The Cal State San Bernardino men’s basketball team is back.

After a couple of years missing the playoffs, it looks like Coach Jeff Oliver once again has a contending team. The Coyotes chalked up a 90-82 win over UC San Diego in their CCAA opener tonight at Coussoulis Arena. That marks 90 points in back-to-back games to start the season. And they don’t even have all their players eligible yet.

Big man Kwame Alexander the 6-7 senior who earned national recognition with his thundering dunks, has to miss the first four games (academics).

Then there’s junior guard Donte Medder, a transfer from Division I Tulsa on whom the Coyotes are awaiting word from the NCAA. Oliver said he might be the best shooter of all. That says a lot because the Coyotes are 22 for 42 from 3-point range in two games without him.

The best news night be in the intangibles. The Coyotes seem to be unselfish, working the ball around to the open player. They also play smart. Both are attributes that have been missing the last couple of seasons.

Asked what the team will look like when Alexander gets back, sophomore Jamari Simmons just laughed.

“It’s going to be showtime.”

He’s right.

Alexander draws the double team. So defenders come in to defend and that will leave already good shooters open to knock down more 3’s. Pick your poison.

They move out to defend the perimeter and that give Alexander space to maneuver and that could be even more dangerous.

It’s still early but this is looking like a team well worth watching. Your next chance comes next weekend. They will be at home both Friday and Saturday against conference foes Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State Los Angeles.

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