By Ariana Wilson
Men’s Basketball is one week away from their California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) opener with a short preseason at the beginning of November. The team traveled up north for the West Region Crossover in Bellingham, Washington, where they faced Simon Fraser University (B.C.) and Western Washington University, leaving the rainy state with a 1-1 record.
Diaz has led the charge for the Lumberjacks with impressive stats to start the season but says, “It’s not one person that has got us these wins, it’s everybody. Everybody has a part in us winning.”
CCAA Watch-list Rob Diaz III is entering his second season with the Jacks and has been determined since day one. Diaz is third in scoring in the CCAA and in the top 25 for blocked shots, steals, and assists.
“My role was never really defined [last year]. We were a new team, but I worked hard in practice and I started to start [in games] last year,” Diaz said. “I love basketball. I try to give it my all every time I play. It’s a blessing to play and come to practice every day. We’re trying to win a championship — that should be the goal for any team.”
Junior Transfer Kalib LaCount leads the CCAA conference in assists and steals, averaging 6 assists and 3.3 steals per game. LaCount played at East Carolina University in North Carolina for two years prior to his transition to Humboldt.
“I have [basketball] IQ and a feel for the game,” LaCount said. “I’m helping my younger guys that haven’t seen that level yet and bringing them with me.”
With only four games on the season, the team is setting its sights high. This fall has been an opportunity to work on cohesion and understanding as a new team.
“When you believe in your point guard, you’re gonna wanna make that shot for them,” LaCount said. “Whoever I see is open when I break the defense, I get them the ball. I’m going to put you in the best position possible and I’m gonna believe in you one hundred percent to make the shot.”
Kyle Frelow, a senior who transferred from UT Tyler, understands the importance of team dynamics.
“I’m an older guy, I’m a senior, a leader. So now, I have to pick up what I’m doing so I can lead the team in different ways,” Frelow said. “We’ve got a long season to go, then we want to go to the postseason too. The earlier we all buy in will be a good outcome, overall.”
Frelow is this week’s recipient of “Lumberjack of the Week,” and is holding a position in the top 20 for scoring and number one in rebounding in the CCAA.
“Details matter,” Frelow said. “In college basketball, everything is detail-oriented. Being focused, playing hard, and playing together.”
The upperclassmen and new athletes to the program are in agreement about the goals going into the next 3 months.
“Have a winning season,” Frelow said. “Make it to postseason. Compete for a conference championship — just win. I want to be a part of winning”
Men’s Basketball is at home at the Lumberjack Arena for their first CCAA conference match-up against Chico State on Nov. 30 and again on Dec. 5 versus San Francisco State.
Ariana Wilson is a junior Journalism major and the Lumberjack Sports Editor. As a member of the Cal Poly Humboldt Women’s Volleyball team she brings an athletes perspective to our rising sports section. She intends to merge her passion for the environment and conservation with her love of journalism as a science writer.
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