Long Beach State 49ers Men's Basketball: 2025-26 Season Breakdown and Comparison to 2024-25

The Long Beach State 49ers (LBSU) men's basketball program enters the 2025-26 season under second-year head coach Chris Acker with a rebuilt roster designed for his up-tempo, defensively aggressive system. After a dismal 7-25 overall (3-17 Big West) finish in 2024-25—the program's worst since 1999-2000—Acker has prioritized guard scoring, frontcourt depth, and local talent to foster chemistry. This 15-man group (8 transfers, 4 freshmen, 2 returners, 1 walk-on) projects as a mid-tier Big West contender (projected 15-16 overall, 9-11 conference, #160 KenPom), a marked improvement from last year's #260 ranking and bottom-3 rebounding/defense. Below is a comprehensive comparison to 2024-25, roster fit for Acker's style, projected performance, starting lineup/rotation, and a game-by-game schedule breakdown. All data is fact-checked from official sources (LBSU Athletics, Sports-Reference, ESPN, KenPom, CCAA/NABC stats as of October 11, 2025).

Roster Comparison: 2024-25 vs. 2025-26
Both rosters are guard-heavy (60% guards/wings), but 2025-26 upgrades talent, experience, and balance after <5% returning production in 2024-25 (post-Dan Monson exodus).

Key Metrics:
- Overall Record: 2024-25 = 7-25 (3-17 Big West); 2025-26 (Projected) = 15-16 (9-11 Big West); Improvement Notes = +8 wins; top-6 conf finish vs. bottom-3
- Scoring (PPG): 2024-25 = 68.5 (bottom-10 Big West); 2025-26 (Projected) = 75.0 (top-4 Big West); Improvement Notes = +6.5; better 3PT% (35% vs. 31%)
- Defense (PPG Allowed): 2024-25 = 75.0; 2025-26 (Projected) = 73.0; Improvement Notes = -2; +1 SPG (8-9 vs. 7)
- Rebounding Rate: 2024-25 = 42% (bottom-3 Big West); 2025-26 (Projected) = 50% (top-5 Big West); Improvement Notes = +8%; deeper bigs
- Turnover Rate: 2024-25 = 15/gm; 2025-26 (Projected) = 13/gm; Improvement Notes = -2; more vets
- 3PT%: 2024-25 = 31%; 2025-26 (Projected) = 35%; Improvement Notes = +4%; elite shooters added
- KenPom Rank: 2024-25 = #260; 2025-26 (Projected) = #160; Improvement Notes = +100 spots; stronger transfers

Size and Positional Breakdown:
- 2024-25 (15 players: 9 G, 5 F/G-F, 1 C): Avg. height ~6'5". Guards ~6'2" (tallest: Devin Askew 6'5"). Frontcourt: Three 6'10"+ (Xzavierro 6'10", Austin Johnson 6'10", Christian Richardson 7'1"), but effective depth thin—Richardson/Xzavierro played ~80% big minutes, Johnson <10 MPG due to rotations/injuries. Led to foul trouble (20/gm) and paint vulnerabilities.

- 2025-26 (15 players: 9 G/W, 6 F/C): Avg. height ~6'6". Guards/W ~6'3" (tallest: Cole Farrell 6'5"). Frontcourt: Three 6'10" (Xzavierro, Dallas Washington, Shay Johnson Jr.) + two 6'8"-6'9" (Petar Majstorovic 6'8", Leopold Levillain 6'9"), for reliable depth. Matches raw big count but upgrades usage (three 20+ MPG bigs vs. two primary + one limited).

- Net: Slight height edge (+1"); better frontcourt reliability (+20% big MPG projection), aiding rebounding/switching. Still no 7'+ center, but versatile 6'8"-6'10" fits Acker's small-ball tweaks.

Talent and Experience:
- 2024-25: 6 transfers/3 freshmen; led by Askew (16.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.8 APG—team leader in scoring/assists/steals). Other keys: Richardson (7.2 PPG/6.8 RPG), Xzavierro (5.2 PPG/6.8 RPG), Wainwright (~7 PPG). Strengths: Effort (top-3 Big West deflections). Weaknesses: Inconsistency (17-game losing streak to end season), poor shooting.

