As the season for the Long Beach City College’s men’s basketball team starts on Oct. 31, all eyes are on their star point guard, Jace Bass.
Bass, a former CSUSB committee, has been the topic of discussion during the offseason, whether it’s where he will commit to or how he’ll perform this season.
Erik Konkol, Louisiana Tech’s head coach, attended an Oct. 03 practice to scout Bass.
The 6’3 guard has been passionate about the game of basketball since he was young.
“The love has never lessened since I was three,” Bass said.
Nina Thomas, Bass’ mother, reaffirmed his love for the game at a young age.
“He’s loved basketball since the age of three and since then, it’s become the second most important thing in his life, behind his family.”
Bass’ main goal in life isn’t to play basketball, rather, “I just want to be in a position to support my family to the point of success, that’s all I want in life.”
“I am very thankful for how talented I am at basketball, but without my family, I would have nothing, no talent, no support, nothing at all,” Bass said.
Thomas was “humbled” by the comments, “he’s a blessing in disguise and I’ll never stop thanking God for blessing me with a son that is as special and as thankful as he is.”
It’s not just his mother that believes that Bass is “special”.
Coach Barry Barnes referred to Bass “as special as LeBron James”.
Coach Barnes also stated that “he has a skillset that just makes everyone else on the team better and brings everyone together, whether the team loses or wins.”
Coach Barnes and Bass’ mother believe “full heartedly” that the 6 ‘3 guard has the “ability to go pro.”
Bass’ mother doesn’t place stress on him of him going pro, instead she prefers “him do what he wants in life. He’s special enough that he’ll be good at anything that he does.”
The LBCC guards’ interests aren’t just in the game of basketball, he is also interested in art, specifically portraits, playing the drums, and playing football.
Bass said “I know it may look like I only play basketball, but what people don’t realize is that I try to be skilled in everything, if basketball doesn’t work out.”
The LBCC guard will take the court on Oct. 31 as the LBCC men’s basketball team plays Santiago Canyon at Santa Ana College.