By Amanda Scurlock
Originally published Sept. 9, 2026
While competing for the men’s basketball team, California State University Dominguez Hills sophomore Promise Madubugwu is working to become a radiologist.
Madubugwu is a biology major. He noted how being a student athlete means having more responsibilities than an average student and finding ways to balance them all.
“I believe that biology is a good thing for a doctorate,” Madubugwu said. “A radiologist is a very technical job and deals with the bone. It really stood out to me.”
Basketball was a sport that Madubugwu has played since his childhood. He became a standout player for the Gardena Panthers boy’s basketball team.
During his senior season, Madubugwu averaged 12 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks per game. His efforts helped the Panthers earn the Marine League title with an 8-2 record. They also qualified for the Division I City Section Playoffs.
“I learned that it’s not all about me; it’s about the team,” Madubugwu said about his time at Gardena. “We’ll be more successful instead of me just trying to focus on myself.”
Madubugwu ultimately earned Marine League MVP and All-City Section honors for his gameplay.
Faith and family have been key motivators for Madubugwu. He noted how the Toros men’s basketball team is a spiritual team.
“We talk about the Lord a lot and it’s amazing,” Madubugwu said. “It helps me grow as a person, grow in my faith because I have rough patches, I believe everybody does.”
Madubugwu was redshirted during what would have been his freshman season with the Toros. That was the same season that the team reached the Division II NCAA Championship game. Despite being sidelined, he found ways to contribute to the success of the team.
“We believe that if you’re helping being loud on the bench, even on the bench, I’m helping them,” he said. “I’m contributing, helping them feel out what’s going on.”
During that historic season, Madubugwu learned the importance of staying calm under pressure.
“It was a good experience for me to learn and know how to be in that situation,” he said.
Playing basketball at Dominguez Hills has allowed Madubugwu to learn from the various experiences of his teammates and coaches. Learning from them has helped him grow as a basketball player.