BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Next up are the seven Juniors on the 2023-24 roster for Cal State Bakersfield. This group features three newcomers and four returners. The returners are mostly returning from injury; while the three newcomers are will provide depth as well as size in their respective positions.
 
`Runner Juniors
 
- #2 Tom Mark (Newcomer)

• 6-foot-7 forward
• From Affligem, Belgium; transfer from Tallahassee Community College
• Started in 33 games, helping the Eagles to a 31-6 record on the way to a NJCAA National Semifinals
• Mark earned First Team All-Conference honors after averaging 9.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists
• Coach Barnes on Tom: "He's really athletic, long, can play multiple positions; he's very versatile. He fits the role we're looking for in guys that play the full position that are very skilled and athletic." 

- #3 Dalph Panopio (Returner)

• 6-foot-1 guard
• From Rome, Italy
• Played in 14 games after recovering from hand surgery
• Tallied eight points and six rebounds vs. UC Irvine on March 4^th
• Posted a season-high four assists vs UC Riverside on February 2^nd
• Averaged 2.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 19.2 minutes per game last season
• Coach Barnes on Dalph: "I've been really excited about his improvement, for two years we played him at the Point Guard position, and I think he's found a home at playing an off-guard position. Through this past spring and summer, he's been working on his shooting and has improved, he is really playing with a lot of confidence." 

- #5 Naseem Gaskin (Returner)

• 6-foot-4 guard
• From Oakland, Calif.
• Played in 21 games, starting once for the Roadrunners
• Recorded a season-high six rebounds on three different occasions
• Recorded four steals in the regular season finale at UC Irvine on March 4^th
• Coach Barnes on Naseem: "One of our most talented guys, has good size for a guard and good athleticism. We are happy he's healthy and he continues to show us more. He was hurt a lot of last season, he can contribute on both ends of the floor. He is a good defender, but on the offensive side he can apply pressure in the paint and find other guys."

- #10 Marvin McGhee III (Returner)

• 6-foot-4 guard
• From Atlanta, GA
• The only `Runner to start all 33 games last season
• Third on the team in scoring (8.7 ppg), steals (23), and minutes per game (28.5)
• Led the team in three-point shooting percentage (.401)
• Tallied a season high of 26 points and six rebounds at UC San Diego on February 4^th
• Coach Barnes on Marvin: "He brings it every day, is excited about playing and brings a lot of energy to our team. He's starting to develop his game as far as being a better creator for himself and others. He matches our energy when he comes to the floor and helps with the other guys with his leadership and work ethic."

- #12 Kadar Waller (Newcomer)

• 5-foot-11 guard
• From Bakersfield, Calif.
• Transfer Mississippi Valley State
• Played in 29 games at Mississippi Valley State
• Averaged 16.8 minutes, 7.1 points, and 2 rebounds per game
• Had a three-point percentage of .385, making 15 of 39
• Coach Barnes on Kadar: "A local player that we recruited early in the process… Having someone who is older and been around the game for a long time, he knows what is to be expected at the college level. He's brought better ball handling skills to our team and depth to our Point Guard position."

- #23 Fidelis Okereke (Newcomer)

• 6-foot-6 forward
• From Carson, Calif.
• Transfer from CSUN
• Appeared in 31 games while starting 14 in his third seasons for the Matadors
• Led CSUN with 5.1 rebounds per game, averaged 4.4 points while shooting 51.4% from the field in 18.8 minutes per game
• Ranked second on the team in blocks (20) and 8^th all-time for CSUN in career blocks (63)
• Ranked 16^th in rebounds, and 18^th blocks per game in the Big West
• Coach Barnes on Fidelis: "He's a big, strong, athletic forward that has a great work ethic. The way that we are going to use him, I think he is going to have one of his best years since he's been in college. He's done what we've expected him to do to this point; he was a target guy once he went into the portal." 

- #55 Modestas Kancleris (Returner)

• 6-foot-9 forward
• From Kaunas, Lithuania
• Played in all 18 games, starting four times
• Missed the final 15 games of the season after breaking his hand during practice
• Averaged 5.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game
• Tallied a career high of 20 point vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, along with five assists, and four blocks on November 22^nd
• Coach Barnes on Modestas: "Towards the end of last year he put together some good games and started to be consistent. Having this spring and summer under his belt with us, we expect some big things from him. He can play both forward positions, and we think he can score more, be a good defender at the forward the position, and he has proven to be a good rebounder."

Up Next on the Schedule

• Versus Southern Utah University
• Monday, November 6^th @ 7 PM
• Bakersfield, Calif. / Icardo Center
• Tickets available at: GoRunners.com/Tickets
• Watch on ESPN+