Fresno State coach Vance Walberg and his family pledged money to support the Bulldogs’ revenue sharing and roster build this season and there has been a return on that investment, despite struggles down the stretch.
The NET rating is much better, up nearly 140 spots. The point differential, one of the worst in the nation last season at minus-10.0, is plus-1.0. The record, however, is 13-17, 7-12 in the Mountain West Conference.
But the question as Fresno State hits the final week of the regular season and heads to what will be a very deep and competitive Pac-12 next year is fairly simple: Will the community step up in larger numbers to help push the program forward and build a better roster in a critical third season for Walberg?
“I’m hoping,” Walberg said. “I want them to understand that it’s just different times. I know we’re all used to the old days. Unfortunately, they’re gone. If you look at Kentucky’s roster, $22 million. The majority of the Power Four, they’re between $12 million and $22 million.
“I’m not saying we’re going to get $12 million, but it sure would be nice to have $3 million or $4 million to get some players where at least you have a chance to win.
“It’s just different times, and I understand why people are a little frustrated. But if we don’t do it, we’re going to be in big trouble.”
Fresno State athletics director Garrett Klassy acknowledged the need to tap new revenue sources, and the Bulldog Foundation last week introduced the Valley Fueled Initiative, targeting Central Valley ag partners and in-kind donations of proteins, fruits and produce.
The move to the Pac-12 will generate more media and conference revenue than the Bulldogs received when in the Mountain West. There also was a surge in athletics donations last year, and philanthropic giving is an area Fresno State could gain ground on its Pac-12 peers.
The Valley, Klassy pointed out, is home to more than 3 million residents across eight counties. That is more than in Idaho and Utah, home to two rivals in the new Pac-12.
“If we can find ways to get a majority of fans to give $50 a year, that moves the needle for us. It really does,” the Bulldogs’ athletics director said. “That’s an advantage we have over a lot of our peers, maybe all of our peers in the new league.”
On the floor there have been signs of growth, also growing pains for the Bulldogs and Walberg, who signed an unconventional three-year contract with an option for two additional years at the discretion of the university president and athletics director. Fresno State, which closes the regular season on Saturday at Grand Canyon, has lost seven games this season by five points or fewer and four games by two points or fewer.
They are a far more efficient team than a year ago when struggling through a dismal 6-26 season, particularly at the defensive end of the floor. The Bulldogs last season ranked 322nd in the nation in field goal percentage defense, and 352nd in points allowed per game. This season, they are ranked 180th and 145th.
There also are building blocks, including freshmen forward DeShawn Gory and the 7-foot center Wilson Jacques, a difficult match up piece for the Mountain West or Pac-12.
But Fresno State has to retain players and recruit, and that requires an investment from a Red Wave fan base that decades ago thrived on basketball success. Walberg said after a victory over San Jose State in the Bulldogs’ home finale that he could have 12 new players again next season, with the amount of movement through the transfer portal and players getting paid through revenue sharing and Name, Image and Likeness compensation.
That is not unique. Fresno State, New Mexico, Boise State, UNLV and others in the league had significant roster turnover after last season.
“I always felt my biggest strength was getting players to work hard, having a good culture and developing them,” Walberg said. “Now, it’s hard to do that. If you don’t have any money, you’re not going to win with freshmen and (junior college) kids, you’re just not, especially going to the Pac-12 with San Diego State, Boise State, Gonzaga, Colorado State, Utah State …”
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