D2 Western Washington Head Coach Tony Dominguez knew who and what he wanted. That being Sacramento City College big 6-foot-8, 230 pound Dajon "Money" Lott Jr. and thus the offensive and defensive capabilities he possesses. Those being averaging 21.0 points per game on 58%, 37% and 71% shooting respectively, 10.8 rebounds a contest plus 89 blocked shots this past season. His production earned him the honor of Big Eight Conference Most Valuable Player as well as being selected to the California Community College All State squad.
Lott Jr. drew interest from multiple D1 schools but the Western Washington coaching staff eventually convinced him that Bellingham, a town of just less than 100,000 people situated 90 miles north of Seattle, was the best place to further hone his craft. "The coaches really wanted to bring me in and I felt I would get better as a player with them," Lott Jr. explained.
He and Dominguez talked on the phone, an offer was extended and then ultimately accepted. Lott Jr. will fly in for an official visit once the current NCAA mandated "quiet period" concludes. In talking about his decision regarding a new hoops address, Lott Jr. said, "I wanted to get away from home."
Coach Dominguez lost his starting center to the transfer portal as BJ Kolly moved on to Montana State and the power forward and center positions for Western Washington are wide open at the moment, save for Lott Jr. One center who played in just 15 games at seven minutes an outing last season remains on the WW roster. Additionally, leading scorer guard Kai Johnson has transferred to Montana so greater point production is also needed.
What will Lott Jr. have on display for next season for fans of the Vikings? "Winning, rebounding, scoring and a defensive presence," he explained.
How and what did he feel after his vow to go with Dominguez and Western Washington? "A sense of relief and good nervousness." The latter because "it will be a whole different state with no family and no girlfriend around," said the Elk Grove High graduate.
By the way, the Western Washington contingent will be traveling to Alaska, playing against conference members Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Fairbanks, and also to Montana as part of 2024-25 schedule.
Lott Jr. will major in Communications Studies.
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