Men's Basketball, Men's Sports, Sports

49ers know who they are

For much of its non-conference schedule, the Long Beach State men’s basketball team struggled with inconsistency and inexperience.

Five games into league play, the 49ers believe they are starting to become the team they envisioned they would be last November.

Head coach Dan Monson began the season by trying to incorporate five new players into his rotation, not yet sure what he had in his four new freshmen and senior transfer Eric McKnight. The results were not always favorable, but Monson likes the progress his team has made so far.

“I think defensively,” Monson said. “Our half court defense is something we’ve really improved on when you look back to where we started in the season giving up 95 and 97 [respectively] in our first two games of the year.”

Monson said the team’s defensive identity has been hampered by the team’s poor rebounding. If they are not rebounding, then they are forced to defend more possessions for longer stretches of time. Offensively, Monson doesn’t seem too concerned.

“I think offensively we’re doing capable things. I think our offense can improve, but it’s on pace with where we want to be. It’s just putting it all together on a consistent basis.”

Over the last month there has been a change with the team’s consistency. Monson has been able to pencil in at four sure-fire starters for much of the season. There has been a balance in playing time between freshmen forwards Jack Williams and Temidayo Yussuf that is leading to more on court success.

Monson mixed and matched his starting frontcourt for most of the season. He has been able to rely on senior forward David Samuels, and now he is finding that same trust in his two young players.

Senior guard McKay LaSalle said the team’s identity is a chain. He said the team works together to win while not just relying on one player. He said they are finding different ways to win.

“[Senior point guard] Mike Caffey is our guy,” LaSalle said. “But the other night, [sophomore guard] Travis Hammonds came out and [won the game]. It can be someone new every night. We have a really good chain.”

Hammonds said Monson has preached for the last couple of week about winning the moment.

“Instead of worrying about the next play or something that’s happened in the past,” Hammonds said. “Just focus on that moment or that possession. Winning that possession. Winning that ball screen. Talking, playing together.”

Monson said the biggest thing about March is not necessarily which team is better, but which one is the most consistent.

“As we come around, we play teams that are familiar with us,” Monson said. “We’re not going to fool anyone with stuff. You have to wear them down with being consistent and doing what you do best on a consistent basis.”

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