When head coach Jim Saia breaks a huddle with the Cal State LA men’s basketball team during practice, he utters a single word, “together.” His team responds with “we ascend” — a fitting motto for a team that soared to new heights in 2023 and looking to continue the momentum this season.
Last season was a banner year for the program. The Golden Eagles won a school-record 24 games, won the program’s first-ever California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) tournament championship, and made their first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II tournament since 2000. But despite being the top seed of the West region of the bracket, the Eagles fell to Azusa Pacific in a 70-69 loss in the first round last season.
That loss did not damper Saia’s thoughts on last season’s success.
“I think it was one of the most special seasons I’ve had in my life,” said Saia, entering his eighth season as the head coach.
The Golden Eagles are projected to finish third in the CCAA standings in this year’s coaches poll. The coaches selected Cal State Dominguez Hills to finish as league champions. Coach Saia’s message to his players throughout the offseason reflected the newfound expectations.
“Remember that you’re viewed as a champion now,” said Saia. “So now, you have a target, and we’re going to try to go further than what we did this year.”
The Golden Eagles have plenty of returnees from last year, including three players named to the CCAA men’s basketball awards watchlist — Dominic Escobar, Corey Cofield II, and Shane Bell.
Escobar is a 6-foot-5 guard named a second-team all-CCAA player last season. Starting 25 games, he averaged 10 points per game on a 46% field-goal rate and 42.5% three-point percentage while being second on the team in blocks and third in rebounds.
Cofield II also earned second-team all-CCAA honors alongside Escobar. The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 12.3 points per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and averaging 5.8 rebounds, a team-high.
Shane Bell looks to be the Golden Eagles’ most dynamic offensive piece. Coming off of first-team all-CCAA honors last season, the 6-foot-5 guard scored 12.3 points per game while shooting an eye-popping 50.6% from the field and 41.9% from three. Bell also led the team in assists with 3.96 per game.
“I feel like I bring a lot to the table, but I think the biggest thing I bring is my ability to make plays, pass, set guys up, and get everybody theirs,” said Bell.
Saia shouted the three players out as leaders who bring talent and continuity to the team.
“They have championship DNA,” he said.”They can help our new recruits along with our culture and our expectations of our program.” The coach also named Jaden Lazo as a team leader. A 6-foot senior guard, Lazo returns to the team after missing all of last season with a litany of injuries. These injuries included a fractured orbital in his eye, an ankle injury, and a sprained wrist before the playoffs.
“I’m just excited to share the court with my teammates and coaches again,” said Lazo. “I couldn’t wait to get back on the court. I just had a good summer, worked hard, and it’s here, so I just have to embrace it.”
The Golden Eagles’ success will be predicated on their offense. The system is built on passing and motion, generating open looks through screens and cuts to the rim. Last season, the team led the CCAA in points-per-game, three-point percentage, and assists.
Defensively, Saia and his players acknowledged the need for improvement. The Golden Eagles allowed the sixth most points-per-game and fourth highest opponent field goal rate and three-point percentage.
“We got to get better defensively,” said Saia. “Make sure we’re in our spots. Make sure we’re in our rotations. Our defense is a team defense, so if one guy doesn’t do their job, it doesn’t matter what the four do.”
Saia mentioned those issues when discussing their performance against UCLA in an exhibition game on Oct. 30, a 100-65 loss. Their first regular season game will be against Concordia University on Friday, Nov. 8. The first conference game for the Golden Eagles will have them face Cal State Dominguez Hills on Nov. 30.
When asked about their ceiling for this season, Saia and Lazo shared the same answer: “National Championship.”