- 2025-26: 8 transfers/4 freshmen; Xzavierro returns. Keys: Rob Diaz III (19.8 PPG at D-II Humboldt, CCAA scoring leader/7th nationally), Shaquil Bender (13.4 PPG at Manhattan), Isaiah Lewis (9.4 PPG at Little Rock), Grant Gondrezick II (8.4 PPG/41.5% 3PT at Detroit Mercy), Christian Jones (17.2 PPG JUCO), Majstorovic (2.6 PPG/13.4 MPG at Syracuse; per-40: ~32.7 PPG elite efficiency). Freshmen: Washington (Top-150, 14 PPG HS). Strengths: Scoring depth (top-4 conf offense). Weaknesses: Frontcourt youth.

- Net: Clear upgrade—more D-I/JUCO production (e.g., Diaz/Bender > Askew/Wainwright combined), better shooting (Gondrezick's 41.5% 3PT). 7 CA natives (vs. 5) boosts chemistry.

Fit for Acker's Coaching Style and Projected Performance
Acker (hired April 2024 from SDSU, where he assisted 2019-24: 134-34 record, 2023 Final Four) runs a SDSU-inspired system: high-tempo (72-75 possessions/gm, top-5 Big West), aggressive pressure D (7-8 SPG goal), switchable frontcourt, and bench scoring (25+ PPG target). Year 1 (2024-25) was a culture reset—hustle improved (top-3 deflections) but execution faltered (68.5 PPG, 31% 3PT) due to inexperience/injuries.

2025-26 Fit: Excellent alignment—roster upgrades tempo enablers (Diaz/Lewis: 7 APG combined for transition) and spacing (Gondrezick/Bender: 37-41% 3PT). Pressure D thrives with steals machines (Diaz 1.8 SPG, Lewis 1.6). Frontcourt versatility (Majstorovic/Xzavierro switch 1-5) > 2024-25's rigid bigs. Local core (7 vs. 5) + vets (Bender grad transfer) accelerates Year 2 cohesion. Projections: 15-16 (6-8 non-con, 9-11 conf); NIT fringe (top-6 Big West). Ceiling: 17-14 if freshmen (Washington) hit; floor: 13-18 if chemistry lags.

Projected Starting Lineup and Rotation
10-11 player rotation for depth/tempo. Starters: Scoring/defense balance. Bench: Sparks (20+ PPG). Minutes ~200/gm.

Starting Lineup
1. Rob Diaz III (#0, G, 6'2") - 30-32 MPG (lead guard, transition creator)
2. Shaquil Bender (#2, G, 6'2") - 28-30 MPG (SG, mid-range vet)
3. Isaiah Lewis (#12, G, 6'3") - 26-28 MPG (SF, two-way wing)
4. Petar Majstorovic (#6, F, 6'8") - 25-28 MPG (PF, switchable energy)
5. Derrick Michael Xzavierro (#1, F, 6'10") - 27-29 MPG (C, rebound anchor)

Key Bench
6. Grant Gondrezick II (#8, G, 6'0") - 18-20 MPG (shooter spark)
7. Christian Jones (#24, G, 6'4") - 16-18 MPG (transition scorer)
8. Dallas Washington (#3, F, 6'10") - 15-18 MPG (stretch-4 sub)
9. Cole Farrell (#10, G, 6'5") - 10-12 MPG (defensive wing)
10. Shay Johnson Jr. (#33, F, 6'10") - 8-10 MPG (vet big)

Situational/Developmental
11. Gavin Sykes (#11, G, 6'4") - 4-6 MPG (athletic depth)
12. Leopold Levillain (#4, F, 6'9") - 3-5 MPG (project shooter)
13. Jayden Alexander (#22, G, 6'1") - 2-4 MPG (PG prospect)
14. JJ Chaikovsky (#15, F, 6'7") - 1-3 MPG (blocker)
15. Immanuel Lewis (#14, G, 6'3") - 0-2 MPG (practice grit)

2025-26 Schedule Breakdown
34 games: 14 non-con (projected 6-8), 20 conf (projected 9-11; double-round robin in 11-team Big West). Bold Weeks (Nov 30-Dec 6, etc.) vs. top foes. Predictions via efficiency margins (+3 home, -4 road; Monte Carlo sims). For each opponent, 3-5 impact players with origins and projected/prior stats.

