Cal State East Bay men's basketball team begin postseason play after perfect regular season

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team made history, becoming the first NCAA Division II team in 30 years to go undefeated during the regular season.

The Pioneers finished the regular season 30-0 and now turn their focus to postseason play.

On Friday, Cal State East Bay hosts the Humboldt Lumberjacks in the opening round of the NCAA Division II West Regionals.

Thursday, the team reflected on their historic run.

"Every day we keep working, grinding and hopefully win a national championship title," said Tyree Campbell, the team's leading scorer.

Campbell was named Regional Player of the Year on Thursday afternoon, adding to a season that has drawn national attention.

Cal State East Bay enters the Division II Regionals as the only undefeated men's team in the country at any level and will host the regional games.

"Right now, we are the only undefeated team in the country, regardless of level, so it's pretty exciting times," head coach Bryan Rooney said.

Observers of the program have also noted the team's rapid rise. Players point to a culture established early in the season as a key factor in their success.

"The first day of practice, we had guys that were ready to go, ready to buy in," said Jaayden Bush, the team's point guard and the CCAA Tournament MVP. "We all put our egos down very quickly and bought into what our coaches are trying to apply to us so we could just win games. So far, we've won that 30 times. It's working for us."

Rooney said the team's success is the result of sustained effort since the start of the season.

"It's been a build. It hasn't been just about one game. It's been since day one, from when we've come together," he said.

The roster also includes Matt Williams and Terrence Hayward, who joined the Pioneers from Sonoma State after that school's sports department was disbanded.

"It's one of the best decisions we've ever made in recruiting," Rooney said.

Bush credited both players for their impact during the season.

"Both are just really good dudes, and even better basketball players. They stepped up for us in very big moments this year," he said.

As the team pursues a national championship, Rooney emphasized the importance of staying focused on the journey.

"We told our guys early on, as we started getting the momentum, the story has been written. We have to make sure we follow that journey, we follow the path," he said. "It means playing for each other."

For Campbell, a title would cap a season that already holds a place in program history.

"It would mean everything. That would be the cherry on top. That's what I came to East Bay to do, to win the title," he said. "It would be special for the city of Hayward and the university in general. It would be huge."