Humboldt State head women’s basketball coach Michelle Bento-Jackson has announced the hiring of Guillermo Blas, Jr., as the Lumberjacks’ top assistant coach. Blas returns to his alma mater after being the assistant coach for the Southeast Warriors AAU Team and the varsity assistant coach at Pioneer High School.
“We are excited to welcome Guillermo back to Humboldt State,” said Coach Bento-Jackson. “I have always remembered how he represented himself and Humboldt State while he was an athlete here and he left a very positive impression on me. Coach Blas loves the game of basketball and he has a deep desire to assist in the growth and development of our players. He will be a great role model for our players both on and off the court. Coach Blas is a hard worker and above all a great young man whom I am thrilled to have work beside me.”
Blas graduated from Humboldt State University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology. During the 2018-19 season, Blas was a member of the Lumberjack men’s basketball team.
“Receiving the call from Coach (Michelle) Bento-Jackson gave me new life,” said Blas. “It feels surreal to be back around the game at this level, but in the same regard it feels right. I’m excited to pass down all the knowledge I have down to these girls and I am also looking forward to picking Coach Bento-Jackson’s brain.”
Prior to HSU, Blas received his Associate of Arts in Social Science at Los Angeles Valley College. While at Los Angeles Valley College, Blas was a member of the men’s basketball team from 2014 to 2016. Blas was a three-time Player of the Week honoree while finishing in second in the state in three-point field goal percentage.
“She is very well respected and accomplished in the basketball world, so to now be part of her coaching lineage is something that I do not take for granted,” added Blas. “I’m looking forward to seeing these girls continue to get better; they’re hungry and most importantly coachable. Lastly, it feels great to taste the fresh Humboldt air again, it’s a pleasure to be back to say the least. Go Jacks!”
