The Cal Poly Humboldt men’s basketball team has continued to announce additions to their program this week, with center Shakir ‘Shak’ Odunewu being announced on Thursday, and forward Zaveion Bineyard and guards Brandon Bento-Jackson and Rob Jenkins earlier this week.
Odunewu, who’s from Cairo, Egypt, stands 6’11”, providing the ‘Jacks with some needed size after seeing much of their frontcourt depth depart from the program over the offseason. Odunewu comes to Humboldt from the Division I Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners who went 14-19 last season.
Humboldt will be Odunewu’s fourth collegiate team, having began his collegiate career with Division I New Mexico State, transferring to play for West Valley College before joining Bakersfield ahead of last season. Even with his experience, Odunewu will be just a redshirt junior this fall for the ‘Jacks.
“I’m really excited for this portion of Shak’s journey,” ‘Jacks head coach DJ Broome said of Odunewu. “I know this community will wrap their arms around him and he will be a huge contributor to what we build in this next year.”
With Bakersfield last season, Odunewu played in 28 games, coming off the bench in all 28 while putting up 2.9 points per game and 2.5 rebounds. Odunewu shot 45.3% from the field but didn’t wind up being a major rim protector for Bakersfield in the 2024-2025 season, blocking two shots (or 0.07 blocks per game), which is something that the ‘Jacks will hope to be able to unlock this season.
Odunewu starred at West Valley College, helping the Vikings complete a perfect season, going 33-0 and clinching the CCCAA state championship. Odunewu averaged 16.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game while shooting 62.9% from the field. As a freshman with New Mexico State, Odunewu appeared in 19 games while putting up 2.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game with the Aggies.
On Thursday, the ‘Jacks welcomed Bineyard, who just like Jenkins, comes to Cal Poly Humboldt from Nelson University, a Division I National Christian College Athletic Association school. While Jenkins was the second-leading scorer for the Warriors, Vineyard was third, averaging 15.9 points per game.
The 6’8” forward gives the ‘Jacks size and floor spacing, as he knocked down 38.8% of his threes last season while helping Nelson win the National Christian College Athletic Association national championship. Bineyard is set to enter his junior year after spending his first two collegiate seasons with Nelson.
“I’m really excited about the versatility Zaveion brings,” Broome said. “He’s a guy that can play and guard multiple positions, and hurt you both inside and on the perimeter.”
Bineyard and Jenkins helped lead the Warriors to a 24-6 season that ended with the national title and will try to bring their winning ways to Arcata this winter. Humboldt’s now has welcomed five new student-athletes to the program this week as Broome’s first roster as head coach of the ‘Jacks is beginning to take shape.
Dylan McNeill can be reached at 707-441-0526.
Originally Published: August 14, 2025 at 12:15 PM PDT