Media Guide - San Jacinto College

Familiar Face sees success in NBA
A face familiar to the San Jacinto College men’s basketball program has seen success in the
NBA. Steve Francis, nicknamed “Stevie Franchise,” played five seasons in Houston during the
early part of his career, and later again signed with the Houston Rockets as a free agent. Francis
also spent time with the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies during his 10+
years in the NBA.
As a member of the San Jac men’s basketball team from 1996 to 1997, Francis helped SJC
reach the national title game, averaging 12.5 and 7.5 rebounds per game. Head Coach Scott
Gernander remembers Francis’ arrival in Pasadena like it was yesterday. “He was sort of
raw in terms of his skills because he hadn’t played that last year,” Gernander said. “About
halfway through the season, I could see his incredible talent taking over games. He’s the best
rebounding guard we have ever had and he could do so many things to help you win. He played
above the rim from the guard spot and was a big contributor that year.”
Ironically, Francis did not play basketball as a senior in high school in Maryland, but came
to San Jac to try to restart his career. He did that and more. Gernander watched Francis
guide a talented team to 36 straight wins before a loss in the National Junior College Athletic
Association (NJCAA) national tournament. Over the years, Gernander and Francis have remained
close.
After two standout seasons at the University of Maryland, Francis was the second overall pick of
the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1999 NBA draft. He was traded to the Rockets a short time later,
and San Jac fans were no doubt happy to see Francis back in H-town. He shared rookie of the
year honors in 2000 with Elton Brand and was runner-up to Vince Carter in the 2000 Slam Dunk
Contest. Prior to the 2004-05 season, he again packed his bags and headed to Orlando as part
of a trade with the Rockets for Tracy McGrady, before returning to Houston a few years later.
“Steve called me the night he resigned with the Rockets (in 2007),” Gernander said. “We talked
for about an hour. He was thrilled to be back in town as a player. He’s always kept a home here,
and I know he was pleased to be able to come back to a familiar place.” In his 11 years in the
NBA, Francis averaged 12 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Cassell wins NBA title with Celtics, enters coaching ranks
Sam Cassell is another former San Jac player who enjoyed a fine career in the National
Basketball Association. In 2008 he added yet another NBA championship to his résumé in what
would prove to be his final season as a NBA player.
Cassell was with San Jac for two seasons (1990–1992) and averaged 23.4 points, 7.6 assists
and 5.1 rebounds a contest during an All-America sophomore season. After playing the 1992-93
season with Florida State, Cassell was a first-round pick of the Houston Rockets in 1993, where
he helped the team win back-to-back NBA world championships (1993–1994 and 1994 –1995).
In 17 seasons in the NBA, Cassell scored 15,635 points, grabbed 3,221 rebounds, and dished
out 5,939 assists. In March 2008 he was honored as the ninth best of the 20 greatest players in
Milwaukee Bucks history during the team’s 40th Anniversary Team Celebration. He was hired as
an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards in May 2009.
What a journey it was for the player formerly known as ‘Sam I Am’ in Houston. Cassell was the
24th overall player chosen in the 1993 NBA draft. In the 1993 NBA Finals against New York,
Cassell made several clutch baskets that helped the team eventually win the title in a seven
game series. The next year, Cassell again played a big role as the Rockets advanced as the No.
6 seed in the West, ultimately winning the title again in a four-game sweep of Orlando.
Cassell spent three seasons in Houston and played for seven other teams in his 17 seasons in
the NBA.
“I’m so proud of Sam for the things he has accomplished in the game,” San Jacinto Head Coach
Scott Gernander said. “He has always had the drive to be great and has had a terrific career.
Two titles to start with and just a solid, solid career. I’m happy for him.”
For more information about the men’s basketball team, please visit www.sanjacsports.com.
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