Gavin Sykes Earns Big West Player of the Week Honors

Freshman Gavin Sykes has garnered attention after being named the Big West Player of the Week. His remarkable performance played a crucial role in securing two vital victories for Long Beach State.

Outstanding Performance at CSUN

In a recent game against CSUN, Sykes showcased his scoring ability by accumulating 34 points. This impressive tally not only led Long Beach State to a close 87-80 win but also established a new record. Sykes now holds the title for the highest scoring game by a freshman in program history, surpassing Lucious Harris.

Consistent Contributions

Alongside his record-breaking game, Sykes also had a significant impact in a match against UC Riverside. He contributed 16 points and secured six rebounds, helping his team clinch an 88-73 victory. Over the two games, Sykes averaged 25.0 points, further solidifying his status as a key player.

Impressive Season Stats

Sykes has had an exceptional season thus far. He recorded his second 30-point game and the 11th 20-point game of his freshman year. His defensive efforts were notable as well; he achieved a season-high of two blocks and three assists during the CSUN matchup.

National Ranking and Future Outlook

Currently, Sykes ranks sixth nationally among freshmen in scoring average, with an impressive 18.9 points per game. Additionally, he stands second in the Big West Conference for overall scoring and in conference play.

First Award for Beach Men’s Basketball

Gavin Sykes’s recognition as the Big West Player of the Week marks the first award for the Long Beach State Men’s Basketball program this season. His contributions have been pivotal to the team’s current success, which includes a winning streak of three games overall and five games at home.