Spartan fans, it's time to get to know the San Jose State men's basketball newcomers! The Spartans signed six newcomers in their 2020 recruiting class and each will look to have a major impact on the upcoming season. Our first featured freshman is a 6-foot-9 forward from Missouri City, Texas, Nate Lacewell.
Lacewell made the long trip from Texas to join SJSU after a prolific playing career at Legacy Sports Sciences High School in Missouri City. As a senior in 2019-20, he earned first team All-Trinity League honors after helping to carry the team to a 24-8 record and runner-up finish in the state championship. The big man averaged 15.8 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks per game. He played his sophomore season at Emery/Weiner High and was named a Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools (TAAPS) Second Team All-State selection after averaging 15.8 points, six rebounds and two blocks per game. Lacewell is planning on a business major at SJSU with a minor in entrepreneurship. Get to know more about Nate in our one-on-one Q&A below.
Q: How old were you when you began playing basketball and what do you like the most about playing?
NATE: I was eight years old when I first starting playing. The thing I love most about it is traveling and playing in different places against different people.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player?
NATE: Kevin Durant.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment of your playing career?
NATE: I hit the game-winning free throw in overtime to cap off my 40 point game.
Q: What is your pregame hype song?
NATE: "3 Headed Goat" by Lil Durk
Q: What's the best piece of advice anyone has given to you?
NATE: Regardless of what you are doing, you have to stay consistent every day.
Q: If you could play any other sport, which would it be?
NATE: Tennis. I feel like my length and lateral movement would be useful and I could be pretty good.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
NATE: "The Bee Movie"
Q: Who is your favorite NBA team?
NATE: The Houston Rockets
Q: If you could have dinner with any person, past or present, real or fictional, who would it be?
NATE: Dave Chappelle
Q: Why did you choose San Jose State?
NATE: Ever since I have been playing, my biggest dream was to play Division I basketball, and San Jose State was the best school for me to fulfill my dream.