CALVO REMEMBERS 1995 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

By Patrick Lujan

Thirty years ago, Guam men’s national basketball head coach E.J. Calvo made history that has yet to be duplicated.

Calvo was part of the 1995 California state high school championship team at St. Francis High School in Mountainview, CA. It was the first and only time the St. Francis Lancers won the state championship, like Calvo being the first and only Guam player to do as such.

Celebrated basketball coach and Guam sports figure E.J. Calvo is marking a significant milestone in his storied career—30 years since he aided his team to victory at the 1995 California High School Basketball State Championship! 

“Winning the state championship in 1995 was a defining moment for me,” Calvo said. “It taught me the value of teamwork and never backing down regardless of the odds – lessons that I have carried with me throughout my career, both on and off the court.”

Calvo spent the first three years of high school at Father Duenas, starring on the boys basketball and football teams, before making the tough decision to move to California for his senior season.

Many many years before Facebook, Instagram and any other social media came about to help athletes expose their skills, Calvo took the leap beyond our island’s shores to test his skills.

“It was challenging to gain any exposure at that time…especially for basketball players under 6 feet tall from Guam,” Calvo explained.

The move paid off, as Calvo was recruited by former Stanford University Assistant Coach, Keith Larsen, to play for him at Menlo College (Menlo Park, CA), where he earned the starting point guard spot in his junior season. Calvo also started as a cornerback for the Menlo College football team and completed his bachelor’s degree in business management in 1999.

1995 HISTORIC CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM

Moving to a new school and a new team in his senior year was difficult enough. Getting in sync with teammates, especially at the point guard position, and helping them to a state championship was insurmountable.

It was challenging for me as I was more of a shooting guard and scorer in Guam. I was fortunate that my coaches worked closely with me to improve my understanding of how to run point and defend at a high level. I was ‘the new guy’…so I had to earn respect from Day 1, and find a way to make an impact on a team that has played together for years.”

– E.J. Calvo, on his transition to St. Francis High School

“By far, we weren’t the biggest or most talented team, but we executed at a high level, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Our coach (Steve Filios) was extremely technical, and he got the most out of his players. I brought so much back to Guam that I learned from that one season playing for him.” 

It all culminated in a celebration in the middle of the Oracle Arena floor (former home of the Golden State Warriors) on March 15, 1995.

The 1995 Lancers upset several highly ranked teams on their way to the state finals against the renowned Dominguez Compton High School (LA) which featured future NBA champion & Olympic gold medalist, Tayshuan Prince, and his brother Thomas.

To commemorate this 30th anniversary, Calvo is hoping to reunite with former teammates, coaches, and schoolmates in the Bay Area. “This milestone is not just about looking back,” Calvo continued. “It’s about using what we’ve learned to continue growing the game and inspiring the next generation.”

GIVING BACK TO GUAM BASKETBALL

Calvo returned to Guam in 2002 and immediately joined the Guam national team. Following his playing days for Team Guam, Calvo transitioned into coaching, where he was asked to elevate Guam basketball.

“I was recruited by my former coach and one of my best friends, the late Tony Thompson, who inspired me to give back and help lead the next generation,” said Calvo. 

Under Calvo’s leadership, Team Guam has consistently produced medals and continues to climb the FIBA World Rankings over the last 12 years. Calvo is now the winningest coach in Guam Basketball’s proud history and possibly the most successful national coach ever from Guam – with two gold and one silver from the Pacific Games, two gold from the Micronesian Games, and an outstanding record in FIBA competition, where Team Guam recently reached new heights by qualifying for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup along with the top teams in Asia & Oceania.

According to Calvo, “It has been my goal to help more young athletes in Guam make it to the next level through their experience gained playing in our Guam National Program. There are so many talented players in Guam, but the transition to college and international basketball is not easy.” 

Calvo’s eldest son, Tomas, also played college basketball for California Lutheran University after graduating from Father Duenas in 2018 and helped Team Guam win a gold medal at the Pacific Games in 2019.