Cal State Northridge posted one of its best seasons in 15 years in Andy Newman’s first year as the head coach in 2023-24. Newman, who previously coached at the Division II level, became the winningest first-year head coach at Cal State Northridge.
This season, the Matadors hope to build on last year’s 19-win season.
Mid-Major Basketball is previewing all Big West teams for the 2024-25 season. Up next is the Matadors.
Last season
Cal State Northridge had its first winning season in 15 years, finishing seventh in the Big West with a 19-15 overall record and 9-11 conference record.
CSUN won its first postseason game in 10 years with an 87-84 win against UC Santa Barbara in the first round of the Big West Tournament.
The season ended in the second round of the conference tournament, as the Matadors lost to Hawaii, 75-68.
Players
Leading the squad for the Matadors this season is senior forward Keonte Jones. The former JUCO product averaged 11.4 points per game as CSUN’s third-leading scorer last season. Jones was selected to the preseason All-Big West Team ahead of the season.
Newman recently mentioned to Mid-Major Basketball that Cal Baptist transfer Scotty Washington is a player to watch this season. Washington averaged 8.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in the Western Athletic Conference last season.
Incoming Division II transfer forward/center Grady Lewis joined the Matador squad for the 2024-25 season. Lewis averaged 14.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year at Cal State East Bay.
Schedule
Cal State Northridge will open its season on the road with a matchup against St Bonaventure on Nov. 4.
The Matadors will face Big Sky champions Montana State on the road on Nov. 30, adding a March Madness experienced team to the schedule.
CSUN kicks off the season during Bold Week at home against UC Riverside on Dec. 5. The Matadors will travel to Cal Poly two days later to take on the Mustangs.
Cal State Northridge and UC Santa Barbara will have a rematch of the first round of the 2024 Big West Tournament on Jan. 30.
The Big West Tournament will take place March 12-15 for an opportunity to play in March Madness.
Prediction
Newman’s goal is for the team to finish in the top half of the conference this season, he recently told Mid-Major Basketball.
With Jones back and multiple Power Four roster additions, it appears Newman could meet his expectations.
In the 2024 Big West preseason coaches poll, Cal State Northridge ranked sixth for this season.
