Jaylon Tyson Impresses in Debut, But Cal Loses to Pacific For the First Time Since 1955

The Texas Tech transfer had 20 points, 11 rebounds the day after getting his eligibility waiver appeal approved by the NCAA.

An emotional two days in the young life of Jaylon Tyson left him feeling “on top of the world,” even as he and his Cal teammates were knocked off by visiting Pacific, 87-79, on Friday night at Haas Pavilion.

A 6-foot-7 transfer from Texas Tech, Tyson got word Thursday his appeal for an eligibility waiver had been approved.

“I feel like a weight was off my shoulders, not knowing what I was going to do this year, not knowing if I would put that uniform on,” he said. “It was very stressful for me and my family and my teammates and coaching staff, too.

“When I got that call, I was just on top of the world.”

Wearing glow-in-the-dark green Nike shoes, Tyson delivered 20 points and 11 rebounds and showed a smooth athleticism that first-year coach Mark Madsen badly needs. He also had three assists and a pair of steals.

“It felt good to be out there. Honestly, it was a blessing,” he said. “Coach Madsen’s the best coach I’ve ever had. We went through a lot to get on the court. We went through a lot of bumps and bruises, a lot of tears. I was just glad to be back on the court with my boys.”

The Bears (1-1) led by 10 points early in the second half but showed they have a lot of work to do defensively after allowing the Tigers (1-1) to shoot 13 for 26 from the 3-point arc.

Pacific, picked eighth in the nine-team West Coast Conference, snapped an 11-game losing streak against Cal with its first win over the Bears since 1955.

Admitting he was “super anxious,” Tyson said the defeat won’t derail the Bears.

“I came here to win. I came here to turn Cal basketball around,” he said, alluding to six straight losing seasons, including a 3-29 record last season. “I don’t think today was a step in the wrong direction. It was a step in the right direction ‘cause you’ve got learn what it feels like to be at the bottom in order to be at the top.

“Obviously, we wanted to win. But I feel like it’s going to help our team in the long run.”

Tyson’s legs cramped up with about 9 minutes left and he came out of the game briefly. He returned but left for good with 5:13 to play and the Bears down 71-62.

Madsen took the blame for the defeat but was happy for Tyson and encouraged by what he saw from him.

“I thought he gave us a huge boost out there,” Madsen said. “I really like the way he attacks the rim. He got to the free throw line eight times and he did it by attacking the basket.

"And in terms of the leadership, the presence and the veteran influence, it’s huge for our team and Jaylon Tyson brings that.”

As a second-time transfer, Tyson needed a waiver from the NCAA in order to be eligible to play for the Bears this season. He was initially denied that waiver but with help from Cal filed an appeal based on racially charged comments made to him by former Texas Tech coach Mark Adams.

In the video above, Tyson explains how he was “super surprised” when his first bid for eligibility was turned down.

Madsen got the word from Cal’s administration early Thursday afternoon. “I immediately called Jaylon. He was so happy and excited,” Madsen said. “In the office, we just cheered. We erupted into cheers. Jaylon Tyson’s been through a lot and it was a huge relief for everyone.”

Point guard Jalen Cone, a transfer from Northern Arizona, led the Bears with 22 points. Big man Fardaws Aimaq, who played alongside Tyson last year at Texas Tech, scored 18, giving the three newcomers a total of 60 points.

Cone talks in the video above about what Tyson will bring to the Bears this season.

Cal returns to the court on Monday night against Cal State Bakersfield.

Cover photo of Jaylon Tyson by Kelley L. Cox, KLC fotos

Follow Jeff Faraudo of Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jefffaraudo