Fresno Pacific University Director of Athletics Aaron Henderson has announced the hiring of C.J. Haydock as head men’s basketball coach. The 17th head coach in the history of FPU basketball, Haydock spent the last season as the lead assistant with the Sunbirds.
“We are genuinely excited for the direction that men’s basketball is headed,” said Henderson. “I’m confident that C.J. will not only bring a high level of basketball expertise, but he will also be investing in the right areas on campus and in the community that will make everyone proud. His values and character will make our culture special, which will put our student-athletes in an opportunity to succeed. I’m very excited about the long-term future of our program with C.J. at the helm.”
Haydock played an integral part in all aspects of running the program over the last year. He worked as the Sunbirds’ recruiting coordinator and developed FPU’s guards. The Sunbirds finished the year at 14-13 overall (9-11 in PacWest play), a five-win improvement from the previous season.
“I am beyond honored and humbled to be entrusted with leading the men’s basketball program at Fresno Pacific into its next chapter,” said Haydock. “I’m deeply appreciative to President Richard Kriegbaum, Director of Athletics Aaron Henderson and the search committee for this opportunity. I believe we are uniquely positioned as a program to add value to our university, our campus community and the larger Valley basketball community.”
Haydock came to FPU after coaching locally at Immanuel High School where he led the Eagles to back-to-back Valley championships and a ranking as high as #1 in the state in 2014-15.
Haydock, the 2015 Fresno Bee High School Coach of the Year, became the head coach at Immanuel in 2011, inheriting a program that had gone 4-23 the previous year. In four seasons with the Eagles he posted an overall record of 70-47, including a 30-3 mark in 2014-15, going undefeated against Central Section opponents across all divisions and reaching the Division IV state quarterfinals.
Under Haydock, the Immanuel basketball program became known not only for its success on the court but also for its team culture and tremendous community impact within the city of Reedley. The Eagles routinely played in front of sell-out crowds and received state-wide media coverage for multiple seasons. Haydock is committed to the holistic growth of each student-athlete, not only athletically but also academically, spiritually and in serving their community as well, values that are shared by both FPU and IHS.
“We will go to great lengths to make sure that we operate our program in a way our community and alumni can be proud to support,” said Haydock. “We will work wholeheartedly to see that our student-athletes find their lives grown and matured in multiple facets, and in an environment that creates a sustained model of excellence in competition. I’m beyond thrilled to embark on this endeavor with our staff, and we are ready to work.”
Haydock’s coaching career began as an assistant at his alma mater, Fresno Christian High School. He was the head coach at Liberty High School in Madera Ranchos from 2008-2010 before joining the coaching staff at Clovis North High School where he was a part of his first Valley championship.
He graduated from FPU with a degree in organizational leadership and also holds a master’s in education from National University.
The FPU men’s basketball program has a rich tradition, most recently posting a string of five seasons with 19 wins or more from 2007-2013. The program’s lengthy list of successful alumni includes longtime NBA coach Ron Adams, currently with the Golden State Warriors.
Haydock will announce the rest of the coaching staff in the coming weeks. A press conference to formally introduce Haydock as the head coach will be held on the FPU campus next week.
http://fpuathletics.com/news/2016/4/4/haydock-named-head-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
Photo Courtesy FPU Athletics
