Posted: Dec 27, 2019
By Bill Sheehan
Austen Awosika has led the Cal State Fullerton men's basketball team in assists for three straight years, so he knows the value of teamwork. Asked what's behind his individual success this season, he immediately points toward others.
"I have a really great support system. It's easier to accomplish things when people believe in you," said Awosika, who gives credit to his family, his longtime hoops mentor, his sports psychologist and his Fullerton coaches and teammates.
The Titans, who have been slowed by injuries to key players, have won just three of their first 13 games. Awosika, pronounced "A-wo-shi-ka," is doing everything he can to right the ship. The 6-foot-3 senior point guard is having a career season, leading the Titans in scoring (14 points per game), assists (3.6), steals (1.6), minutes played (35.5). He is second in rebounds (5.0) and often tasked with defending the opposition's top scorer.
His immediate goal is helping the team snap a seven-game losing streak. The Titans will play their penultimate non-conference game Saturday at 2 p.m. against UCLA (7-5) at Pauley Pavilion. Fullerton has just one win in 11 previous meetings with UCLA.
"We need to have more of a sense of urgency earlier in games instead of playing catch-up," said Awosika, who believes the team will get a boost when forwards Jackson Rowe and Vincent Lee and guard Brandon Kamga are all healthy and back on the court. The three have all missed several games because of injuries.
"Our strengths are defending, rebounding and running. We want to play at a fast pace and get transition points while pressuring teams defensively and holding them to low scoring and low shooting percentages," said Awosika. "We are struggling a little bit to be connected on the defensive end. And we are shooting better in practice than in games. Once we get those things straightened out, we'll be much better."
.@austen_acee speaking with Bill Sheehan. #TusksUp pic.twitter.com/dhFRwGDleN
— Titans Men's Basketball (@FullertonMBB) December 27, 2019
Looking forward to a healthy lineup
Dedrique Taylor, who is in his seventh season as the Titans head coach, acknowledges the injuries have had an impact but said they are part of the game. "It's been tough and difficult when you have guys you are depending on out of the lineup. Once we start Big West Conference play and get healthy, we'll be on the same page. Some of our reserves have gotten lots of minutes, and I hope they can continue to be productive."
Awosika said he and his teammates have faith in Taylor. "He is our backbone, our engine. He really believes in us. Even though we are in a rut, he's not negative. He's always positive, instilling confidence which we need."
Confidence doesn't appear to be a problem for the 21-year-old Awosika. "I want to be the Big West Conference Player of the Year -- first-team all-conference at a minimum," he said. "Whatever the team needs, it is on me to do it. I can step up in a few more areas and get more rebounds and assists."
Awosika's growth, toughness and leadership make him a special student-athlete, Taylor said. "Austen added 20 pounds as a sophomore and was still able be quicker than he was when he first showed up at Fullerton. He uses his size and quick hands to his advantage in everything from rebounding to disrupting opposing ball handlers' timing.
"He combines a high basketball IQ with a strong skill set and athleticism," Taylor said. "He is one of the fastest players going end to end, and he gets the ball to his teammates. He can score in many ways – creating his own shot, on a pick and roll or going to the rim and finishing.
"He has always been a steadying force and his teammates feed off of that. Before he was more under the radar. As a senior, he's stepping into the limelight more."
He first got his hands on a basketball as a 1-year-old
Basketball has always been a way of life for Awosika, who grew up in Carson. His godmother gave him a toy basketball when he was 1. At age 4, his mother Darlene tried to sign him up for a youth basketball league that had a minimum age requirement of 5. "They said he was not mature enough but agreed to give him a try. He exceeded their expectations," she said.
Awosika played in parks and recreation league for a few years before joining a travel team at age 8. Later, as a seventh-grader, he caught the eye of Marquis Washington, who was coaching another travel squad.
"He was a kid who had a lot of energy and passion and an eagerness to want to learn," said Washington, who is an assistant boys basketball coach at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. "Austen always wanted to be at the gym and get better."
Washington, who was based in Long Beach, volunteered to serve as his personal coach. Darlene either drove her son to the training sessions or Washington drove to Carson to pick him up.
