CHICO, Calif. – New Chico State head men’s basketball coach Greg Clink didn’t look far to find the next piece of his 2008-09 team. Clink announced Wednesday that Andy Bocian, a First Team All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) performer as a sophomore and two-year starter for the Wildcats during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons will return to the fold in 2008-09.

Bocian, a 6-foot-6 forward, boasts averages of 16.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game as a Wildcat. The 16.9 points per game is the 10th highest average in Chico State career history, and his career free throw percentage of .811 is the fourth highest by a Wildcat. His 501 points as a sophomore are the 10th most in Chico State single-season history. He’s also 81 points shy of becoming just the 10th player in Chico State history to reach 1,000 points for his career.

“With the signing of Andy Bocian we have added a proven scorer in the CCAA,” said Clink. “Andy has the ability to score from the inside and on the perimeter.”

Clink has seen Bocian’s impressive numbers in the Chico State media guide. But he got an up-close look at Bocian when he coached his team on an 11-day tour in Argentina between his sophomore and junior years.

“I have seen first-hand the type of talent Andy has,” said Clink. “I am really looking forward to coaching him again.”

Bocian is equally excited to be reunited with Clink.

“I am very excited for this upcoming year and am looking forward to playing my senior season for Coach Clink and (Assistant Coach Gus) Argenal,” said Bocian. “I hope to help contribute to a successful season for Chico State men’s basketball and Chico State athletics.”

Bocian spent his freshman season at Ohlone College where he led the league in scoring at 19 points per game prior to transferring to Chico State. He’s a 2004 graduate of Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, where he helped lead the team to consecutive East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) titles. Bocian led the Bay Area in scoring as a senior at 27.1 points per game while earning Division II All-State and EBAL Most Valuable Player honors.

Bocian and senior point guard Justin Argenal give Clink a pair of seniors with All-CCAA credentials to help lead the team.