Preview | Men’s basketball season; first game Nov. 6

After almost two years away from the court, the men’s basketball season is just around the corner. With a solid mix of returning and new players, the Panthers have a lot of faith in their roster this year. After going a solid 15-10 two years ago, this season, the players are trying to make up for lost time.

“Not being able to compete last year (will) heighten the excitement of every game (now),” said men’s basketball player Chandler White, a fifth-year business administration major.

Men’s basketball player Chandler White dribbles the ball trying to get past the defender. Photo courtesy of Larry Newman.

Even after seeing success the last time the team was together on the court, the Panthers are hoping to bring it to the next level for the 2021-2022 season.

“This year is all about trying to win a SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) championship,” said teammate Hayden Moore, a fifth-year accounting major. “We have a lot of experience with our returning players, and also a lot of new guys who will make big impacts. Winning a conference title and gaining an automatic March Madness spot is the number one goal we have this year and what we work toward in practice everyday.”

Hayden Moore, a player on Chapman’s men’s basketball team, takes a shot from the free throw line after a foul. Photo courtesy of Derek Marquis

With high aspirations, the team has to take care of their conference play before anything else. The SCIAC is a very competitive league for basketball with some of the best Division III teams in the nation. The Panthers have highlighted those games on their calendars and are excited for a chance to prove themselves. 

“All of our conference games are really tough matchups that lead to really competitive games,” Moore said. “Our rivalry games against Redlands are always exciting, but we expect everyone in the conference to be good this year, so we're excited to go up against everyone.”

With the first game scheduled for Nov. 6, the team is in full swing, preseason practice mode. After not having organized practices for a long time, the team has been spending the last few months finding their groove on the court. 

“(It’s) great being back in the gym competing,” White said. “(I) love being back on a team and being able to do what we love each day. There’s nothing like a group of guys competing toward the same goals.”

With only a few weeks before games, the team has been getting into regular season shape. The intense preparation before the season starts is what sets the precedent for when the games finally come. 

“The past couple weeks have been really tough,” Moore said. “We've been practicing and playing a lot, but it has also been incredibly fun to be back into the grind of the season. It’s been really fun getting back on the court.”

With both Moore and White being upperclassmen, they occupy a role on the team in which they are responsible for establishing the group culture and showing the younger players how to prepare themselves for the long season. 

“The underclassmen are going to be a big part of our team this year,” Moore said. “As older guys, we try to lead and show all the underclassmen what we expect from them. Everyone has come in ready to play.” 

For Moore and White, this season will likely be their last in a Chapman uniform. This season is not only important to them because of their team goals, but also their personal ones. 

“Being my last year, truly just trying to enjoy the moment and embrace the challenges,” said White. “Find positives in it all and continue to grow as an individual. Being able to develop life skills that will be applicable to future endeavors.”