April 12, 2007

Fullerton, Calif. - Greg Russell, a 5-foot-6 all-state point guard from West Valley College in Saratoga (CA), has signed a grant-in-aid from Cal State Fullerton and will join the Titans' men's basketball program as a junior for the 2007-08 season.

Russell was a two-year starter for the Vikings, who advanced to the state championship game in 2006 and the second round in 2007. He averaged 16.8 points, 5.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds last season and 7.3 points and 3.7 assists as a freshman. He made the state all-tournament team as a freshman when the Vikings finished 33-4. They were 24-9 last season.

"Greg is a tremendous playmaker. He's extremely quick and has a point guard mentality - pass first and score second," said Assistant Coach Andy Newman, the Titans' recruiting coordinator who also played at West Valley.

"Greg is a very smart basketball player and extremely confident. He's very good in transition and excels on the open floor."

Russell signed a national letter of intent in November with Long Beach State but was released from that obligation after the 49ers' recent head coaching change.

Russell played for Coach Danny Yoshikawa at West Valley and for Coach Pete Newell, Jr., at Santa Cruz High School.

The Titans must replace graduating senior point guard Bobby Brown, who averaged more than 34 minutes per game last season.