Chico State Athletics

Popular for well over a century, the Swiss Army knife is a small but stellar feat of engineering. Originally developed as a multi-use tool for soldiers, it includes a blade, screwdriver, can opener, and more.
 
Swiss Army knife is also how Isaiah Brooks describes Spencer LaShells, his roommate and teammate on the Chico State men's basketball team. A civil engineering major who plans to graduate this spring and pursue a career in civil engineering, LaShells was thrilled with the analogy.
 
"He's never told me that before. I like that. I couldn't agree with him more," LaShells said. "I feel like I can go into a game and do whatever needs to be done."
 
The Wildcats' first big-man off the bench over the past few seasons, LaShells exemplifies what it means to understand his role and excel in it. It's a value Head Coach Greg Clink and the program's players value exceedingly. Known for his rebounding, defending and shooting, LaShells always seems to make an impact on the game when his number is called.
 
But that is only a part of the package. LaShells' impact goes well beyond the court. When asked what he has learned from LaShells, Brooks said as much.
 
"Whether on the court or away from it, if Spence needs to do something he gets it done on time and on target and his work will be exemplary," said Brooks. "The man literally just gets stuff done. He understands what needs to be done and attacks it and he never has any excuses no matter what."
 
That is not an accident. LaShells learned those skills, at least in part, by watching and learning from past players. He is passionate about passing those same values along to his teammates.  
 
"I think everything outside the court, academics and leadership for instance, are important as well," said LaShells. "Basically, I want to try to keep everyone in check when it comes to that stuff. Making sure our team culture is always up to par—not even up to par—always exceeding par in all aspects, is something that's important to me."
 
LaShells admits being a little nervous and unsure when he arrived on campus. But that has changed.
 
"I've had a lot of guidance and each year I get more experience. Now I feel like I can pass down knowledge to anyone new who is coming in," said LaShells. "Past players are the motivating factor. I came in not knowing what to do or where to go. The seniors took me under their wing and showed me how it's done. The motivation for me is to do the same thing."
 
Lately, LaShells, Brooks, and fellow roommate Calvin Geraci have taken up skateboarding. At 6-feet-9, it hasn't been the easiest skill for LaShells to master.
 
"Calvin's really good and I'm okay," said Brooks. "Let's just say that Spence has been improving on his ollie."
 
LaShells admits that his roommates are the better skaters. But he says he's the expert when it comes to video games in the house.
 
"Nobody can beat me in Super Smash Bros.," said LaShells. "Isaiah is always up to the challenge, though. Calvin, maybe not so much."
 
Geraci was unavailable for comment.
 
LaShells seems to have a pretty good thing going on the court and off.
 
"My time in Chico has exceeded my expectations," said LaShells. "I've come to actually think of Chico as a sort of home. I think it's the people here and how nice everyone is. The basketball program is a huge part of that."
LaShells has become a huge part of that program. His teammates and coaches certainly think so.
 
"It's a family situation," said Brooks. "We compete as hard as anyone and we also nerd-out and binge watch Star Wars or make TikTok videos. Don't let Spencer's intensity fool you. He's really a fun-loving guy."

In fact, he's both, and more. He's a Swiss Army knife, after all.