Santa Monica, CA
August 11, 2020
Santa Monica College Men's Basketball 6-1 Sophomore Daisone Hughes has officially signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Western Oregon University, a NCAA Division II school. Hughes, a 2019-2020 Western State South All-Conference Team member, averaged 12.9 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game during conference play, and shot 48.1% from the field and a blistering 47.1% from three-point range.
"I'm excited to continue my career at WOU because the new coaching staff," stated Hughes. Coach Wes and Coach Fisher, were able to take the job and make their program a winning program. Their hard-working and winning mindset has been contagious within their program, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Hughes registered career-highs of 29 points, nine rebounds, four assists (twice), four steals (three times), and two blocks in his time with the Corsairs.
"Daisone was a game-changer for us when we were recruiting a couple years ago. We felt that if we were fortunate to get a player of his caliber to commit, then it would give us a pathway to get other really good players that we wanted. Fortunately, he chose SMC," explained Head Coach Joshua Thomas. "We are excited for his wonderful parents, Tinaya and Ki, and his family. Tinaya and Ki raised an amazing young man. The Hughes family has been a blessing to our basketball program. We are excited to see Daisone continue his career at Western Oregon. They did a great job recruiting Daisone, and their staff will have a great partnership with Daisone as we did here at SMC."
"Daisone has shown tremendous growth in his two years at SMC. He understands how to play the game the right way, and it is shown with his improved efficiency stats," said Assistant Coach Devon Richardson. "Every game he was singled out as the guy to contain but still remained effective for us. He is a great student who comes from an incredible and supportive family. I am very proud of both the player and man that he has become. It was a pleasure to be a part of this chapter in his life."
Hughes, who earned an AA degree in Communication Studies, finished his illustrious career at Santa Monica College with two deep playoff runs, which was highlighted by the Corsairs making the CCCAA Men's Basketball State Tournament for the first time in 31 years.
"Daisone is an extremely formidable guard with a high IQ and great work-ethic, and he will make an immediate contribution to Western Oregon. He can impact the game in multiple ways because he is well-prepared and has an understanding for how to get the job done. He is a lethal offensive threat that can score from all three levels. He can rebound the ball like a forward, and is capable of defending at a consistent level," explained Assistant Coach Justin Maidenberg, who heavily recruited Hughes who prepped at University High School.
Hughes, who was named the 2019 Don Gehler Memorial Tournament MVP, started every single game for the Corsairs this season. He scored in double-figures 17 times this season and he made two or more three-pointers in 14 games this season.
Hughes had two productive seasons for the Corsairs. In his freshman season, he scored 7.5 points per game and grabbed 2.3 rebounds per game. He upped his production in his sophomore season to 12.4 points per game, five rebounds per game, 1.5 assists per game and 1.1 steals per game.
"I really enjoyed not only being a player at SMC but also being a student there. The basketball program took me in as family, and we changed the culture of the program together. We were able to create so much success all throughout the program because everyone held each other accountable and expected the best out of each other. I want to thank all the coaching staff at SMC for believing in my game and putting me in a position where I can display my talent at the best of my ability. Also, I want to thank my family for the continuous support they have been giving me all throughout my career at SMC," explained Hughes.