After a challenging 9-18 season last year, men’s basketball head coach Jason Roscoe was tasked with rebuilding the program. With only one returning player, the journey ahead promised to be an uphill battle.
It was important to him to start the process as soon as he could, beginning with recruiting. For Roscoe, it was about finding individuals who were not only ready to earn their two-year degree but were coachable and wanted to be part of the team.
“The guys who give up the ‘me’ for the ‘we,’” Coach Roscoe said, emphasizing the importance of selflessness, being ready to work and trusting the process.
It was important for the team to begin the work early in the preseason with intense workouts and practices. They challenged their players, pushing them to improve both physically and mentally, with an emphasis on building a strong team dynamic.
Starting off the season with only one loss in their first 11 games of the season, Roscoe’s emphasis on discipline, selflessness and trust began to show as the players continued to push themselves.
The early success was not only a reflection of the team’s physical improvements but also of the culture Roscoe was trying to build.
“These guys are selfless and work hard,” Roscoe said, “these guys are trusting the prosses.” As the season progressed, so did their commitment to growing together as a team and achieving success.
With only three losses so far, and 18 wins, Roscoe and the players know their journey is not done yet. The team is currently ranked No. 20 in the NJCAA Division II, a strong showing of their progress since last season.
“These guys have faced challenges both on and off the court, but they continue to persevere,” Roscoe says, expressing his confidence in the team’s ability to handle the rest of the season.