Lasell’s Guitian inducted into GNAC Hall of Fame

BOSTON, Mass. – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) inducted eight new members into its Hall of Fame on Wednesday evening, including former Lasell College men's basketball great Jose Guitian '09.

Guitian, who was a charter member of the Lasell Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017, was one of four former men's basketball players to receive the GNAC's highest honor. He was joined by family members and Lasell College dignitaries at the prestigious event.

"I want to thank the GNAC for inducting me into the Hall of Fame," said Guitian in his remarks. "I want to thank my dad and my family, and I want to thank Lasell and my coach, Aaron Galletta. After my sophomore year, I was thinking about transferring but I'm glad I stuck it out. I'm just very grateful. I just wanted to play basketball, I never thought this would happen."

Guitian put together one of the most storied careers on the hardwood for the Lasers. The 6-10 Miami native finished his career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,911 points, leading rebounder with 1,153 boards and leading shot blocker with 187 swats across his stellar four-year career.

"Jose was a tremendous player for us," said Galletta, who is in his 16th year at Lasell and 14th year as head coach. "He could do everything on a basketball floor. He was a true inside, outside threat, and a true leader for us, both on and off the court. I have never had a kid work harder than he did in my time here. To see him inducted into the Hall of Fame … all the credit goes to him and the hard work he put in. He's one of the best basketball players I've seen at this level."

The Lasers finished with a 67-45 record and a 49-16 mark in conference play during his time at Lasell, capturing the 2008 GNAC Championship and an NCAA Tournament bid. In addition to being named a two-time All-GNAC First Team selection, Guitian was also named the 2009 GNAC Player of the Year. His senior year, he ranked fifth in the nation in scoring (24.2) and second in the country in rebounding (13.7).

His 2008-09 exploits earned him a spot on the NABC All-Region Second Team as well as D3 Hoops Honorable Mention All-American honors. Guitian was also named one of the 10 finalists nationally for the Jostens Trophy that season, awarded annually to the Division III Basketball Athlete of the Year.

Guitian had 23 points, 10 boards, six assists, three blocks and three steals in a 2009 GNAC Tournament quarterfinal victory over Norwich. The Lasers would fall to Emmanuel in the semifinals despite Guitian's 28 points and 17 boards, playing all 50 minutes in the double-overtime loss.

On top of his dominant post presence, what helped make Guitian virtually unstoppable was his ability to shoot the three. He converted 36.9% (154-417) from beyond the arc during his four-year career, averaging 135 three-point attempts his sophomore, junior and senior years combined.

(Contributions from the GNAC)

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