By Mallory Mattingly
For the first time in program history, the California Baptist University men’s basketball team made it into the NCAA March Madness tournament.
A big reason for that playoff berth is Dominique Daniels Jr., the team’s point guard who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the WAC Tournament. He “has scored more points this year than any CBU player in a single season (741), and he’s fifth this season in scoring among all Division-I players (23.2 points per game),” Sports Spectrum reported.
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST IS GOING DANCING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY 🕺
Dominique Daniels Jr. iced the game for the Lancers ❄️ pic.twitter.com/To0nEp7SKC
— ESPN (@espn) March 15, 2026
Related: Basketball Star’s March Madness Prep Begins With Prayer
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In January, Daniels secured a school record after he dropped 47 points against Utah Valley.
“It’s all glory to God at the end of the day,” he told the media after the game. “He’s the reason why I’m able to do what I’m able to do. He put me in this position for a reason, and I just give Him all the praise and all the glory and all the honor at the end of the day.”
“I wouldn’t be able to do this without Him. It’s no credit to me. He put the hard work in me, He put the determination in me, so I give all credit to God,” the athlete emphasized.
Daniels often takes time before every game to pray. The point guard’s Instagram bio features Hebrews 11:1, which says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Right now, Daniels is considered one of the “most explosive players in March Madness.”
Daniels averages “23.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG and 3.3 APG while shooting 44% from the field in 35 MPG,” PDT Media shared on social media. “He’s got a clear case to be the most explosive guard in the NCAA tournament this week. Led Cal Baptist to their first March Madness ever, averaging 32 PPG during the WAC tournament.”
“Daniels has a wickedly fast first step, can split gaps just like that, absurdly fast in transition and his 44-inch vertical has allowed him to have 7+ dunks in his 3 years at just 5’10,” the outlet continued. “Love his loyalty, staying committed to a program that believed in him out of JUCO.”
Regardless of what happens in the tournament, Daniels’ focus is on his team and his faith in God. He and the Lancers take the court on Friday night against Kansas in San Diego.
Read Next: College Basketball Star Aims to ‘Share the Gospel’ as He Leads Team to March Madness
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