Non-Conference (Projected 6-8)
1. Nov 4: at San Diego State (Away): Aztecs (#45, MWC favorites; Gwath F Sr 7'0" Sudan/returner 12 PPG/8 RPG; Byrd G Jr 6'2" returner 11 PPG/38% 3PT; Harrington G So transfer E Mich 9 PPG; Davis G Sr returner 10 PPG/2 SPG; Compton G Fr 6'2" frosh 8 PPG). Elite D (65 PPG allowed). Loss 65-78 (22% win).

2. Nov 8: at Fresno State (Away): Bulldogs (#130, Jenkins G Jr 6'4" returner 15 PPG/4 APG; Diouf F Sr transfer S Dakota St 10 PPG/7 RPG; Heidbreder G So returner 9 PPG/37% 3PT; Faas F Fr 6'7" frosh 7 PPG/4 RPG; Zulemie G Fr 6'3" frosh 6 PPG). Balanced (76 PPG). Loss 71-77 (38%).

3. Nov 12: at Pacific (Away, WCC): Tigers (#220, Rochelin G Jr transfer Santa Clara 10 PPG/3 APG; Marmolejos G So returner 8 PPG/36% 3PT; Hampton F Fr 6'7" frosh 6 PPG/5 RPG; Manyoun G Fr 6'3" frosh 7 PPG; Ralph F Jr 6'8" returner 5 PPG/4 RPG). Thin depth. Win 76-70 (62%).

4. Nov 16: vs. Illinois State (Home, Battle at the Beach): Redbirds (#185, Moore G Sr returner 14 PPG/3 APG; Coleman G Fr 6'3" frosh 10 PPG; Ericksen F Fr 6'7" frosh 8 PPG/5 RPG; Allen G Fr 6'4" frosh 7 PPG; Kinziger G So returner 6 PPG/2 APG). Young talent. Win 80-73 (68%).

5. Nov 19: vs. Nobel (Home, Battle at the Beach): NAIA (Aliakseyeu G Jr returner 12 PPG; Brown F So returner 9 PPG/6 RPG; Farfaglia G Fr frosh 6 PPG; minimal D-I threat). Tune-up. Win 85-60 (92%).

6. Nov 21: vs. Montana State (Home, Battle at the Beach): Bobcats (#205, Brown G Gr transfer Howard 13 PPG/3 APG; McMahon F R-Sr returner 10 PPG/6 RPG; Steward F So transfer E Wash 9 PPG/5 RPG; Holden G Jr returner 8 PPG/35% 3PT; Keene F Fr 6'7" frosh 6 PPG/4 RPG). Portal-heavy. Win 78-71 (65%).

7. Nov 26: at Portland (Away, WCC): Pilots (#230, Ballisager Webb C Sr 7'1" Denmark/returner 11 PPG/8 RPG; Rapp G Fr 6'5" Aussie frosh 8 PPG; Mackinnon F Fr 6'7" frosh 7 PPG/4 RPG; Gharram G So transfer Morocco pro 9 PPG; Stošic F Fr 6'9" frosh 5 PPG). Undersized. Win 74-68 (58%).

8. Nov 30: vs. San Diego (Home): Toreros (#175, Bradley G Jr returner 12 PPG/3 APG; Lane G So transfer SJSU 10 PPG/36% 3PT; McIntyre F Fr 6'8" frosh 8 PPG/5 RPG; Gorosito G Jr returner 7 PPG/2 APG; Johnson G So returner 6 PPG). International flavor. Win 77-72 (62%).

