The Cypress College men's basketball team will begin their season at home on Wednesday, November 4th at 5 pm against El Camino College. After finishing 11-16 last season, the Chargers look to improve with several returners looking to lead the way. Coach Andrew Alhadeff has improved the team's makeup since taking over the program as the Chargers had a 7-20 record before he took over. With 7 players returning from last season, the Chargers have an eclectic combination of experience and young talent to take the top of the Orange Empire Conference this season.
"I'm just excited for this year. Our coaching staff has worked really hard in terms of getting our guys to develop over the course of the summer and fall. I think we're heading in the right direction," said Coach Alhadeff. "We've been practicing for quite a while now. And now it's time to lace them up and see where our deficiencies are and see what we can build to get better day by day."
Sophomore Jeremy Wright, a 2014 All OEC First Team selection, will assume the role of team captain after leading the team with 13.5 PPG and 3.0 APG last season. He had several impressive scoring performances last season, including six games where he scored more than 20 points. Wright worked on his pull-up jumper and his defense this offseason with the hopes of becoming a more complete player. However, the coaching staff has praised him not only for his improvements on the court, but also for his willingness to become a leader.
"He's been good in terms of a leadership role. He's been vocal at practice. He's somebody the guys can look up to and say 'hey this guy has been there and done that,'" Coach Alhadeff added. "Jeremy led the conference in scoring last year and I don't think it's necessarily because he wanted to, but it was because he had to in order for this team to have some sort of success."
Sophomores Nolan Kelly and Jordan Fleck are also expected to step up as key contributors this season. Kelly averaged 9.7 PPG and 3.2 RPG last season and has managed to put on some weight this offseason. Considered one of the most athletic members of the team, Kelly had games last season where his scoring prowess and athleticism were on display including a 24-point game against Chaffey and a 17-point performance at Victor Valley.
Last season Jordan Fleck served to be a jack of all trades, doing a little bit of everything on both sides of the floor for the Chargers. He averaged 9.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 1.1 SPG to go along with his tremendous hustle. Fleck is now expected to be more aggressive on offense this season.
"Jordan is very important to our success because he can do everything. He can rebound it, he could pass it, he could score it," Coach Drew commented. "With Jordan, it's kind of weird; he's almost too unselfish sometimes... I want Jordan to be confident when he's open. I really think he can make baskets."
The Chargers will also benefit from several newcomers on the roster. Sophomore Joshua Currenton will be activated after a redshirt season and will prove to be a towering defensive presence with his 6 feet 10 inch frame. Freshman O'Shae Williams will bring provide a spark to the team with his energetic style of play. The Pioneer High School alumnus averaged 17.5 PPG, 3.7 APG, 8.2 RPG, and 3.1 SPG in his senior season. McKinney High School alumnus Aaron Guinn is another freshman who is capable of running with the starting line up or providing stable guard-play off the bench.
With coach Alhadeff's emphasis on defensive and selfless basketball, pushing the team to make smart movements off the ball, the Cypress Chargers are optimistic coming into this season. With a strong coaching staff and a talented group of young men, the Chargers know it all comes down to discipline and confidence to make a serious run this season.
"I feel like this is going to be a big year for Cypress basketball," said Jeremy Wright "I feel like we can win playoffs and ultimately win league."