THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The California Lutheran University men's basketball team is ready to get back on the court and is excited and optimistic about the 2021-22 season.
Head Coach Russell White enters his third year at the school, and just his second full season, as the Kingsmen didn't get much playing time last year due to Covid. The Purple and Gold is ready to get back to work and continue to improve in Coach White's system.
Roster | Schedule
The Kingsmen start the season on the road, Nov. 10, at North Central. We talked with Head Coach Russell White about the upcoming season.
Your team saw a few games last year, how has that helped you going into the new season?
We were lucky to get three games, but it was SO valuable for our players to get that game experience. Every healthy player played in every game and it was important to their development and growth. We should see the results this coming season from all of them.
What can you tell us about the returning class, which Kingsmen can make big strides?
All of the returners have worked hard for the past six months. They are motivated to build on last year's progress from the year prior. We just want to keep getting better. All the players have embraced that concept.
Then you have the incoming class, who can make some noise?
All of the newcomers bring something to the table and could find a place in our rotation. Clearly the two senior transfers will bring multiple years of college hoops experience to the table. I would expect of them to contribute immediately.
What are your thoughts on the schedule, any specific games to look out for?
The Chicago trip will obviously be a highlight for the experiences we will get on and off the court, but we also playing two CCIW teams on the trip (one of the best conferences in the nation).
Our non-league slate after Chicago includes three very good Midwest programs (Loras, Benedicinte-IL, and UNW) coming to Gilbert Arena.
The SCIAC was the 14th-ranked league in the 2019-20 season. I expect that number to go higher this year and in the future. Every game will be a challenge as we grow the program.
How much excitement does the team have for the 2021-22 season?
The staff and players are incredibly optimistic and excited. The talent level is higher, the work has been put in during the off-season and the entire program is just excited to play a full season.
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director