FRESNO, Calif. - Head men's basketball coach C.J. Haydock has announced the additions of graduate transfer Nehemiah Allen and incoming freshman Richard Corona to FPU for the 2018-2019 season. They join seven previous additions, as well as eight returners to the Sunbird squad.
 
Nehemiah Allen
A 6'6" wing, Allen comes to FPU after spending three years as member of Division I Grand Canyon University. He graduated from one of the nation's premiere high school basketball programs, Lake Oswego High School in Oregon, prior to attending GCU. Allen graduated in three years from GCU and will begin work on a master's degree in business administration in the fall. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining for the Sunbirds. Allen has made a name for himself as a hard-nosed, hard-working member of the GCU team the last three years, and is expected to make an immediate impact for the Sunbirds.
 
Allen: "FPU and the coaching staff offered me the opportunity to not only continue my education, but to also be able to showcase my talents athletically at the same time. I'm excited for the future and the success FPU basketball has coming."
 
Haydock on Allen: "It's very rare to find an athlete with Nehemiah's combination of size, explosiveness and relentlessness at the Division II level. As we discovered his intelligence, work ethic, maturity, faith and selflessness, we became even more thrilled to add him to our program. We are confident he will contribute immediately, bring veteran experience and excellence in the classroom, and contribute the relentlessness, utility, and winning plays we need to grow our program."
 
Richard Corona
A 6'1" guard who graduated Clovis East High School in 2017, Corona will join the Sunbirds in the fall of 2018. Corona prepped for former collegiate head coach Adrian Wiggins, playing in the premier valley basketball league in the TRAC.
 
Corona: "I am excited to come to FPU because I want to put on for the city of Fresno, and grow as a person on and off the court."
 
Haydock on Corona: "Richard is a guy who is as tough and hard-nosed as they come, has a background playing for one of our premiere valley high school coaches in Adrian Wiggins, and shoots the ball at a good clip. Most of all, he's got the kind of chip on his shoulder that we feel embodies our valley and region. He played at high level in high school, and wants to work at getting better every day. We are excited to get to work together and what he will add to our program."