Cameron Adams
Sports Editor
On Thursday Oct. 13, Jackson State University’s men’s basketball team hosted their media day, directly after their scheduled team practice.
Jackson State has their eyes on the prize this year with the new addition of NBA champion and Jackson native, Mo Williams, as the head coach.
The former Murrah High School star plans to share his knowledge from his 14-year professional career with the young talent in his hometown. He joined the staff on March 14, after serving two years as the head coach for Alabama State University.
After joining the Tigers, Williams welcomed three new assistant coaches, Trey Johnson, Tyler Adams and Keith Williams to the coaching staff. He also appointed Khalil Spencer as the Director of Basketball Operations.
Highlighting the teams on-court chemistry Coach Williams stated that the chemistry came from activities away from the hardwood.
“I’m a firm believer in chemistry starting off the court first,” said Williams. With Jackson State welcoming 10 new players he realized it would be difficult to build chemistry immediately.
Instead of doing some chemistry building activities, Coach put his players in dorms over the summer where they have no choice, but to bond. “We put them in dorms where they really had to spend time with each other,” said the former NBA All-Star.
The team remained vocal throughout the whole practice. Romelle Mansel made sure that there was never a quiet moment on the court. The 6 ‘9, Junior Forward from Los Angeles, California was one of many other teammates who kept the energy going during practice.
Williams expressed the importance of team chemistry when it comes to establishing roles on the court. One of the main roles highlighted was the need for a leader to step up and act as the glue of the team. He believes that leadership starts with the Point Guard.
“When you look to build a team, you start with a Point Guard. We went out and got Chase Adams,” stated Coach Williams. Chase Adams, the 5’8 Junior Point Guard from Chicago, Illinois, understands his importance to the team despite being a new member.
“I’m just here to be the glue guy,” stated Adams. “[I] put everybody in their spots and get it where they’re happy.” While Chase is primarily the floor general, he is also an offensive threat for the Tigers.
6’2 Senior Guard, Gabe Watson from Ridgeland, Mississippi, is also trying to find his role in the Tigers’ new offense.
Despite coming off of an injury, Gabe is pushing through and has all of the team’s approval in running the offense for the team. “My team knows I can score the ball but they are trying to get me easier looks at the rim,” stated Watson.
Gabe is focused on learning the coaching staff’s new offense to get him easier shots. Coach expressed his love for easy buckets as a scorer and now he is implementing that in the team’s offense.
Chase also emphasized his respect for the coaching staff and their knowledge of the game of basketball. “When you have a NBA Champion, another NBA player Trey Johnson, and Tyler Adams who ranked top 50 in the country coming out of high school as coaches, when they talk you just listen.”
Ken Evans Jr. ,the 6 ‘5 Senior and Jackson native, also spoke highly of the coaching staff. “They come out and tell us how to be a pro everyday and every practice,” stated Evans. The coaching staff also expects the team to perform with the same intensity as professionals.
Despite the high expectations, the players know that each coach has their best interest in mind. When asked about the difference between the team last season and this season, Ken described the feeling of brotherhood between the staff and players.
“The biggest difference is that we’re more of a family. I feel like we’re more of a brotherhood,” said Evans Jr. He explained that the team always participates in activities together outside of team practices.
Going into the new season, this team only has one goal in mind: the SWAC championship.
Jackson State is predicted to finish 7th in the Southwestern Athletic Conference during the league’s virtual media day event on Friday, Oct. 14.
Regardless of the low predictions, the Tigers are looking to dominate the 2022-2023 season.
They will open the season at home in the Lee E. Williams Athletic and Assembly Center against Tuskegee on Friday, Oct. 28.
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