by Brandon Rebboah
SANTA CLARA, Calif.- After playing his high school basketball locally, Nick Lamson has found his way to the Mission Campus to follow a family tradition, earning a spot on the Santa Clara basketball team's roster. The freshman walk-on guard is looking to not only better his game, but also receive a higher education.
Lamson attended Los Gatos High School where he averaged 17 points and eight rebounds his senior year improving in both categories from his junior campaign (10 pts., 7 rebs. as a junior). A three-sport athlete at Los Gatos, Lamson also excelled on the football field and the volleyball court.
Lamson won't be the first in his family to attend Santa Clara, nor the first to wear a Bronco basketball jersey. His father, Scott, played for the Broncos and graduated in 1985. His mother, Kris, also graduated from SCU. The Bay Area native is proud to follow in his father's footsteps as a member of the Broncos' basketball team.
"I've looked up to my dad for everything; sports, advice and pretty much every area of my life so to follow in his footsteps is an honor," said Lamson. "I have a lot to live up to."
Although he's excited to be a Bronco, Lamson was still unsure about his college choices and basketball career as he went into his senior year at Los Gatos.
"I wasn't planning on coming to Santa Clara until the last minute," said Lamson. "I've been coming to camps here for a couple years. The coaches invited me to the recruits camp the summer going into my senior year so I came. I did pretty well. When I was figuring out what I wanted to do for college, I gave Coach Keating a call and asked him if there was an opportunity for me to walk on and he said there was."
The walk-on has the chance to learn from some accomplished guards. All-WCC honorees and Evan Roquemore. Foster led the nation in three-pointers while Roquemore broke the school's record for minutes played by a freshman. Lamson is thrilled to be able to pick up insights from two established guards.
"During open gym I'll watch them and how they get open because they're always taking control," said Lamson. " I just pick up little things, just watching them and playing with them is going to make me better."
The freshman guard is intent on improving his skills during his time as a Bronco.
"I'm excited to improve my skills," said Lamson. "I love basketball and I get to keep playing it at a high-competitive level. I just have a chance to get better."
Although he's excited to learn from his older teammates, Lamson acknowledged that he has plenty to learn in the classroom as well.
"I know I'm going to get a great education here," said Lamson.