Toros basketball this year is just about ready for tip-off. Following historic runs toward the NCAA Division II National Champion two years ago, both the men’s and women’s teams have worked on and off the court to recapture that success.
Returning stars, new recruits boost Toros’ bench
The Toro women couldn’t seem to find their rhythm last year. After five straight losses to start the season, the team ended up with an overall record of 12-16. The Toros finished strongly enough to qualify for the CCAA tournament, but ultimately fell 70-75 to Chico State in overtime.
Players told The Bulletin that the team’s record last year doesn’t match the team’s potential.
“The end goal is always to win a championship,” said junior Zanna Hurst, a redshirt guard. “I think this team really does have the potential to make it there. We have all the pieces. It’s just about putting them together.”
The 5-foot-9 shooter from San Diego said she didn’t plan on taking a leadership role, but was proud of her progress on the team.
“Seeing my growth throughout the year was a positive thing because there were definitely a lot of trials and tribulations, ups and downs,” Hurst said.
Another redshirt, freshman guard Norret Lewis, transferred from Cal State Northridge to CSUDH. Lewis said preseason as a Toro was more challenging than it was as a Matador.
“It’s so much more competitive, and they come in with a chip on their shoulder,” Lewis said. “They push me every day to be the best version of myself.”
The women’s team will start regular season play on the road Nov. 9 against Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Lewis said a strong defense will be the focus of the team’s strategy this year.
“We want our identity to be defense, a very good defensive team, an aggressive team that punches first and doesn’t wait to be punched,” Lewis explained. “We want to go after it and do it together as a team and as a family.”
Toro men hope to stay consistent
The men’s team has stayed steady over the past three seasons, with a combined record of 74-23. Last year, the Toros bested Alaska Anchorage 69-58 in the NCAA West Regionals, but lost to top-seeded Cal State East Bay 67-76.
Senior guard Tomi Adesiji told The Bulletin that he’s excited to get on the court and find out what the team is made of this year.
“We look like we’re on the right track for sure,” said Adesiji, who came from Riverside City College to CSUDH in 2024. “I have an optimistic view for this season … I’m very grateful to be able to say I’ve been a part of something great.”
The 2026–2027 CCAA Coaches Poll also seems to have high expectations for the Toros, ranking this year’s squad at No. 4. The men will also start their season on the road on Nov. 9 against Dominican University in San Rafael.
Keshrey Smith, a redshirt freshman guard, said overcoming adversity will be important if the team wants to make another deeper run through postseason play.
“People that can go through adversity—because nothing’s going to stay perfect, things are going to go up and down—We’ve got to be able to get through it,” Smith said, adding that the team’s goal this year can be summed up in one word.“I would say win. That’s always the goal, right? If my people are running, I’m going in with them.”