Waves’ Coach Abruptly Resigns

Tony Fuller resigned as head basketball coach at Pepperdine on Saturday, effective immediately.

The Waves were 8-19 under Fuller last season and 7-8 entering Saturday’s game against Santa Clara. In their final game under Fuller, they lost to St. Mary’s, 89-79, Friday night.

“After doing a great deal of thinking, it is my opinion that this decision is for the betterment of the program, and is in the best interest of all parties concerned, especially the players,” Fuller said in a statement issued by the school.

Fuller informed the coaching staff and the team of his decision earlier in the day.

“First and foremost, our concerns are for Tony and his well-being,” said Wayne Wright, Pepperdine’s director of athletics. “We are all shocked. Nobody saw this coming.”

Assistant coaches Marty Wilson, Jon Wheeler and Carl Strong directed the Waves in the home game against Santa Clara. Wright said the coaching situation will be evaluated Monday morning.

Fuller, 37, directed the Waves to a 15-27 record since becoming head coach before the start of the 1994-95 season. Before that, he was the head coach at San Diego State for two seasons.