Coach Mike Riley is only the third coach ever to teach the men’s basketball team at De Anza. For seven years, he has taught the men’s basketball team with different strategies.

“We play fast breaking up tempo basketball this year. This is dictated by the defense. Everything changes year to year based on the type of players we have,” said Riley.

Going in against Hartnell, 16-5, the Dons were coming off a bye week. Hartnell won the game by five in overtime increasing their record to 3-1.

Two Dons players that stood out in the game are Alex Karbo (averaging 18 points a game) and Casey Keegan (averaging 17 points a game).

With their captain William Brown, they bring the offensive and defensive game to the team.

De Anza has been averaging 84 points a game while allowing opponents 74 points a game.

Riley has been coaching basketball for 23 years at colleges including De Anza, San Jose and Willow Glen High School where he taught both boys’ and girls’ basketball.

Riley started his coaching career when he was 19.

Riley is proud of his players who are not only playing well but excelling off the court.

The team is currently averaging a 3.0 GPA this year, and Riley is confident that many of the players will get their two-year degree. He is hopeful that some of his players will go on to a four-year college.

According to Coach Riley, the players put their families first, academics second and athletics third on their priority list.

The team is currently focusing on a 64 team playoff tournament that is coming up soon. The 32 teams from the north and two teams from the south of California are going to battle it out until only four teams are left in each division. The eight team tournament will take place at the University of Pacific in Stockton.

“Our key concept is to get home advantage for the tournament,” said Riley.

The Dons are very strong this year ranking 19 in state, and 11 in Northern California.

In their league game opener, De Anza beat West Valley for their first win of the season.

This year, De Anza has beat rated teams like Skyline, and top ten seed Ohlone College.

Riley said he is happy with the team this year because many of the players are very athletic and are hard working.