Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

New Cal Poly Humboldt men’s basketball head coach DJ Broome has been busy this summer since taking over the Jacks in early June.

The former Lumberjacks player and assistant coach has proven to be a popular choice to head the local Division-II program and on Monday he announced that a two-time Big 5 MVP will rejoin the team.

Brandon Bento-Jackson, who played for the Jacks as a college freshman two winters ago, is set to return to the North Coast for the 2025/26 season.

And the CPH coaches are looking forward to working with the 2023 Arcata High graduate.

“I’m really excited to add Brandon to our program,” Broome said. “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around, and he understands how special this program and community are.

“We are excited about the instant impact he will have on the program.”

During his career at Arcata High, Bento-Jackson surpassed the 1,000 point milestone and scored 1,035 career points. 

The standout guard was also a two-time Big 5 MVP and the 2021/22 Humboldt Sports Player of the Year as a junior.

After playing one year for the Jacks, Bento-Jackson spent the 2024-25 season at San Diego City College.

He appeared in 27 games for the Knights and averaged 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

As a college freshman with the Lumberjacks, he led the team in 3-pointers made (45) and tied for the most games played as a freshman (27).

Brandon’s mother, Michelle Bento-Jackson, is the head coach of the Cal Poly Humboldt women’s basketball team.