March 7, 2005

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Senior guard Chrismen Oliver was selected Honorable Mention All-Big West, and freshman guard Alex Harris was chosen to the league's All-Freshman Team, it was announced today.

Oliver, who originally came to UCSB as a walk-on in 2000-01, enters Wednesday night's Big West Tournament game against Long Beach State as UCSB's top active scorer at 10.3 points per game. In addition, the native of Los Angeles leads the Gauchos in assists at 3.1 per game and steals with 43. He is also second on the team with 39 three-point baskets.

"I am so pleased that Chrismen has been recognized by the league's coaches," said UCSB head coach Bob Williams. "He is an inspiration on and off the court. Chrismen is a great example of what someone can accomplish when they are dedicated and believe in themselves."

Oliver is one of five UCSB players to have played in all 27 games to this point in the season. He has started 26 times, second on the team.

Harris, a starter for most of the season, enters the Big West Tournament with averages of 7.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He has also made 21 three-point baskets. The 6-foot-6 native of Alameda, Calif., has spent spent time at both the point and off-guard positions. He becomes the first UCSB player to earn Big West All-Freshman Team honors since Branduinn Fullove and Nick Jones were accorded the same honor in 2000-01.

"Alex has been one of our best and most consistent players this season," Williams said. "He is a huge part of our future. This year, because of injuries, he was really thrown into the fire, and he responded. Alex is a joy to coach and I look forward to three more years with him."

UCSB will play Long Beach State in Wednesday night's opening round of the Big West Tournament. The Gauchos and 49ers are scheduled to tip-off at about 8:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center.