BOAZ, Ala. – As the 2023-24 season rapidly approaches, the Snead State Community College Men's Basketball team is scheduled to begin its ACCC title defense Thursday, Nov. 2, on the road at Calhoun.
Returning nine players, including two starters from last season, Parsons Head Coach Jeremiah Patterson said this year's squad also has potential to be "really special."
"Last year was complete rebuild, and we ended up having a great season," said Patterson, who enters his eighth season at Snead State. "This year's group is probably the most experienced that we've ever returned, so we've got that going for us. Guys are familiar with what we do, so we're not having to do as much teaching and culture building because those guys already know what we're trying to do and accomplish."
Snead State finished 25-9 (15-7 in ACCC) one year ago, winning eight out of their last nine games en route to the ACCC Championship and NJCAA South District title. With the title, the Parsons clinched a spot in the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, but were ousted in the first round.
Despite the success of last year, Patterson said one of the biggest challenges for this year's team will be avoiding complacency and "staying hungry."
"That team had full buy-in," Patterson said. "We had to teach them a lot of things, but they were all in. Hopefully this team can be the same in that regard.
"I'm happy so far with how this year's group of guys is coming together. I think we could have a really good team, but we'll see. We could be better."
Leading the squad will be sophomores Mario Andrews and Donte Bacchus. Andrews, from Independence, La., averaged 10 rebounds per game starting at center last year, which led the ACCC. Bacchus, from Homewood, started every game at the power forward spot and averaged 11.3 points per game shooting 45.6 percent overall and 36.9 percent from three-point range.
Patterson said both players had put in lots of work over the offseason to improve their game.
"They've put in a lot of work this summer individually to make themselves so much better, and it's going to help the team get much better," he said. "Donte has dropped about 10 pounds. College coaches from the next level said that was something he needed to do in order to get serious looks from those teams, because he has the skills … I think he could be one pf the best players in our league this year, offensively for sure.
"Mario led the league in rebounding and is a great defender. He had coaches tell him to improve his offense and then he would get some major attention. He spent all summer getting up at 4:30 a.m. going in for 5 a.m. workouts with a trainer. He's added a lot to his game. He's got more bounce, and he's more confident.
"These two guys are tremendous leaders," Patterson added. "Mario is more a vocal leader who isn't afraid to hold his teammates accountable. Donte is a leader by example on and off the court… And their leadership helps me as a coach."
Other players returning that Patterson said would likely play key roles for the team included Maalik Leitch, K.J. Rogers, Jalen Adams and Shawn Walker Jr.
Newcomers this year include a pair of transfers, Armani Thomas and Aidan Lambert.
"As wing players, both of these guys could be very big in our plans this season," Patterson said.
Incoming freshmen that Patterson said could make an immediate impact included Josiah Harding, Davyon Butler, Ray Rollie, Glenn Bishop Jr. and Xavier Price.
"We tried to bring in some really good players," Patterson said. "That's part of the challenge to the guys returning. Each year is a new year. Nobody is guaranteed anything – as far as playing time or starting position. Doesn't matter if you were here last year. Everybody is working for the same stuff. We do have some who are obviously probably better than others, because they were some of our main guys from last year. But they're not guaranteed anything if they don't come in and do the things that we ask and expect of them.
"We've signed some very talented guys," he said. "It's still early, but I think all of our guys have the potential to be able to contribute."
This season, the Parsons will be at the NJCAA Division II level, stepping down from Division I.
Following the season opener Nov. 2 at Calhoun, the Parsons will play at their first home game Friday, Nov. 3, at Plunkett Wallace Gymnasium against Lawson State at 7:30 p.m. Before the game, there will be a ring ceremony to honor the 2022-23 Snead State ACCC Championship team.
Learn more about Snead State Men's Basketball at sneadathletics.com.