Over the years here on Defend the Block when we've had our summer introductory interviews with

incoming freshmen or transfers into the program, I've oftentimes asked, hey, have you fast forwarded

to when you'll get a chance to wear the mason blue for the first time at Chrysler Center?

And of course, there's a wide range of answers.

Of course, most people are very excited.

But I think maybe the most genuine answer I've gotten maybe since we started the podcast came

from LJ. Kason. He was our final introductory interview over the summer. And this is what he said.

It's a short answer, but you can hear the enthusiasm and excitement in his voice.

Every time I walk through Christ, I think about it.

Really?

I was like, I can't wait through the first game.

It's like, it's a dream come true.

It's a dream come true.

It's definitely a dream come true.

In that summertime conversation, you heard the fun-loving, jovial nature that L.J. Kaysen possesses.

And we certainly had that backed up by some of his teammates when, during those fun media

day questions earlier this week on Defend the Block, LJ was a common answer when I asked

who the funniest player on the team was. But I do think that joy, that excitement for the opportunity to play inside

Chrysler Center comes from the fact that it has been a slow build for this young man. His

recruitment was pretty quiet, but he committed to Dusty May and FAU, and he did so before

he had really jumped onto the scene. Then, a great high school camp during June of 2023.

That came a few months after.

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