Soaring to New Heights: The Untold Story of Cal State LA's Basketball Programs

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, where the spotlight often shines on the high-profile basketball programs of USC and UCLA, there's another college team quietly making waves on the hardwood. The Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles, with their rich histories and rising success, are poised to capture the attention of basketball enthusiasts across the region.

Unlocking the Potential of Cal State LA's Hoops Legacies

The Men's Basketball Program: A Storied Past and a Promising Future

The Cal State LA men's basketball program has a long and storied history, dating back to 1948-49. While it may not have garnered the same level of national attention as some of its more prominent counterparts, the Golden Eagles have had their fair share of notable moments. One of the program's most renowned figures is Hall of Famer Bill Sharman, who served as the team's head coach from 1962 to 1964 before going on to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship. The men's squad also had a brief stint as a Division I program from 1969 to 1974, even making an appearance in the 1974 NCAA Tournament, where they fell in the first round. Since then, the Golden Eagles have primarily competed at the Division II level, but they have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).

The Women's Basketball Program: Cheryl Miller's Legendary Tenure and Beyond

The Cal State LA women's basketball team has also carved out its own impressive history, dating back to the 1969-70 season. The program has been a member of the CCAA since 1981-82 and has seen its fair share of success over the years. One of the most notable figures associated with the Golden Eagles' women's basketball is the legendary Cheryl Miller, who served as the team's head coach from 2016 to 2019. Miller, widely regarded as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time, brought her wealth of experience and expertise to the program, helping to elevate the team's performance and profile.

Dominating the CCAA: Cal State LA's Conference Dominance

Both the men's and women's basketball teams at Cal State LA have found a home in the CCAA, a conference that has been a part of the university's athletic landscape for decades. In fact, the Golden Eagles are the longest-serving member of the CCAA, having first joined the conference in 1950. They briefly departed in 1969 but returned five years later and have remained a fixture ever since. With a total of 34 CCAA titles across all sports, Cal State LA ranks third all-time in the conference, trailing only Cal Poly Pomona and Chico State.

Noteworthy Alumni: From Streetball Legends to NBA Standouts

The Cal State LA basketball programs have produced their fair share of notable alumni over the years. Among them is Raymond Lewis, a first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973 who never played in the NBA due to a contract dispute but made a name for himself as a legendary streetball player in California. Another former Golden Eagle, Ron Knight, spent two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers in the early 1970s. However, the most recognizable name associated with Cal State LA basketball is undoubtedly LaVar Ball, the outspoken father of NBA guards Lonzo and LaMelo Ball. LaVar was a solid player for the Golden Eagles, earning a first-team all-conference selection in 1990.

Coaching Prowess: Guiding the Golden Eagles to New Heights

The success of Cal State LA's basketball programs can be attributed, in part, to the leadership of their respective coaches. The men's team is currently led by Jim Saia, who enters his ninth season at the helm in 2024-25. Saia has a wealth of experience, having served as an assistant coach at UCLA, USC, and the Los Angeles Sparks. Assisting Saia is none other than Michael Cooper, a five-time NBA champion, former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Hall of Famer with the Los Angeles Lakers, who has coached at the college, NBA, and WNBA levels. On the women's side, the Golden Eagles are led by Torino Johnson, a former longtime high school coach who is entering his sixth season as the head coach and eighth overall with the program.

Reaching New Milestones: Cal State LA's Recent Tournament Appearances

The 2023-24 season was a banner year for both the men's and women's basketball teams at Cal State LA. The men's squad set a new single-season school record for wins, going 24-8 and winning the CCAA Tournament for the first time. They earned a No. 1 seed and hosting rights in the NCAA West Regional, though their hopes for a deep postseason run were dashed by a narrow first-round defeat to Azusa Pacific. The women's team also made history, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years for the first time ever. They finished the season with a 17-13 record and earned an at-large bid to the West Region tournament, where they fell to No. 1-seeded Azusa Pacific by just six points.

Catching the Action: Streaming the Golden Eagles' Exploits

As members of the CCAA, Cal State LA's basketball teams will have many of their games streamed live and exclusively on FloHoops this season. The conference and the streaming platform recently signed an exclusive media rights deal, allowing basketball enthusiasts to follow the Golden Eagles' exploits on the court. With the rapidly expanding FloSports college portfolio, fans can now easily access and enjoy the thrilling action of Cal State LA basketball.