FRESNO, Calif - Head Coach C.J. Haydock rounded out his roster for the 2025/26 campaign with the addition of four local incoming freshman. Arman Arisian (Clovis North), Micah Cole (Sanger), Malachi Ficher (Tulare Western) and Silas Rodriguez (San Joaquin Memorial) complete the squad.
 
"We are thrilled with another influx of valley talent, a group of extremely high character young men joining our program," Haydock said. "We are proudly a developmental program, providing opportunities to young athletes in our community to live out their dreams and represent their city, and we are excited to work with this group."
 
More on each addition, all four of who or central valley natives:
 

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Arman Arisian 
6'0 Guard, Clovis North High School

Arisian comes to FPU from one of the premier programs in the central section, Clovis North High School, where he played a key role in the Broncos winning back-to-back TRAC championships as well as the 2024 section championship, and consecutive years ranked in the top 25 in the state of California. 
 
Arisian on FPU: "I chose FPU because of the culture, the team, and the opportunity to continue playing basketball in a Christian environment. I am most looking forward to developing my game, growing as a person, and creating a brotherhood with my teammates."
 
Haydock on Arisian: "Arman is a winner, and comes from a program known for it's work ethic. He's played at the highest level of local prep hoops, and he's impacted winning a variety of ways. He's a high character young man from an incredible family, and his best basketball is in front of him. We can't wait to get working with him."
 

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Micah Cole
6'8 Forward, Sanger High School

Cole comes to FPU after making a huge impact at Sanger High School and with local club program the Fresno Wildcats. A skilled 6'8 forward, Cole was an All-CMAC player for the Apaches, with the ability to play a variety of positions.
 
Cole on FPU: "I chose FPU because of the work ethic, culture, and belief they keep in the program – not just athletically, but holistically. I'm looking forward to individual growth, and the progress I will consistently make to put myself in the best position."
 
Haydock on Cole: "Micah is one of the highest upside freshman we've seen. He's going to thrive in our strength and conditioning and player development program, and has the ability to turn into a very productive D2 player eventually. He's got a great spirit to him, is from a very supportive and tight-knit community, and we are thrilled to add him to our team."
 

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Malachi Ficher
6'4 Guard, Tulare Western High School

One of the most prolific scores in the central valley the last several years, Ficher comes to the Sunbirds from Tulare Western High School. He was made the WYL MVP in his senior campaign, where he averaged 27 point per game and surpassed the 2,000 point mark for his prep career, while leading his team to a WYL title.
 
Ficher on FPU: "I chose FPU because of it's emphasis on culture and tradition, and it's very family oriented as well. I am looking forward to playing basketball and gaining new experiences."
 
Haydock on Ficher: "We really think we found a hidden gem in Malachi. He's got a great frame, he's immensely coachable, and he's really gifted as a scorer. We have no doubt he's going to grow and develop into an impact player at this level."
 

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Silas Rodriguez
6'0 Point Guard, San Joaquin Memorial High School

A key member of one of the premier basketball programs in the central valley, Rodriguez won multiple CMAC championships as a Panther while also competing with the club team Fresno Wildcats. He filled a critical ballhandling, playmaking and defensive role for the Panthers.
 
Rodriguez on FPU: "I chose FPU because I wanted to experience a faith-based school and be a part of the great culture surrounding basketball. I'm looking forward to what I can do throughout the years with my academic and athletic career, as well as making lifelong friends."

Haydock on Rodriguez: "We are excited to have Silas as a Sunbird. He's got an incredible work ethic, has a base of faith and character we love, and a skillset we think we can really grow and develop. He's going to immediately elevate the culture of our program."
 

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The four valley natives join Abram Potts, Logan Kilbert and Loukas Jones to give the Sunbirds a distinct local influence, carrying seven incoming freshman from the greater Fresno area. During Coach Haydock's nine years at the helm, the Sunbirds have had 35 players who matriculated from Central Section high schools wear the navy and orange.
 
They also join up with two incoming transfers in Amar Hot and Nick Davidson. 11 returners will feature for the 'Birds, who hope to build on a torrid second half of the 2024/25 season, winning 9 of their final 12 games in a stretch that also saw Coach Haydock become the all time wins leader in school history. The 'Birds will be led by all-league selection Isaac Peralta, as well as fellow scoring leaders Seth Brown and Harrison Pennisi.


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