon State in 2019-20, has changed the release point on that jump shot and can change the dynamic for the Bulldogs at the offensive end, in a backcourt that is gaining experience and an edge as the games pile up. They are moving the ball more consistently, getting and taking better shots. That was key in a 14-0 run to start the second half, and in extending a lead on the Sharks (0-2) to as many as 24 points.
Point guard Isaiah Hill has now played in 57 games, 26 at Fresno State. Jemarl Baker has played in 73 games in his career including 28 at Kentucky and 44 at Arizona. Destin Whitaker, recruited as a perimeter shooter, is taking more comfortable shots in his second season. The Bulldogs also have Junior Ballard working his way back from a shin injury and Deon Stroud, who is expected to make his season debut on Monday when Fresno State plays Idaho.
And Campbell, playing with confidence and with a comfort level, is proving to be a valuable piece for Hutson.
“I feel like I’m playing it easy a little bit more,” said Campbell, who in his first two seasons at Fresno State hit just 38.3% of his shots and was 8 of 39 (20.5%) from the 3-point line. “Not like I want to, but I feel it coming.
“Coach, he’s putting a little bit more trust in me and with me knowing that, I just feel more comfortable out there.”
Bulldogs’ Robinson has first double-double of season
Orlando Robinson had his first double-double of the season and it was a big one – he hit 6 of 9 shots in scoring 17 points with 16 rebounds and added three assists, two blocked shots and one steal. Seven of those rebounds came at the offensive end. Robinson’s career-high on offensive rebounds is nine, set last season against Colorado State. …
Baker, the transfer from Arizona, made his Fresno State debut. He didn’t shoot the ball well, going 3 of 12 and 1 of 8 from the 3-point line, and had six turnovers. His plus/minus, though, was plus-22 in 34 minutes on the floor, the second-highest on the team behind Robinson and his plus-24. …
Whitaker hit 3 of 5 threes in scoring 10 points, and twice had a chance at 4-point plays. He was fouled when knocking down a three at the 12:40 mark in the first half, but missed the foul shot. He also was fouled when hitting a three with 1:24 to go and that time made the free throw. …
Next for Fresno State
Monday: vs. Idaho, 7 p.m. at Save Mart Center
Of note: The Bulldogs’ NCAA Tournament team in 2015-16 is last to start a season 3-0.