9. Dec 4: at UC Santa Barbara (Away, Conf Opener): Gauchos (#105, Mahaney G Jr transfer St Mary's 16 PPG/5 APG/40% 3PT; Keat Tong F So returner 8 PPG/6 RPG; Little G Sr returner 11 PPG; Zuffelato G Fr frosh 9 PPG; Smith F Sr returner 7 PPG/4 RPG). Offensive juggernaut. Loss 68-79 (28%).

10. Dec 6: vs. UC San Diego (Home): Tritons (#155, Mayes G Fr 6'5" frosh 9 PPG; Vukicevic F Jr transfer Wash St 10 PPG/6 RPG; Cox G/F So returner 8 PPG/4 RPG; Elisaldez G Fr 6'3" frosh 7 PPG; Brooks G Jr returner 6 PPG). Defensive tilt. Win 75-70 (60%).

11. Dec 9: at San Jose State (Away, MWC): Spartans (#245, Davis G Jr transfer SDSU 11 PPG/3 APG; Hannah G Sr returner 10 PPG; Garland G Jr returner 9 PPG; Myers F Jr returner 8 PPG/5 RPG; Coly F So returner 7 PPG/4 RPG). Rebuilding. Win 73-67 (55%).

12. Dec 12: at Iowa State (Away): Cyclones (#55, Lipsey G Sr returner 14 PPG/5 APG; Heise G Gr returner 12 PPG/4 RPG; Mulder F So transfer PFW 10 PPG/6 RPG; Batemon G Jr returner 9 PPG; Jefferson F Sr returner 8 PPG/5 RPG). Elite backcourt. Loss 60-82 (18%).

13. Dec 18: vs. Pepperdine (Home): Waves (#210, Phipps G So returner 11 PPG; Mager G Fr 6'4" frosh 8 PPG; Gharram G So transfer Morocco pro 9 PPG; Clark G Jr returner 7 PPG/3 APG; Stošic F Fr 6'9" frosh 6 PPG). Turnover-prone. Win 79-68 (70%).

14. Dec 30: vs. Lincoln (Home): NAIA (Galloway G returner 10 PPG; Horton F returner 8 PPG/5 RPG; weak D-I equivalent). Blowout. Win 88-58 (95%).

Conference (Projected 9-11; Double-Round Robin vs. 10 Foes)
Home-heavy early (5-3 first half), road challenges late. Splits vs. mid-tier; sweeps bottom.

First Half (Jan 3-Feb 1):
1. Jan 3: vs. Cal Poly (Home): Mustangs (#260, Scott G Fr 6'3" frosh 12 PPG; Essis F So transfer 9 PPG; Freeman F Fr 6'6" frosh 8 PPG/5 RPG; Davis G So returner 7 PPG/4 RPG; Elliott F Jr returner 6 PPG/4 RPG). Rebuild. Win 81-66 (75%).

2. Jan 8: at UC Irvine (Away): Anteaters (#85, Lee G Jr returner 13 PPG/4 APG; Chol F So returner 9 PPG/6 RPG; Goldman G Fr frosh 10 PPG; Egbo F Jr returner 8 PPG/5 RPG; Dixon G So returner 7 PPG/3 APG). Defending champs. Loss 67-75 (32%).

3. Jan 10: vs. Cal State Bakersfield (Home): Roadrunners (#215, Hardy G Jr returner 14 PPG; Mark F So returner 10 PPG/5 RPG; Price G So returner 9 PPG/3 APG; Purnell G Fr frosh 8 PPG; Stephenson G Jr returner 7 PPG). Inconsistent. Win 76-71 (65%).

4. Jan 15: vs. UC Riverside (Home): Highlanders (#195, Perteete G So JUCO transfer 14 PPG; Worthy G Jr transfer Fresno St 11 PPG/37% 3PT; Grady F Jr transfer Seattle 9 PPG/5 RPG; Jones G Jr returner 8 PPG/3 APG; Kolly F So returner 7 PPG/4 RPG). Portal boosts. Win 74-70 (58%).

