Chuck Odum knows where his confidence comes from. That's why he spends so much time at the source.

"For me confidence comes from how much time I work in the gym, so I was in the gym a lot (this summer)," he said. "It's not like good players are just gifted, they're in the gym all the time. If they can do it, you can do it."

Odum did it. And it shows. Watch him on the floor for mere minutes, and it's evident he's not the same player he was 12 months ago.

"I've been very impressed with Chuck's commitment in the offseason and his work ethic," said CSI head coach Steve Gosar. "His confidence out there is really noticeably different. He wants to leave CSI on a good note."

After starring at Mayfair High School in Los Angeles County, Odum joined the Golden Eagles as a scoring point guard. He started nine games last season and averaged nearly seven points, three assists and two rebounds a game in 30 appearances.

His best trait a year ago - and ability to bully his way to the rim - is still part of his game, but it's augmented by better perimeter shooting and ball control.

"He's giving it up more," said Gosar. "… He's gotten better reading the play and sharing the ball."

Odum's ability to score in multiple ways means he'll see some time at shooting guard as well as playing the point. But the point is where he wants to be.

"I like being in control," he said. "If you're playing the two guard and the point guard comes down and throws the ball away with a bad pass, you can't do anything about it.

"If we need a good shot, I like to have the control to make sure we get a good shot."

Defensively, Odum is the ideal combo of thick and quick, using his strength and speed to finish second on the team with 39 steals last year.

His skills have earned him recruiting looks from schools like Portland State, Cal-State Fullerton and UNLV. That list is likely to blossom with a big sophomore season.

He knows it his time to shine.

"You gain your experience your first year, you show your experience your second year," he said. "Now I'm a leader."

His coach concurs.

"He's been unbelievable," said Gosar. "He's been a great leader so far this year. I've got great expectations for Chuck. When he gets going, he brings another facet to what we can do."