Meet the Freshmen: SMC’s Evan Fitzner
By Josh Horton
Arguably the most impressive signing in the class of 2014 for a WCC school is Evan Fitzner, a 6-foot-10 center from San Diego, Calif. Many assumed that Fitzner, a long and wiry big man with loads of potential, would be Pac-12 bound; after all, he had offers from Washington, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Oregon State and USC. Despite all the high-major interest, Randy Bennett and the Gaels snatched up Fitzner, adding him to an already abundant Saint Mary’s frontcourt.
At Francis Parker High School
Fitzner played at Francis Park High School in San Diego high school, playing alongside his older brother Bryce for a few seasons.
As a junior, Fitzner was a first-team all-Coastal League selection and helped lead his school to a 16-12 record and a berth to the semifinals of the San Diego CIF Division IV semifinals.
Impact at Saint Mary’s
Fitzner is listed as a center, but could possible making an impact at the five and four spot for the Gaels.
Saint Mary’s brought in two centers in the class of 2014 – the other being Aussie Jock Landale – with the current situation in the frontcourt, there likely will not be enough playing time for the both of them. I expect one of them to redshirt.
Fitzner is described as very lean, and may not possess the strength to compete at the Division I level at this moment. However, Fitzner is very talented with a long wingspan, a great shooting stroke and heaps of potential. If Landale proves he is ready to contribute right off the bat, Fitzner will most likely be the odd man out and redshirt the upcoming season. If Landale needs a season to develop, Fitzner will most likely be the Gaels backup center for the 2014-2015 season.