Cal State Fullerton’s basketball team manager Sammy Jones got an opportunity Thursday night that perhaps team managers only fantasize about. The senior manager suited up in uniform, and as the Titans had a nine-point lead over Cal Poly with just shy of 30 seconds left, he checked in for the first time.
He was met with applause from the crowd when he walked on the court and let the clock count down before driving toward the basket. But everyone went wild when Jones sank a contested floater and was fouled in the process with 11 seconds left.
He made his free throw to complete the three-point play, helping Cal State Fullerton seal its 86-75 victory.
After the game, Cal State Fullerton coach Dedrique Taylor explained how being able to get Jones legally in the game was bigger than the Titans’ win.
Taylor said:
“As a coach, there are certain moments you get to be a part of, and what we witnessed there at the end, that’s what it’s about. … Our staff fought to get him eligible and to get him on point, and he goes into the game and that just kind of tells you all is right with the world when you’re able to be a part of those moments.
“That will be something that our program will never forget. That’ll be something that Sammy and his family will never forget. And bigger than the win, I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
In order for Jones to be eligible to play in the game, “the school had worked out the lengthy NCAA compliance paperwork”, according to the Whittier Daily News in southern California.
