October 26, 2009
by Ashley Glimstad | Staff Writer
Nick Roberts practices his lay-ups during Oct. 21 afternoon practice. Ashley Glimstad
With a record of 8-23 overall last season, the basketball team has a lot to work on to make a comeback for the upcoming season.
The men’s basketball team has its first official game Nov. 6 at Jon Wallace College, where they will be playing Cerritos College.
For the upcoming season, the men have been practicing five days a week for almost three hours a day. With only three returning players and 12 new ones, coach Andrew Jones says he is excited for the season to start.
“I don’t know what will happen this season. With 12 new freshmen it will be interesting to see what happens,” said head coach Jones. “I believe with hard work and dedication, we can be good.”
“I am greatly looking forward to the opportunity to play for City College. We have worked gard and have had immense focus in preparation for the upcoming season. We are all definitely looking forward to having a good season,” said freshman Kiel Myers.
The team has guard Deon Clay returning this season from a two-year break.
“I’m very happy to have Deon back. He really cares about defense probably more than he cares about breathing,” said Jones. “No one cared last year the way Deon did and with having him back, hopefully he can bring some of the others to care about defense as much as he does.”
Also returning are guard Nick Roberts and forward TeAndre Cooksie.
“This year as one of the three captains of the team, I’m looking forward to this year. I feel we are a stronger team from last year at every position. People should expect a big turn around than what happened last year with the hard work and preparation we have been putting in,” said Cooksie.
“These are two of three players that I would have wanted to return from last year’s team,” said Jones. “Hopefully with Roberts, Cooksie and Clay, they will bring the team personality.”
Jones is loosening up on his players this season offensively.
“I tweak my plays a little every year, but I’m hoping to give the men basic structure offensively
and then let them take it to the court and use it in their own way,” said Jones. “I hope they can read the opponents and look to see what’s available.”
“Defensively, we are going to use a lot of boxing-out and we are working on getting a lot of rebounds,” said Jones. “With this, hopefully the players with get a little more playing time on the offensive side.”
By doing this, the Panthers will be limiting second chance opportunities for their opponents.
“I’m really looking forward to watching them play this season,” said Jones. “It’s going to be interesting.”
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