Eric Vierneisel Class: Senior Hometown: Algonquin, IL High School: Jacobs Height / Weight: 6-7 / 210 Position: Forward Experience: 3V

Along with DeVon Hardin, Vierneisel is one of two seniors on the squad this year ... brings the experience of 78 games played entering the 2007-08 campaign ... has been particularly effective down the stretch the past two seasons ... has the ability to stretch defenses with his long-range shooting ability, making 38.8 percent of his three-point tries last year ... can also use his strength near the basket ... one of four players from Illinois to play for Ben Braun at Cal (also: Sean Lampley, 1998-2001; Dennis Gates, 1999-2002; and sophomore Jerome Randle).

As a Junior in 2006-07: Vierneisel contributed 11 points through Cal's first 11 games before erupting for 11 points at DePaul Dec. 23 in a game played about 30 miles from his hometown ... followed that performance with double-digit efforts in four of his next six games, including a career-high 13-point night at Oregon State when he nailed 4-of-5 from three-point distance ... during the run, had 10 points and a personal-best four steals at Arizona ... earned a start at Stanford and finished with eight points and three boards ... scored all 10 of his points vs. Washington State in the first half ... sprained his ankle in practice Jan. 24 and did not play vs. UCLA or USC Jan. 25-27 ... performed well in the Pac-10 Tournament with eight points vs. Oregon State and 10 points against UCLA ... named Cal's Most Improved Player at the end of the season.

As a Sophomore in 2005-06: Appeared in 22 games for the Bears ... started in Game 2 vs. Long Beach State Nov. 21 for an injured Richard Midgley (shoulder) and finished with five points in 15 minutes ... also played 15 minutes against Northern Colorado Nov. 25 when he pitched in six points ... drained a 24-foot three-pointer in a win at UCLA Dec. 31 ... suffered a concussion at Arizona Jan. 21 and missed Cal's home series vs. Washington and Washington State Jan. 26-28 ... did not play in consecutive games vs. Arizona State, WSU and Washington in late February, but came back to log 11 minutes vs. UCLA March 2 ... played well in the Pac-10 Tournament, especially vs. USC in the quarterfinals when he scored a season-high 10 points (4-5 FG, 1-2 3P, 1-1 FT) and grabbed a career-best five rebounds.

As a Freshman in 2004-05: Made a big impact in his first game at Cal, going 4-for-4 from three-point range against UC Riverside in the season opener to finish with 12 points ... also sank a pair of treys at San Diego State Dec. 11, including a basket with just over five minutes left after SDSU had cut Cal's lead to one point ... started five games, including three Pac-10 contests ... tallied 10 points (4-6 FG, 1-3 3P, 1-2 FT) at USC ... scored eight points vs. Arizona in the Pac-10 Tournament, sinking a pair of three-pointers. High School: Averaged 18.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a senior, helping Jacobs High to a 17-11 record ... career high was 36 points ... played in the Chicago vs. New York Wendy's All-Star Shootout ... a three-time all-state and all-conference selection and was chosen all-area four times ... averaged 17 ppg and 8 rpg as a junior in 2003.

Personal: Eric Scott Vierneisel ... born in Chicago, Ill. ... parents are Phil and Lori Vierneisel ... father was a four-year football letterman at Illinois (1973-76), where he still ranks among the Illini's career punting leaders ... has two younger sisters, Emily and Anna ... political science major.

Career Highs
Points: 13 at Oregon State, Jan. 18, 2007
Rebounds: 5 twice, last vs. Washington State, Jan. 11, 2007
Assists: 4 twice, last at Arizona State, Dec. 30, 2006
Blocks: 2 many times, last vs. Utah Valley State, Nov. 15, 2006
Steals: 4 at Arizona, Dec. 28, 2006

Career Statistics