Gavilan’s LoBue averages 18 points and eight rebounds
Gilroy – It was approximately 25 minutes after Gavilan’s 75-55 loss to Hartnell on Jan. 5 when Jessie LoBue walked up to coach Tito Addison who was still on the floor at Bud Ottmar Memorial Gym.
“Sorry I missed so many shots, coach,” LoBue said quietly. He then retreated into the night.
LoBue had just finished scoring 24 points to go along with 16 rebounds and three steals in one of his strongest all-around efforts. However, with Eric Van Vliet sidelined by injury, LoBue was not able to carry the load that night. The 18-year-old freshman, however, had done his part.
“That’s Jessie,” Addison said. “He’s a perfectionist.”
LoBue has been the biggest contributor this season on a Gavilan team struggling with a 5-15 record. The 6-7, 190-pound forward from Santa Cruz is averaging 18 points and eight rebounds.
Addison, who has been both a father figure and coach to the slender young man, marvels at his growth as a player and person.
“The JC experience is something that is doing him well,” said Addison, who has known LoBue since he was playing West Valley club ball. “He would have gotten offers but the maturity level just wasn’t there.”
LoBue admits that he didn’t take his classes as seriously during high school as he should have. That has changed at Gavilan where he is now a solid-B student. He doesn’t know whether that will allow him to move on to a Division 1 program (Portland State University is among those reportedly interested) or whether he returns for another season at Gavilan.
“This season I’ve come to understand the game more,” LoBue said, “and what it takes to make it at the Division 1 level. Coach gets on me to do what I have to do to get there. I realize I have to take care of stuff on and off the court. I knew I needed to buckle down and do my homework, study more and work harder in the classroom.”
What he’s working hardest on court is his ballhandling. There are many days before practice begins that he is working on cross-overs or using his left hand dribbling from baseline to baseline.
He’s already an accurate outside shooter who can slash to the basket and is able to get putbacks on offensive rebounds. LoBue knows he needs to get stronger and promises to work hard in the weight room after the season.
While his numbers are good, LoBue admits to some disappointment about the current season. After all, he was a member of Santa Cruz’s state championship team two years ago and played alongside three teammates who were considered Division 1 players (Van Vliet included).
“We should be winning more than we have,” LoBue said. “It’s real frustrating. Sometimes we play well as a team. Other times, we fall apart and show no energy. We need someone to take control on court.”
LoBue is quiet by nature. And yet Addison feels that with maturity has come more leadership from LoBue, especially with Van Vliet missing the last two weeks.
Now with the 7-0 Van Vliet set to return tonight against West Valley College, Addison believes there will be less emphasis by defenses on LoBue, which should allow him to get his rebound numbers up to double figures.
“It’s tough when opponents are bringing in fresh (defenders) every three, four minutes,” Addison said. “But he’s one of the toughest guys to guard in the conference and he creates matchup problems for everyone. Once his ballhandling skills improve I think it will make him one of the top five prospects in the north on this level.”
Addison wouldn’t have been able to say that a couple months ago. Now that LoBue is handling everything else so well, his stock has risen as quickly as his maturity.
