Daulton Hommes, a first-year forward for the Point Loma Nazarene University Sea Lions, has had a major role in helping lead the team to their first men’s basketball title since the 1986-1987 season. Hommes is the offensive leader in what has been an incredible season for the 22-4 Sea Lions, which are expected to make deep playoff run. After being eliminated by top-seeded Western Oregon a year ago in the NCAA West Regionals, they will look to bounce back with the help of their new all-star player.
The 6-feet 7-inch junior averages 22 points per game, which not just leads the team, but is also 18th in the nation among Division II men’s basketball players, according to the NCAA. He has six 30-plus point games this year, as well as many 20-plus point games. This season, in a new environment, he has stood out as one of the top Division II players in the nation.
He has earned the PacWest Conference’s “Player of the Week” five times this season, and is also being scouted as a potential NBA talent. According to NBA Scouting Live, he is ranked 74th on the 2019 Top 100 Prospect Rank. Hommes has scrimmaged against NBA players while playing in some pro-ams, and has participated in one-on-one training sessions with Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward, as they share the same trainer, according to the Boston Globe.  It’s been a long road to success for Hommes, as he’s dealt with injuries throughout his playing career. He tore his left ACL twice in his junior and senior years of high school. While rehabbing, he grew seven inches between his sophomore and senior seasons. Through his hard work and dedication, he was looking for someone to give him an opportunity, despite his injuries. 
“I would have to say perseverance has been a big part of my story,” Hommes said. “I have had to work extremely hard to get to where I am today. Humility also plays a big role in the type of player I am and as a person off the court. Even though I suffered two season ending injuries, quitting was never an option for me.”
The Lynden, Wash. native came to PLNU in part because of his relationship with head coach Ryan Looney. Looney was coaching at Seattle Pacific University the first time the two met during Hommes’ senior year. At the time, Looney didn’t have a scholarship available, so Hommes walked on at Western Washington, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
After redshirting for a season, he played two seasons for the Vikings, averaging 15.2 points per game. Having spent his whole life in Lynden, Hommes was looking to transfer. He reached out to Looney again, who had a scholarship available, but this time at PLNU.
Hommes, whose talent would fit in at almost any program, has adjusted quite well with his new teammates and coach. 
“Playing at PLNU has been a blessing and I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have been given here. Coach Looney’s system is much different than what I am used to, but I feel very comfortable with it now,” Hommes said. “As a team, we have been very close with each other all year. Heading in to the final stretch of the season, our mentality hasn’t changed – we want to take one game at a time and continue to get better each day.”