Pirates looking to continue upward climb in 2023-24

COSTA MESA -- The sky is the limit for this year's version of the Orange Coast College men's basketball team as the Pirates kick off play on Thursday against Compton College in the opening game of the O'Fallon and Singui Classic, hosted by Santa Monica City College.

The Pirates, who finished just outside of the playoff picture last year with a 17-11 overall record and a solid 9-7 mark in Orange Empire Conference play, look to continue moving in the right direction and continue to be a tough team to play night in and night out, according to associate head coach, Jamaal Lee.

"We've got solid depth up and down the lineup, we've got more size than we've had and even though we're pretty young, we've got a lot of balance in our lineup, which is great to see," Lee said. "The up-and-down style that we like to play on both sides of the ball remains the same. We will continue to try and create chaos on the defensive end, which will hopefully lead to easier looks on the offensive end for us. I think we've got better talent on the roster and we really emphasized the need to get more athletic so we recruited harder than ever and I think it shows with who we now have."

Coast brings back three returners -- two from last year's squad and one from two years ago. "Sophomore guard Sam Hunter averaged 11.6 points, and four rebounds per game for the Pirates and this off-season has paid off for the San Clemente HS grad, according to Lee. "He was our third-leading scorer for us last year, but this year, I've already seen such a huge improvement from him on the mental side of things as well as on the leadership side," Lee said. "He works very hard for us and we will expect him to be one of our dependable guys on both sides of the floor for us."

Cody Aquino, who averaged nearly nine points and three rebounds for the Pirates two years ago, comes back to the program with a fresh mindset after taking a year off. "I really think taking last year off really helped him mature, which will allow him to be more free on the court," Lee said. "There's a little less pressure on himself this year so each shot he takes isn't a life-or-death thing in his mind. He's really become a leader for us and I can't wait to see him play well for us."

OCC's third returner, Isaiah Lee, was a role player for the Pirates last year, playing in 27-of-28 games (three starts). A steady player on offense and defense, Coach Lee expects his returning guard to be ready to provide that depth and veteran presence on the floor this year. 

"Isaiah is going to be a part of that 'bench mob' for us," Jamaal Lee said. "On any given night we can go 10 deep or even farther and that will help us keep our energy and intensity up for the entire game. That's what we really preach to our team ... the two biggest things we need every day is energy and teamwork. They have to bring a high, high energy to the floor and we have play as a collective group. Those are the things we value, both on and off the floor."

There are several new faces to keep an eye on for OCC this year, including 6'6 freshman guard Jack Carroll and Vanguard University bounceback freshmen, Isaac Padilla.

"Jack is a 6'6 kid that can shoot lights out for us," Lee said. "He brings size to the guard position and he's got that shooter's mentality which is great to see.

"Isaac is a kid who went to Vanguard and just needed some time to get some more maturity, which is what you need to play at the next level. He's got a 6'4 frame and he uses it well on both sides of the floor. He's got long arms which will help a lot with our pressure defense and he's got the ability to shoot from all over the floor."

Among the other bigger, taller Pirates to keep an eye on as the season gets underway include 6'4 forward Justin Thompson and 6'7 forward Mitchell Rawlins. Both could see lots of early action as the season gets underway and players learn their roles on this year's team. 

"Justin is a defensive beast for us and he's going to be a difference maker on that side of the floor for sure," Lee said. "Mitchell gives us a 6'7 guy down low, who can work well in the post."

Another Vanguard University bounceback to watch for the Pirates is freshman guard Timothy Bahadoor, who is a 6'0 guard from Pacifica Christian, who can bring a ton of energy to the team, according to Lee. 

"This year is going to be an interesting year all around for our conference and even our state," Lee said. "We are now past the 'COVID' group of guys who have been here awhile and now, a lot of teams are in a transition period, trying to get back into a more normal routine of guys sticking around for 1-2 years. We've worked hard to get this group of guys here and I hope that gives us an upper hand on some of the competition. We will be active and we will really get after it this year and hopefully, we can take that next step forward."