Satterwhite makes good things happen

October 17, 1993
Originally published by The Daily Collegian (Fresno State)

Meet Davon Satterwhite and Carl Ray Harris, the Fresno State basketball flying circus.


Most of the attention to this year’s Bulldog hoopsters has gone to Harris, a senior who sat out last year to concentrate on academics. Now that he returns, he finds himself with a strong supporting cast backed with contributors like Satterwhite.


Satterwhite, a hard-working aggressive guard, always seems to be making good things happen for the ’Dogs. He may not attract the spotlight Harris loves, but he is the sort of unsung sparkplug every championship team must have.


"Davon can have a pretty good year," head coach Gary Colson said, indicating that Satterwhite has a shot at starting in the Bulldog backcourt if regulars Seth Marshall, Brian Santiago and Harris slip.


This three-guard rotation, plus Satterwhite, give the Bulldogs depth, versatility and strength for 1993-94. Seven of the top eight Bulldog scorers from last year return.


Said Colson, "We have big returning experience and we can break the losing cycle."


What Satterwhite does best is shoot the ball, specifically from 19 feet, nine inches and beyond to make three pointers.


"Davon is a proven scorer and he can also play defense," Colson said.


Last year, the junior from Tyler, Texas led the Bulldogs in three-point shooting, hitting at a 44 percent clip. He sank 45 of 101 baskets from that distance and finished third in the WAC in that department.


"I improved my shooting by working on free throws and three pointers after every practice," Satterwhite said. "Coming here (Fresno), I needed to learn the system and how to play in it. I just worked to get my confidence so that now when I have an open shot in a game, I’ll take it and I’ll hit it."


It’s a lot easier when you play in an offense that emphasizes high scoring and involvement. The FSU game plan is an up-tempo entertaining one that Colson loves.


"Nobody stands around waiting to shoot or watching someone else carry the load. Everybody gets equal opportunity," Satterwhite said.


Last year, Satterwhite had a 20-point game against San Diego State and averaged 11.3 points over the last 12 games.


Satterwhite excels in coming off the bench to provide instant offense for the ’Dogs. His clutch shooting can give FSU a commanding lead or pull them right back into a game, a Race Express discovered Tuesday night.


The run-and-gun Bulldogs like to push the ball up the court whenever possible, and Race Express found themselves outmanned in a 108-84 high-scoring ’Dog victory. Satterwhite came off the bench to get 10 points and make a claim for a starting spot.


Satterwhite has played a promising role in the past two years as a prominent sixth-man. He is in the Bulldogs plans despite being clouded by the deep personnel they possess.


"Consistency is the key for Davon," Colson said. He’s in our plans to compete this year."


Satterwhite would like to upgrade his defensive play in order to stay in the Bulldogs’ plans.

"Offense scores points, but defense wins games. Offense wins games, but defense wins championships," he said.

"And that’s our goal--win a championship and take it one step a time. This year I hope we do better. We didn’t do so hot and made too many mistakes such as not pulling together as a team."
Colson’s offense, which features an unorthodox lineup in order to best utilize personnel, will be out to change that this year.

The three guards, Harris, Santiago and Marshall, combined for 43 points Tuesday night in the opening win.

"We want to keep our eyes on the big picture," Colson said, who is setting his sights on the WAC Tournament in March at Salt Lake City.

"It’s important to set the tone early and strive," he added.