"Marquis has trained me ever since seventh grade and has never charged me a dime," said Awosika. "He became my mentor. He worked me out, we watched film and he basically created my game. And he taught me a lot of life lessons."
"It's been a very long journey," said Washington. "I've seen him grow up in front of my eyes. There were some struggles, but most of our time together has been good. His family is outstanding, and he's learned his work ethic from his mom and dad. They told me, 'He is in your hands. We're going to support him 100 percent.' "
Bringing a championship to Ayala High
The family moved from Carson to Chino before Awosika began high school. He enrolled at Ayala High in Chino Hills, where he played three seasons on the varsity for head coach John Mounce. "He was one of the most prepared coaches I have played for and was very animated," he said. He yelled the whole game, but he was a great Xs and Os guy and was the reason we won a lot."
As a junior, Awosika averaged 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds per game. He was earned team MVP honors and was named First Team All-CIF, First Team All-Area and All-Palomares League First Team.
In his senior year, he helped lead Ayala win the CIF Southern Section Division 2A Championship. Ayala defeated Huntington Beach Edison in the title game, 63-49, with Awosika and teammate John Edgar each scoring 19 points. Awosika averaged 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds and was a repeat first team All-Palomares League, All-CIF and All-Area selection.
Awosika said he was lightly recruited coming out of Ayala High. "I was frustrated because I felt I outplayed other guys, but they were getting more offers. I had an offer from Fullerton, but I wanted to wait and weigh my options."
Washington, his mentor, stepped in with advice. "Marquis asked, 'What is the point in waiting for people to finally believe in you when you already have someone who believes in you?' I quickly called Coach Taylor and committed."
As a freshman, he made just one start but was one of only four Titans to play in all 32 games. He averaged 6.1 points and 2.7 rebounds a game.
He started 15 games as a sophomore, averaging 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and team-leading 2.7 assist. The Titans went 20-12, won the Big West Tournament Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Last season as a junior, he was the only Titan to start in all 34 of the team's games. He was first in assists (3.5 per game), second in rebounding (4.8) and steals (1.4), third in blocks (17 total) and fourth in scoring (7.6 points) for the Titans, who made it to the Big West Tournament title game.
Teammates John Edgar, left, and Austen Awosika celebrate after leading Ayala High School to the CIF Southern Section Division 2A Championship.
'He is a stat sheet stuffer,' says his coach
"He is a stat sheet stuffer," said Taylor. "He has had an impact throughout his time here, both offensively and defensively."
Wayne Arnold, a sophomore guard from South-Central Los Angeles, said Awosika has taken on a bigger role this season. "He's trying to do everything he can to help us get wins. He challenges us in practice and talks smack to get us going. And he's doing a good job with ball movement and getting his teammates the ball.
"Austen is like a big brother to me. I look to him when things are going wrong. He helps me out," said Arnold.
A couple years ago, his teammates tagged Awosika with the nickname 'Bully.' The moniker is considered a sign of affection and respect.
"He bullies smaller guards during games with his size and strength," said Wayne Arnold, a teammate and sophomore guard from South-Central Los Angeles. "He makes other guards looks like babies."
Sessions with sports psychologist pay dividends
Awosika said weekly sessions with Chelsea Rodriguez, a Fullerton kinesiology professor and the sports psychologist, have helped him with the mental parts of his game. "She breaks things down and helps me if I am struggling on or off the court. The sessions have helped me rethink my game and are a big part of my early success this season."
"Austen came in as a freshman and tried to soak it up and find his place in the lineup," said Rodriquez. "His development went through ups and downs, and he learned from all of that.
He consciously decided on who he wants to be and is executing it amazingly. He wants to be the best overall Austen he can be and has done a lot of work to reach that goal."
"There are times in athletes' careers when they are alone. A support system can help an athlete with motivation, confidence and goal setting. I always recommend to athletes that are alone that they reach out to a friend or a professor. Austen himself has a great support system."
Awosika's father, Valentine, is a certified public accountant and his mother Darlene works for a lighting manufacturing company. He has two older siblings – a sister Tosin and a brother Adura. Both played high school basketball.
