The New Jacks: 5 Critical Updates On Cal Poly Humboldt Basketball's Unprecedented 2025-2026 Season
The Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks basketball program is currently undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history, marked by a major university name change and the arrival of a new men's head coach. As of late 2025, the teams—formerly known as the Humboldt State University (HSU) Lumberjacks—are competing in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with fresh energy and updated branding, building on a deep legacy of NCAA success in Northern California.
The transition from HSU to Cal Poly Humboldt has ushered in a new era for the basketball teams, maintaining the beloved "Lumberjacks" nickname while focusing on modernizing the program's competitive edge. The 2025-2026 season is particularly pivotal, featuring a dynamic new leader for the men’s team and a continued push for CCAA and NCAA Division II prominence from both the men’s and women’s squads.
Lumberjack Basketball: The Cal Poly Humboldt Program Profile
The Cal Poly Humboldt basketball program competes at the NCAA Division II level in the CCAA conference. Known for their passionate fan base and the electric atmosphere of the Lumberjack Arena, the teams are a cornerstone of the university's athletic identity.
- University Name: California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt)
- Former Name: Humboldt State University (HSU)
- Team Nickname: Lumberjacks
- Location: Arcata, California
- Conference: California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)
- Home Arena: Lumberjack Arena
- Men's Head Coach (2025-2026): DJ Broome (Hired June 2025)
- Women's Head Coach (2025-2026): Michelle Bento-Jackson (Sixth Season)
- Men's 2024-2025 Record: 18-11 Overall, 13-9 CCAA
- Women's 2024-2025 Record: 9-19 Overall, 8-14 CCAA
The New Era: DJ Broome and the 2025 Men's Basketball Outlook
The biggest headline for the men’s program is the hiring of DJ Broome as the new Head Men’s Basketball Coach in June 2025. Broome, an alumnus of Humboldt State ('14, Journalism), brings a fresh perspective and a connection to the program’s history, immediately signaling a new strategic direction for the Lumberjacks.
Broome takes over a team that finished the 2024-2025 season with a solid 18-11 overall record and a 13-9 mark in the CCAA. This performance established a competitive foundation, but the new coaching staff is expected to push for a deeper run into the CCAA Tournament and a higher seed in the NCAA Division II West Regional. The emphasis under Broome is on high-energy defense and a fast-paced offensive scheme designed to utilize the team's athleticism.
Key Men's Players and Performance Entities (2024-2025 Season)
The success of the 2024-2025 season was built on a core group of high-performing players. While the 2025-2026 roster under Coach Broome will evolve, these athletes set the competitive standard:
- Leading Scorer: The Lumberjacks relied on a balanced attack, with key scoring coming from their veteran guards and forwards.
- Rebounding Leader: The team’s rebounding strength was a key factor, demonstrating their commitment to controlling the paint.
- Free Throw Efficiency: The team posted a collective free-throw percentage of 75.3% in the 2024-2025 season, a crucial metric in close CCAA contests.
- Notable Wins: The team secured significant victories throughout the CCAA schedule, finishing with a winning conference record. Their 9-4 home record at the Lumberjack Arena shows the importance of their home court advantage.
Michelle Bento-Jackson and the Women's Program Stability
In contrast to the men’s team, the Cal Poly Humboldt Women’s Basketball program maintains stability under Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson, who is entering her sixth season. Bento-Jackson has been instrumental in building a resilient program known for its defensive intensity and disciplined play. She is a highly respected figure within the CCAA.
The 2024-2025 women's team finished with a 9-19 overall record (8-14 CCAA), demonstrating competitive flashes but struggling for consistency against a tough CCAA field. Despite the record, the team’s ability to compete in a demanding conference shows promise for the 2025-2026 campaign, especially with a veteran coach at the helm.
Key Women's Players and Statistical Entities (2024-2025 Season)
The women's team’s performance was often driven by key individual efforts. Their overall team statistics reflect a focus on rebounding and a need for increased offensive efficiency:
- Total Rebounds: The team pulled down 1,005 total rebounds in the 2024-2025 season, averaging 35.9 rebounds per game, which is a testament to their physical play.
- Veteran Leadership: The roster features several key returning players, including guards and forwards, who will be crucial for leadership and scoring in the new season.
- Early 2025-2026 Start: The women's team has shown early promise in the 2025-2026 season, with a 3-3 record and an average of 74.3 points per game in their initial contests, positioning them well in the CCAA standings.
Historical Context: The Humboldt State Legacy and NCAA Success
While the university has rebranded to Cal Poly Humboldt, the rich history of Humboldt State University basketball remains a critical part of the program's DNA, providing a foundation of topical authority.
The men's program boasts an impressive 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, a significant achievement at the Division II level. This tradition of postseason success underscores the program's long-term competitive pedigree. The women's team has also made its mark, with 6 NCAA Tournament appearances since 1995.
One of the most notable entities in the program's history is Fred Hooks, who earned All-American honors during his career with the Lumberjacks, cementing his status as one of the program’s prominent players in the 2000s. These historical achievements serve as a benchmark for the current Lumberjacks as they navigate the CCAA.
The transition to the Cal Poly Humboldt name, which was officially adopted in January 2022, marks a new chapter, but the core identity of the Lumberjacks—tough, competitive, and deeply rooted in the Northern California community—remains unchanged. With a new coach for the men’s team and a stable leader for the women's team, the 2025-2026 season is set to be a compelling blend of tradition and new beginnings.
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