CAL STATE FULLERTON NOTEBOOK : Sneed Looks for Answers as Titans Try to Match Expectations

John Sneed isn’t eager to compare this season to last season.

“I’ll never compare another year of my career to last season,” he says.

But for others--those who didn’t land head coaching jobs under the most bizarre of circumstances--the temptation is there.

Cal State Fullerton finished 16-13 last season. And with four starters back, including Cedric Ceballos and Mark Hill, the logic seemed that things could only get better, and the victory total could only go higher.

After a 5-0 start, Fullerton is now 6-5.

After 11 games last season, they were 5-6.

The records are not that different.

The opponents are, however.

Fullerton has lost to Colorado State, UCLA, Wyoming, UNLV and Utah State, all on the road.

Last season, the Titans lost to Pepperdine, Weber State, New Orleans, St. Mary’s, New Mexico State and Cal State Long Beach in their first 11 games.

The schedule is decidedly more difficult.

But Fullerton isn’t improved as much as expected, and in fact has a weaker starting five than a year ago.

The Titans do have improved depth.

But the greatly overlooked loss from last season’s team is forward Derek Jones, who was the Titans’ team captain and only experienced major college player.

“I think people are starting to see what a big loss Derek Jones is,” Sneed said.

Jones averaged 12 points and seven rebounds last season.

In his place the Titans have Agee Ward, who is averaging six points and six rebounds a game. More critically, he is averaging only 22 minutes a game. Troubled by an ankle sprain earlier in the season and recurring back trouble, Ward has yet to reach the level of conditioning he needs.

“Agee has tried to step in, but he’s not where I would like him to be,” Sneed said.

At center, where John Sykes finished last season as the starter, three players have failed to establish themselves. Freshman Aaron Wilhite and seniors Sykes and David Moody are sharing playing time and minimal statistics.

And at point guard, Fullerton is not getting as much as it needs from Wayne Williams.

As a freshman, Williams had a remarkable season, stepping into the role of floor leader. He came through with clutch free throws to give Fullerton an upset over Utah in his first college game, and before the season was over he made a reputation as a “buzzer beater” by hitting three-pointers in the final seconds--one of which gave the Titans their biggest victory, an overtime upset of Nevada Las Vegas.

This season, Williams has excellent statistics in two categories--steals and assists. But he is lagging in another--shooting. Even though his scoring average is between eight and nine points, the same as last season, his shooting percentage is only 30%. Williams is shooting better from three-point range (36%) than from two-point range (28%).

Ceballos and Hill are left to carry the load, Hill from the outside and the free throw line, and Ceballos largely on offensive rebounds and the fast break.

And for now, the Titans are left to wonder whether they can match their record of last season.

“I was so scared of those high expectations,” Sneed said. “To win 16 (again) with this schedule will be tough.”

After going 1-5 in their past six games, including an overtime loss to Utah State Saturday, the Titans have a chance to turn things around this week in home games against Fresno State and Pacific.

“Our guys are down right now because we lost two league games,” Sneed said. “But last year we spotted them four, and we still made a run. We’re not throwing in the towel because we lost our first two. We’re really aware that these next two are important games for us.”

The women’s basketball team will make two rare television appearances on Prime Ticket. Their game against San Diego State on Saturday will be televised at noon Sunday. A game against Hawaii on Sunday will be televised at 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Tom Wilson, a former Troy High School baseball player who played fall baseball at Cal State Fullerton, will transfer to Fullerton College, according to school officials. Wilson had a .280 batting average with two doubles in nine games during the fall.