"We've never had any problem with Austen in school," said Darlene of her son, who made the honor roll at Ayala High. "We knew he would probably go to college and play basketball at a
high level. But we made sure he maintained his grades. We supported his basketball, but school was the number one priority.
Envisioning a career as a chiropractor after pro ball
Awosika will graduate this spring with a degree in kinesiology. He plans to eventually return to school and become a board-certified chiropractor. But he wants to take a stab at professional basketball.
"My mom has been everything in my life," he said. "I owe her a lot. She has been driving me around to practices and games since I was 7 years old. She has put her life on hold to make sure I am successful. I've dedicated this season to her.
"My father has instilled knowledge since day one. He is always interested in my classes and jokes that he wants proof that I will be graduating on time. And he is always telling me to believe in myself."
His parents, siblings and other extended family members attend most of his home games. "I'm there for every game at Fullerton," said Darlene. "Austen knows where we sit and looks for us."
Awosika said his grandmother Billie Bates always has a word or two for him. "She'll joke with me and say I need to score more. And she'll bring me some meals. My family is always here for support."
He enjoys cooking in his apartment. His favorite dishes are chicken and bacon alfredo as well as grilled chicken and broccoli cheddar rice. But he takes a back seat to his mother and grandmother when he returns home.
"My mom is always big on Sunday dinner and Austen comes when he is available," said Darlene.
Family and friends gather around Austen Awosika after a Titans home game. His mother Darlene and father Valentine are wearing striped scarves.
A friendship with NBA player Lonzo Ball
Awosika and his Ayala High teammate John Edgar, who plays for UC Irvine, developed a friendship with formers Laker and current New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball during their high school years. Ball played for rival Chino Hills
"We competed against Lonzo. We always had a lot of battles, but they would win. We had a mutual respect, and he's like my brother now. We're really close."
The three enjoy making Instagram dance videos. Last summer in Toronto, they created a video with a sampling of the rap duo Timbaland and Magoo feat's "Fatman Scoop – Drop."
"It's fun. I consider making the videos a pastime," said Awosika.
Washington, his mentor, said Awosika's on-court intensity melts away off the court. "He is laid back, cool and collected. He's that guy you want to hang around."
As for Awosika's chances in pro ball, Washington said he has all the intangibles to play professionally. "He has size, leadership qualities, sees the court and excels in the pick and roll. He needs more confidence in shooting the ball – he can be much better than he's shown so far."
Awosika said he and the other Titan seniors – Rowe, Kamga and Davon Clare -- are driven to finish their Titan careers on a high note. "We want to be the first senior class to win two Big West Tournament Championships," he said. "We understand what it takes to win."
Purchase Men's Basketball Single Game Tickets – HERE
Season tickets are still available for the 2019-20 season – Buy NOW
PARKING
CSUF requires a parking permit for all weekday games. Beginning July 1st, parking on campus will be $10 for an All-Day permit Monday through Thursday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday until 5pm. After 5pm on Friday, Permits are not required, as well as on the weekend. Park and Pay stalls Monday through Thursday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm (Friday until 5pm) are $4 for 1-hour, $8 for 2-hours. Permits can be purchased in parking lots at the permit machines and accept only major credit cards.
For more parking information or to purchase a permit online click HERE or go to parking.fullerton.edu.
SUPPORT THE TITANS!
Fans can purchase tickets for various Cal State Fullerton athletic events by visiting FullertonTitans.com/Tickets. The Athletic Ticket Office can also be contacted by phone at 657-278-2783 or by email at athletictixs@fullerton.edu. The Ticket Office is located at the Titan House off of Gymnasium Drive at the eastern end of the Intramural Fields and is open from 10 am – 4 pm PT, Monday – Friday.
FOLLOW THE TITANS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titan Athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook/FullertonTitans), Twitter (@FullertonTitans) Instagram (@FullertonTitans) and Snapchat (FullertonTitans). In addition, the basketball team has established its own Twitter (@FullertonMBB) and Instagram accounts (@FullertonMBB).