WINTER HAVEN – With names that include Clarence Jackson, Quincy Hankins-Cole, and NBA standout Lorenzo Williams, Polk State Basketball has had more than its fair share of outstanding big men over the years. None, however, ever accomplished what freshman Jimmy Cami did on Wednesday night.

In a 93-57 rout of DME Academy, Cami set a program record with 27 rebounds. Fourteen of those came on the offensive end.

"In the first half, I had 10 rebounds," Cami recalled. "Coaches told me to get 10 more. I ended up getting 17 in the second half."

A native of the Republic of Congo, Cami spent last season at prep school in Sarasota. The 6-foot-9 forward has wasted little time making his presence felt at Polk State – on the court and in the locker room.

"He has humbled us in the right way," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "He's opened a lot of eyes on the team about what it means to be grateful for this opportunity. It was fun to see guys celebrate with him and what he accomplished in the locker room after the game."

In addition to his 27 rebounds, Cami also had the best offensive performance of his young collegiate career Wednesday night. He shot 8-for-13 from the field while finishing with a game-high 23 points – the most for a Polk State player so far this season.

"I'm motivated to keep working hard," Cami added. "This is just the beginning."

His monster game on the glass came after consecutive 10-rebound performances in wins over Mid-Florida Academy and Florida Gateway College. As the Eagles get ready to kick off the Daytona State College Shootout on Friday, Cami will come in leading the FCSAA by averaging 12.8 rebounds per game.

"He's so tough," Giles noted of Cami. "He has a great deal of personality. He's coachable, fierce, and brings everything you want from a 19-year-old young man. His will and ability to rebound is what coaches at the next level want to see. He's going to be an asset."

Prior to the season, Cami had the opportunity to meet another great Polk State rebounder – Lorenzo Williams. One of just two players in program history to have his number retired, Williams helped Polk win its first state championship in 1989 before spending seven seasons in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, and Washington Wizards.

"It was nice to get to meet him," Cami reflected. "He told me that if he can make it to the NBA, maybe I can too."

In addition to dominating the glass, Cami is proving to be an asset on both ends of the floor. He's shooting 54% while averaging nearly 10 points per game so far. His 1.3 blocks per game average is second on the Polk State squad to fellow big man Nathan Andrice.

"I can do more than rebound," Cami insisted. "I can block shots; I can score. I can defend anyone on the court. I bring energy and I'm a great communicator."

After back-to-back losing seasons, Polk State is off to a 4-0 start for the 2024-25 campaign. Cami will try to help the Eagles get off to their first 5-0 start in five years on Friday when they play the University of South Carolina at Salkehatchie.

"If we play together and stay focused, I feel like we're a top-25 team (in the nation)," Cami explained. "I like the program, and I like this college. Our objective is to win a state championship."