California State University, Fullerton

Columbia native and former Titan forward Hardy Asprilla hasreturned to his alma mater as an assistant coach beginning with the2012-13 season.

"I am really excited about the addition of Hardy to our coachingstaff," said Newman. "He brings with him a lot of high energy,enthusiasm and loyalty to Cal State Fullerton basketball and I feelthat his type of magnetic personality will be a tremendous asset toour program not only on the court, but in the recruiting process aswell.

"It is always good to have someone around that has played in yoursystem. They know you, know what you're about and can relate thosetypes of things to the players in a very special way. I anticipatehe will be phenomenal with our post guys."

Asprilla has spent the last two seasons as the No. 1 assistant atHumboldt State, helping the Jacks to a school-record 26 winsagainst only four losses and a California Collegiate AthleticAssociation title in 2010-11 and a 22-8 mark in 2011-12, reachingthe NCAA Division II West Region Championships both seasons.

Prior to that, has was an assistant at Citrus College in Glendora,Calif., for two years, responsible for player development, workingwith post players, scouting, and serving as the team's defensivecoordinator. In 2009-10, the Fighting Owls finished 29-3 overalland reached the California State JC "Final Four," falling by asingle point in the semifinals. In his two seasons, Citrus JC was acombined 57-8 overall with a pair of Western State Conference SouthDivision titles.

A transfer from the College of the Sequoias, Asprilla played twoseasons for the Titans from 2003-05, averaging 8.5 points and 8.8rebounds as a senior before suffering a career-ending knee injuryin the 12th game of the year against Long Beach State on Jan. 13,2005. He led or co-led the team in rebounding in eight of those 12contests, including a high of 16 boards against UC Riverside onJan. 6.

Following his collegiate playing career, Asprilla spent two yearsworking with the Fullerton coaching staff from 2005-07 and alsospent time with the Columbian National Team, competing in numeroustournaments throughout South America, as well as playingprofessionally with the Bucaros in his hometown of Bucaramanga, andworking with the Marinos of Puerto La Cruz in Venezuela.

Asprilla graduated from Cal State Fullerton with abachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2005 and later earned hismaster’s degree in kinesiology in 2009.