FRESNO, CALIF. - Ray Lopes, who for the last eight seasons served as an assistant coach at the University of Oklahoma, was hired today as the men's basketball coach at Fresno State. Scott Johnson, director of athletics, made the announcement, ending a two-week search that began March 15, when Jerry Tarkanian announced his retirement.
"Ray Lopes is considered one of the brightest assistant coaches in college basketball, said Johnson. "We are very excited to have him join our staff. From the first time we met, I was very impressed with him as a coach, as a professional and as a person. Ray has the total package of what we were looking for in a head coach."
Lopes takes over the Bulldog program that has made seven consecutive postseason appearances, including two trips to the NCAA tournament, over the last three seasons. Lopes is no stranger to the NCAA tournament, helping the Sooners to eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, plus a trip to the Sweet 16 in 1999 and the 2002 Final Four. The Sooners have won at least 20 games for five straight seasons, averaging 26 wins per year, including a 31-5 record in 2001-02. The Sooners had a 187-74 record while Lopes was an assistant coach and won the 2001 and 2002 Big 12 Tournament titles. Oklahoma has been no worse than a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament over the last three years.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family," said Lopes, who becomes the 17th coach in Fresno State history. "I'm thrilled to be the head coach at an institution where I can have the same kind of success as I have enjoyed as an assistant coach at Oklahoma. I'm extremely excited about Fresno State and the future of the Bulldog basketball program. This is a great campus and a wonderful community. I'm looking forward to building in the great tradition that Coach Tarkanian built."
While at Oklahoma, Lopes was responsible for recruiting, scouting and game preparation, as well as on-the-floor coaching and the development of Sooner frontcourt players. He was also heavily involved in scheduling. During his tenure he recruited and coaches Eduardo Najara, now of the Dallas Mavericks; Aaron McGhee, the 2000 National Junior College Player of the Year and first-team all-Big 12 selection; Ebi Ere, 2002 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and 2001 National Junior College Tournament MVP.
Ray has the vision and desire to take this program to a high level, said Johnson. His reputation as a recruiter and coach are excellent. We are looking forward to a long-lasting and successful relationship.
Lopes served as an assistant coach under Sampson for one season at Washington State, where he helped the Cougars to a 20-11 record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. He joined the Washington State staff after a four-year stint as an assistant at UC-Santa Barbara from 1989-93 under head coach Jerry Pimm. The Gauchos posted a 73-44 record and advanced to three postseason tournament. In 1990, UC-Santa Barbara advanced to the second round of the NCAA Southeast Regional before losing to the Steve Smith-led Michigan State Spartans. That year, the Gauchos knocked off Tarkanians great UNLV team that won 34 straight games and the NCAA title.
Lopes gained his first Division I coaching position in 1988 at Weber State under Denny Huston, where he tutored the Wildcat guards for one season. He began his coaching career at West Valley Community College as an assistant during the 1987-88 season. There he helped guide West Valley to a 23-7 record and a spot in the state tournaments Elite Eight.
During his 14 seasons as an assistant coach, Lopes has been in the postseason 12 years, including 10 NCAA Tournament appearances.
A native of New Haven, Conn., Lopes moved to Hayward, Calif., as a junior in high school. He played two seasons at West Valley before transferring to Albertson College of Idaho. He was a two-year starter for the Coyotes and led them to two consecutive district championships and trips to the NAIA National Championship in Kansas City. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Albertson College.
Lopes and his wife, Pierrette, have two daughters, Alaina (11) and Teylor (8), and a son, Trey (3).
What Theyre Saying About Ray LopesPittsburgh head coach Ben Howland, the 2002 AP and Naismith Basketball Coach of the Year: Ray is an outstanding coach and leader with a fantastic background. He is a proven recruiter with a great network within the basketball world. He is highly respected within the profession and Fresno State is very fortunate to have a man of his character and ability leading them into a new era.
Oklahoma head coach Kelvin Sampson, the 2002 Chevrolet National Coach of the Year: Ray Lopes is a winner. Theres not one phase of building a successful basketball program in which he wont be strong. Ray is a tremendous person and he has an engaging personality, but, most of all, hes a terrific coach. Fresno State hired an absolute winner.
Former Fresno State head coach Jerry Tarkanian: I have great respect for him and the people he has worked for. He has worked for some really good coaches. Kelvins (Sampson) an outstanding coach and he worked for Jerry Pimm, who I have a real high regard for. Those are two of the better coaches in college basketball over the past 20 years.