Men’s basketball team advances to CCAA Tournament for first time in 10 years

For the first time since 2016, Cal Poly Humboldt’s men’s basketball team returned to the postseason and this time they made their mark. In an uncertain start to the season, the Lumberjacks made a comeback. They advanced through the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament and earned a spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II West Regional.

With having an entirely new roster and first-year coaching staff, the team made many highlights for the university.

Head coach, DJ Broome, who used to play for the men’s basketball team from 2008 to 2012, shared some thoughts about the season.

“It’s a great feat for the group. We were really good when I played here, so that’s kind of been my expectation and standard of the program and how I see it,” Broome said. “That was our goal coming in, and trying to teach these guys very quickly and about the tradition of the program.”

CPH’s postseason push began on March 5 with a 62-52 quarterfinal win over Cal State San Marcos. Two days later, the team pulled out a close semifinal victory of 76-75 against Dominguez Hills.

Junior forward Zaveion Bineyard felt the team’s success meant more because of the challenges they faced along the way. They were glad that the team made it so far, noting that it was a big accomplishment for them.

The Lumberjacks fell to Cal State East Bay in the CCAA Championship but still had a chance to extend their season at the NCAA selection show. Admission to the selection show depends on the regional committee’s decision. The committee reviews all 12 teams competing and the top eight are considered for Nationals. The Lumberjacks were picked eighth and finished third this year, higher than last year.

When it was announced CPH made it and would be going against East Bay, the room was full of energy. Shakir Odunewu, senior center, felt the pressure fade away. “We didn’t know if we were gonna get in,” Odunewu said. “So, it was just like a sigh of relief, you know, like, definitely a blessing to make it regional.”

The Lumberjacks advanced to face East Bay again on March 13 in the West Regional, having already faced them within the week. East Bay would remain undefeated, winning 83-64, however the Lumberjacks were the only team to take them to overtime.

When reflecting back on their season, Odunewu thought of his personal highlight, their game against Dominguez Hills, where he scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while he was fasting for Ramadan.

“I had no food and water in my system,” Odunewu said. “Just being able to push through fatigue and tiredness and to just have a game like that meant a lot to me.”

Bineyard’s favorite moment of the season was also in that game.

“Probably just after wins, like celebrating in the locker room,” said Bineyard. “I feel like the team did good at celebrating each other’s wins.”

New assistant coach John Seavey, saw the growth of the team on and off the court that propelled them to this accomplishment.

“For a team of all new players who haven’t played with each other at all, with new coaches and new plates,” Seavey said. “I think our biggest area of growth was to navigate that and still be able to compete to win games.”