“Lincoln University Men’s Basketball 2025–26 Season Preview: Insights from Coach Middlebrooks, Captains, and Players”

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Interview with Coach Middlebrooks

How would you describe the team’s preparation and mindset heading into the 2025 – 2026 season?

We are looking to build on our conference regular-season championship from a year ago and add the all-important “sixth man”: the Lincoln University student body.

What do you consider the key strengths of this year’s roster?

Our roster this year is much improved from a season ago, reflecting a higher level of personal commitment from our players both athletically and academically. This growth helps our program take a significant step forward in its evolution as a new program at Lincoln University.

Who is the team captain? How have they stepped into their leadership role so far?

Laolu Kalejaiye and Chris Plantey serve as team captains. They are learning how to lead, a process that is especially challenging while building new relationships and establishing our team culture. This will be a marathon, not a sprint, and I understand that.

What do you hope for your Home Opener, beyond a win?

We are never focused solely on wins and losses. Our focus is on building community and togetherness through the game of basketball, and we want our home games to be packed with Lincoln students because this program is your program. We want this home opener to be the first step toward truly engaging the Lincoln University student body.

As we approach the Home Opener, what message would you like to share with the Lincoln University community?

We want everyone to come out to the game and help show Oakland and the East Bay that Lincoln is a vibrant, exciting school one the community should embrace, support, and be part of through the Lincoln experience.

Interview with Team Captain

How do you approach leading your teammates on the court and as representatives of Lincoln University?

Replies :

I’m just trying to be the best teammate I can be and someone my teammates can depend on on the court.
For me, it all starts with knowing your team. We have a fun group, and forming relationships with them came pretty easily. By getting to know everyone, I understand how they like to be led. But they won’t follow if I’m not living up to what I’m asking of them; that’s why leading by example is so important. Running the extra mile, being the loudest, and being the toughest are cues that earn your team’s respect and reflect your work ethic.

What collective goals does the team have?

Replies :

Win the championship.
Win on the court, win in the classroom, win with the community. We are all locked in on doing our best for the program and the brand. The main goal is for Oakland to know who we are and what we are about: work, hustle, and toughness.

Has the team changed much this year?

Replies :

I really like our team this year. It’s not perfect, but we are trying to piece everything together.
Yes, Coach Middlebrooks is bringing in players who understand the culture and are committed to building the program slowly but surely. We have more complete, detail-oriented players, and that shows in our commitment not only on the court but also to the community and our sponsors.

What message would you like to share with Lincoln University fans to encourage them to come out and support the team this season?

Replies :

Come out & support!
If you support small communities, come support our school. We may be small, but we want to do big things and represent Oakland in the best way possible. We take pride in representing Lincoln University as a hardworking, grinding school, and we aim to show that on the court. Basketball is all about support and bringing people together, so what better way to do that than showing up for the team? GO OAKLAND!

Will you introduce yourself in 1-2 sentences?	What area of the game are you personally looking to improve this season?
My name is Claude McKesey from View Park, California	Perimeter defense and consistency.
Hello, my name is Adrian Hernandez. I’m a student athlete at Lincoln University, and I play for the men’s basketball team.	I am looking to improve my consistency and defense. I feel like improving on these skills will help me reach my goals and help the team win.
I’m Nathan, I’m 20 years old, I play forward, and I play for the men's basketball team at Lincoln University in Oakland.	I want to improve my explosiveness and my speed. And improve on my handle.
My name is Samuel Wall, I’m a freshman guard for Lincoln, and I am from Australia.	Defensive footwork, athleticism, rebounding, consistent effort on both ends, ability to beat guys off the dribble, and shot-making ability.
I am Laolu Kalejaiye. I am a Lincoln Basketball Player & I’m from Los Angeles, CA.	Defense.
I’m Brandon Williams, and I’m a student athlete at Lincoln University. My dream is to become a well-educated and successful man.	I’m looking to improve my perimeter defense.

Academic and Athletic Achievements

Over the past two seasons, the program has captured back-to-back regular season championships (2024 and 2025) while strengthening academic standards and community involvement.

Academically, LU Men’s Basketball continues to prove that excellence in the classroom is fundamental to the team’s identity. In the 2024–25 academic year, the team achieved a 3.38 cumulative GPA, with multiple players earning Dean’s List honors in both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

On the court, individual recognitions reflected the team’s depth and competitiveness:

Samuel Maher – 2025 All-Conference Honorable Mention

Laolu Kalejaiye – 2025 All-Conference First Team

Christian Ballah – 2025 All-Conference Second Team