Michael Smith leading the charge for Sonoma State after a rough start
YOUNTVILLE, Calif. — It is no hidden fact that the Sonoma State Seawolves basketball team is struggling so far in this season as they have collected their sixth straight loss to open up the year, but junior shooting guard Michael Smith has been a bright spot for the team.
Smith made an immediate impact as he came on campus at Sonoma State. In his first season, he played nearly the entire game averaging almost 33 minutes per game out of a possible 40. He did not let his teammates down in those minutes averaging over 10 points per game as a first-year player. Smith was a transfer from Longwood University and came to Sonoma after just his freshman year there.
A big reason for that transfer was the hire of the new Director of Basketball, Rich Shayewitz. He brought a lot of experience to the school and both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The Interim Director of Athletics, Nicole Annaloro had high praise as well for the Director of Basketball.
“Coach Shayewitz has an extensive history with Sonoma State basketball and is the ideal candidate to fulfill this role during these unprecedented times,” she said at the time of his hiring. “Coach Shayewitz exemplifies a true team player and his acceptance to take on the role of Interim Director of Basketball embodies his commitment to Sonoma State Athletics. We are looking forward to Coach Shayweitz sharing his experience, knowledge, and dedication with our student-athletes.”
The appointment has worked in favor of Michael Smith however, the team still had to forfeit an entire season last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sonoma State Seawolves and Smith were ready to go this season after having an entire year off to train and get better. Smith was even granted an extra year of eligibility due to the forced year off, so he still holds his junior status. In the first game this season, Smith put up 21 points against Dominican University with four made three-pointers. In another game against Holy Names, he made seven of seven free throws and recorded three steals. Smith is having quite a year personally but that hasn’t translated into wins, at least not yet.
Rich Shayewitz is the head coach of the men’s basketball team as well as the Director of Basketball and is happy to be running all things basketball for the Seawolves.
“Sonoma State is my home,” said Shayewitz. “From my playing days to the years I have spent on the sideline, it has always been my dream to be a head coach at SSU. I have to thank SSU Men’s basketball coach Pat Fuscaldo for the opportunity and freedom he has given me over the years within his program.”
Shayewitz is a good person to have in your corner and Smith realizes that. It has been a slow start for the Seawolves, but they are getting better and have kept their most recent games close. There should be numerous wins to come for this Sonoma State team this season behind the impressive play of Michael Smith. Sonoma State has high hopes for the rest of the year despite a challenging start.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
