Glendora, CA (Men’s Basketball) – If there is one theme that pervades the Citrus College men’s basketball program its “Men of March.” It’s the idea that everything they are playing for throughout the year comes down to what happens in March, when the college basketball world turns its eyes to the championship tournaments. It’s about preparing for the journey in the month of March.
“It’s doing everything we can to set ourselves up for success for when it counts the most,” head coach Rick Croy says. “It’s maxing out everyday of our journey together.”
While the program keeps in mind its mantra of “Men of March,” that idea may never be more important than it will this season. In his third season at the helm, head coach Rick Croy has cemented the Citrus men’s basketball program as a force to be reckoned with in Southern California. Expectations are high this year, as Croy led last year’s squad to its first playoff appearance in over a decade.
“Our first goal is to be at our best in late February and March, it’s what we gear everything towards” Croy said. “We’ve also set our sights on a conference championship this season.” With the team moving up the conference ranks in its first two seasons under Croy, the sky seems to be the limit.
The Coaches
With a goal in mind, it’s up to the Citrus College coaching staff to help the team achieve their goals. With the loss of former USC head coach Jim Saia, the Fighting Owls had some big shoes to fill on the bench. With Coach Josh Dunaj still in the fold, they have added Will Kimble a former big man who played at Pepperdine and UTEP, and guard Chris Acker who played at Chaminade and professionally overseas.
“I am extremely blessed to have these guys on our coaching staff,” Croy said. “The neat thing is that our players have a sense of how committed our assistants are, and they are making the most out of the mentorship that our coaches are offering.”
Not only has it been a great experience on the court, but off it as well. “Working with these guys everyday is the best. We are having the time of our lives,” Croy said.
The Team
The 2007-2008 squad will be a mixture of some old and new faces. The team’s second leading scorer, Buchi Awaji returns after a stellar freshman campaign, as do some key role players from last years squad like Virgil Buensuceso who proved to be a catalyst off the bench. “The returnees have shown a level of maturity about how the game is supposed to be approached,” Croy said.
Along with the old guys are a mixture of some exciting new guys including freshman forward Troy Payne, sophomore transfer guard Darren Moore, and freshman guard AJ Gasporra. Payne is a tenacious defender who has a nose for the ball, while Moore will provide some much needed experience after playing a year at NCAA Division I Northern Colorado last year. Gasporra brings a championship swagger to the Fighting Owls, as he comes to Citrus after playing three varsity seasons for back to back CIF Division III State Champion Artesia High School.
“The new guys have really embraced the program,” Croy said. “They’ve embraced the practice, preparation, and communication that we require. It’s the best recruiting class we have had here.”
The Captains
While things are shored up on the bench, Croy is still looking for his leaders on the floor. “I’m excited to see who steps up, and can be consistently what our program is about everyday,” Croy said.
Without a clear cut leader coming into the season, there is no doubt in Croy’s mind that there are some right on the cusp. “There have been some flashes of greatness, but nobody that can really tap into their best everyday,” Croy said. “That’s what a true leader is all about, maturing and maxing out everyday.”
Despite not one true leader stepping up to the front just yet, there are plenty of options with six returnees, including red-shirts, from last year’s squad. “The returning players understand how critical their roles are,” Croy said.
The Guards
If the Owls are stacked at one particular position this 2007-2008 season, it’s at the guard spot. Not only do they return three players who spent a significant amount of time playing guard last year (Awaji, Buensuceso, and Nate Richardson), but they’ve brought in a number of new versatile players who could spend some significant time playing guard.
“We have a tremendous amount of talent at the wing spot,” Croy said. “Every single one of them can score the ball and all of them are unselfish.”
While there should never be a lack of a scoring threat, there ability to get after it on the defensive end shouldn’t be a problem either. “Defensively we have a chance to be tenacious,” Croy said. “Our point guards are like a four-headed monster, who have really accepted the challenge we’ve laid out before them.”
The Forwards
At the forward position, the Fighting Owls find themselves in a position of youth and inexperience. Despite that combination, the forwards they have in the fold, possess an inordinate amount talent, and should prove to be a bright spot for Citrus.
“Our forwards, like Troy Payne and Ralph Monday, are improving everyday and can be great players,” Croy said. “It’s going to come down to their consistency and enthusiasm to do the little things.”
The Center
With the matriculation of last years big man, Deonta Black to Cal State San Bernardino, the majority of the big man duties fall into the hands of six foot nine inch, sophomore Richard Frohlich.
“We feel like Richie can be one of the most improved players in the state,” Croy said. “Thanks to the coaches, he is improving everyday. He should continue to improve as the season goes on, and by February he should be scary.”
The Conclusion
If one thing is certain, it is that the expectations for the 2007-2008 edition of the Citrus College men’s basketball program go through the roof. The Fighting Owls are primed to contend for a WSC Championship and possibly more.
“This is a team that will be giving their maximum effort every night, and a group of guys who are sacrificing for each other,” Croy said. “They will make you proud to be an Owl because of their passion and commitment.”
Their 2007-2008 run towards March, kicks off on Saturday November 10th, as the Fighting Owls travel to El Cajon, CA for a 7:00 PM match-up with Grossmont.