Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR: An overachieving guard, sophomore Matt Oliver is a smart and deceptively good player … Excels because of his understanding of the game and the Cougar scheme … Plays well around the basket for a guard … Fearless in his style of play … Figures in a reserve role … Quite popular with his teammates because of his work-ethic.

2005: Made the Cougar team during fall tryouts and translated his opportunity into 23 appearances off the bench as a true freshman … Scored 47 points in 23 games, averaging 6 minutes of play … Saw quite a bit of play early in the season, averaging over 11 minutes in his first 8 games … Best showing came against St. Mary (Kan.) with 10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals in 23 minutes of play.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 2-year standout at Crescenta Valley High in La Crescenta, Calif., playing for head coach Tim Smiley … Was a 2-time All-Pacific League first team selection, earning league MVP honors as a 2004 senior after averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists a game … Had 15 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Glendale High … Led the Falcons to a 2-year record of 41-14.

PERSONAL: Born June 7, 1986, in Glendale, Calif., to Doug (retired) and Melinda (vice-president) Oliver … Has 1 brother (Jonathan) … Majoring in computer science.