Cal State Bakersfield just landed a basketball powerhouse in Russell Payne, the dynamic assistant coach who helped Cal State East Bay go 33-0 and reach the Elite Eight in 2025-26. With deep roots in Southern California recruiting—from Harvard-Westlake to his own LA Elite Club—Payne brings elite connections and proven success. Former head coach Todd Lee praised his character and family values as the perfect fit for the Roadrunners’ culture. With stops at top LA high schools like West Torrance and Redondo Union, Payne’s versatile coaching experience positions him to elevate both recruiting and player development, signaling CSUB’s serious push to build a championship-caliber program.

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Cal State Bakersfield’s men’s basketball team just unveiled their 2026-27 schedule — 31 games, 15 at home in the Icardo Center — under new head coach Todd Lee, who helped them win a national title in ’97. Kickoff is Sept. 24 with a “Select-A-Seat” fan event, plus three exhibition games before the real action starts Nov. 5 vs. Stanton. The non-conference slate includes road trips to Western Illinois and LMU, plus home matchups against Northern Arizona and Whittier. Big West play begins Dec. with UCSB and CSUN, culminating March 6 vs. UC Irvine, followed by the Big West Tournament March 10-13 in Nevada for a March Madness shot. Season tickets are on sale now — don’t miss this loaded year under Coach Lee.

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