Freshman guard Gavin Sykes of Long Beach State is making a name for himself in college basketball with his impressive performances. On November 30, he recorded a career-high 30 points against the University of San Diego, showcasing his talent and determination. This significant win not only marked a personal milestone for Sykes but also ended a 21-game losing streak for The Beach against Division I opponents.
Averaging 18.1 points per game, Sykes leads all freshmen in the Big West Conference and ranks third overall among scorers in the league. His success on the court is attributed to his strong work ethic and commitment to improvement. Sykes emphasized his dedication to training, crediting his coaches for helping him develop his skills in various game scenarios.
Head coach Chris Acker praised Sykes for his consistent performance, noting his ability to maintain focus amidst the distractions of college basketball. Despite being a true freshman, Sykes has had numerous standout games, including several outings where he scored over 20 points. Notably, he hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer on December 4 to force overtime against UC Santa Barbara, illustrating his clutch performances.
Reflecting on his standout game against San Diego, Sykes expressed the joy of contributing to a team victory, highlighting the challenges of winning in college basketball. His historic achievement as the first LBSU freshman since Lucious Harris in 1990 to score 30 points in a game is a testament to his promising future.
Sykes aims to become a vocal leader on the team, acknowledging the support from his teammates as essential to his development. He has expressed a sincere desire to prioritize team goals, specifically aiming to win the Big West Conference. He also hopes to earn recognition as the Big West Freshman of the Year, an accolade he believes could benefit the team’s overall success.
While Sykes leads the team in scoring, he is known for his calm demeanor on the court, likening his style to Phoenix Suns all-star Devin Booker, whom he admires for his poise. Currently, The Beach is on a two-game win streak and sits seventh in conference standings, with Sykes confident that the team is on the verge of greater success as they continue to find their rhythm. With such talent and determination, the future looks bright for both Sykes and Long Beach State basketball.