Men’s basketball: 2016 team aims for title

The De Anza men’s basketball team looks to improve on their 11-15 record last season with sights set on reaching the playoffs.

“Every year our goal is to win the conference,” said head coach Jason Damjanovic, who is in his 11th year with the team. “Winning the conference automatically guarantees the team a birth in the playoffs.”

The Dons failed to make the playoffs last year. This year they will rely on captains Tony Turner and Cooper Wilson for guidance and motivation throughout the season. Freshman Charlie Thompson is also someone who coach Damjanovic already holds in high regard.

“I have a lot of expectations for him being a verbal and physical leader,” Damjanovic said. “Last year we lacked leadership and maturity which reflected in our play.”

Turner, a redshirt freshman is someone the team is excited to have on the court this year. Turner missed all of last season because of an injury and is expected to be a major contributor at the forward position.

Five games into the season, the Dons hold a 2-3 record of and have already showed an impressive offensive presence on the court.

“We can score the ball; that’s for sure,” Damjanovic said. “Defensively is where there are holes we need to improve on.”

The improvement of the team’s defense and ability to maintain its offensive dominance will be crucial for the Dons’ success this season. The team’s next game is on Wednesday, Nov. 25 at De Anza against College of Sequoias.