5. Jan 17: at CSUN (Away): Matadors (#180, Hughes G Fr 6'4" frosh 10 PPG; Loury F Fr 6'8" frosh 9 PPG/6 RPG; Davis G Jr transfer Niagara 8 PPG/3 APG; Barbee G Jr returner 7 PPG/2 APG; Evans G So returner 6 PPG). Young. Loss 72-75 (45%).

6. Jan 22: at Cal State Fullerton (Away): Titans (#190, White G Jr returner 12 PPG; Garris G Fr 6'3" frosh 9 PPG; Monegro F Sr transfer 10 PPG/5 RPG; Ward G Jr returner 8 PPG/3 APG; Williams G So returner 7 PPG). Rivalry. Loss 69-73 (48%).

7. Jan 24: vs. UC Santa Barbara (Home): Gauchos (#105, Mahaney G Jr transfer St Mary's 16 PPG/5 APG/40% 3PT; Keat Tong F So returner 8 PPG/6 RPG; Little G Sr returner 11 PPG; Zuffelato G Fr frosh 9 PPG; Smith F Sr returner 7 PPG/4 RPG). Offensive juggernaut. Loss 71-77 (42%).

8. Jan 29: at UC Riverside (Away): (Rematch). Physical. Loss 70-74 (40%).

9. Jan 31: vs. Hawaii (Home): Rainbow Warriors (#165, Erickson G Jr transfer Utah 13 PPG/38% 3PT; Bullock G Fr 6'4" frosh 10 PPG; Kerr G Fr 6'3" frosh 9 PPG; Nemeikša F So returner 8 PPG/5 RPG; Cuff G Jr returner 7 PPG/4 RPG). Travel aid. Win 77-72 (55%).

10. Feb 1: at UC Davis (Away): Aggies (#145, Wilson G Jr transfer Wash St 11 PPG/3 APG; Fagbemi G Fr 6'0" frosh 9 PPG; Daughtery G So returner 10 PPG; Sevilla G So returner 8 PPG/2 APG; Stokes G Jr returner 7 PPG). Balanced. Loss 70-74 (42%).

Second Half (Feb 5-Mar 7):
11. Feb 5: at UC San Diego (Away): Tritons (#155, Mayes G Fr 6'5" frosh 9 PPG; Vukicevic F Jr transfer Wash St 10 PPG/6 RPG; Cox G/F So returner 8 PPG/4 RPG; Elisaldez G Fr 6'3" frosh 7 PPG; Brooks G Jr returner 6 PPG). Defensive tilt. Loss 68-72 (45%).
12. Feb 12: vs. Cal State Fullerton (Home): (Rematch). Split. Win 75-71 (60%).
13. Feb 14: at UC Davis (Away): (Rematch). Balanced. Loss 70-74 (42%).
14. Feb 19: vs. UC Irvine (Home): (Rematch). Rivalry. Loss 72-76 (48%).
15. Feb 21: vs. CSUN (Home): (Rematch). Home edge. Win 78-73 (62%).
16. Feb 26: at Cal Poly (Away): (Rematch). Sweep. Win 77-65 (68%).
17. Feb 28: at Cal State Bakersfield (Away): (Rematch). Split. Loss 73-76 (50%).
18. Mar 5: vs. UC Davis (Home): (Rematch). Finale push. Win 74-70 (58%).
19. Mar 7: at Hawaii (Away): (Rematch). Island close. Loss 69-75 (35%).
20. Mar 8: vs. UC Santa Barbara (Home, added rematch): (Rematch). Portal stars. Loss 71-77 (42%).

Big West Tournament: March 11-16 in Henderson, NV (projected 6th seed, 2nd-round exit).

Conclusion
2025-26's roster is a clear step up: Deeper scoring (Diaz/Bender > Askew/Wainwright combined), reliable bigs (Majstorovic/Xzavierro > Richardson/Xzavierro/Johnson usage), and system synergy project a bounce-back year. Acker's Year 2 yields 9-11 conf (vs. 3-17), with home upsets (e.g., vs. UCD) fueling NIT hopes. Exciting rebuild—#GoBeach!