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2011-2012 basketball program

Men’s basketball excited, and eager while entering into a new era of PHCC basketball

First row, seated from left to right: Delonte Marshall, Larry Rivers, Jr., Brice Smith, Alvin Satram, Srdjan Jankovic, Ladarius Barnes, Ja’mil Jones. Back row from left to right: Asst. Coach Micheal Jones, Head Coach James E. Johnson, Scott Cargile, Michael Wood, Aron Handan, Derrick Zio, Kelby Robinson, William Ramos, Dewaine Lyals, Asst. Coach Larry Behm

The 2011-2012 men’s basketball team is excited and eager to bring a different brand of basketball while entering into a new era, under new leadership. After 25 years of guidance from hall of fame nominee Bobby Bowman, the PHCC men’s basketball team will be coached by James E. Johnson.

“I’m excited about starting this year and the season outlook. I really like how the team has responded to me so far in practices. They have really come together, as a team, and it seems they already have some chemistry which is an important indicator of success. The players have been eager to learn, but with so many new members, and a new coach, it’s a continuous process of teaching and growing,” said Coach Johnson. “Our guys have worked extremely hard so far. That’s very encouraging to see because all my players are going to have plenty of playing time from day one, which will only speed up their acclimation.”

Coach Johnson will have the challenge of teaching his new club his style of basketball. The team consists of four returning players, four freshmen, one redshirt, and two transfers.

“There’s going to be an adjustment period,” said Coach Johnson. “Right now, we’re looking at combinations, seeing who will emerge. We want to utilize the early part of the season to be sure everybody learns what we’re doing and how I coach. This new team is a hard-working group, they come to practice focused every day, and they’re very receptive to what I am teaching.”

The Conquistadors welcome back four members of last year’s squad, who helped the team, reach a NJCAA Division II regional appearance, Alvin Satram, Ladarius Barnes, Brice Smith, and Srdjan Jankovic. The Conquistadors will look to each of these returnees to fill the void, led by backcourt members Pedro Foster and Isaiah Mason. The sophomore point guard, Mason, led the team in scoring, averaging 16.81 points per game with 27 starts last season. Foster averaged 15.23 points per game and had 30 starts last season.

Alvin Satram and Ladarius Barnes have the capabilities to lead this team back to the NJCAA Division II Regional. Satram a senior point guard played in 30 games last season and averaged 9.46 per game. Barnes averaged 9.3 points per game as a true freshman in 2010-11. Sophomore forwards Srdjan Jankovic and Brice Smith made appearances in at least 20 games and will bring veteran experience to support the team.

The Conquistadors will look for production from its talented crop of newcomers early this season, including 6’ 5” wing/forward William Ramos and Kelby Robinson. The duo will be expected to help pick up the loss of two sophomore scoring leaders Pedro Foster and Isaiah Mason. Additionally, newcomers Derrick Zio, Scott Cargile, Aron Handan, and Michael Wood, will have to pick up the slack on the inside while Delonte Marshall, our only true point guard and our floor general, will bring great energy, and toughness that will help in the back court.

“Our newcomers Ramos and Robinson are prolific scorers and should adapt to their roles immediately. While Cargile, and Zio, bring an unbelievable hard-nose work ethic to the team, Wood and Handan complete our roster with toughness and desire to improve every game. This will make us very competitive Division II basketball this year." said Coach Johnson.

The Conquistadors open the 2011-12 season on the road against the Indian River State College on November 5. The team then returns to the PHCC West Campus Fitness Center on November 9 to host St. John’s River State College.