2008-2009 Men’s Basketball Preview
The 2008-2009 basketball team at Joliet
Junior College returns five players from last seasons national runner-up
team that finished 26-9. The Wolves again have the veteran experience to
be a very good team immediately. "The experience factor at this level
can be very important to getting off to a good start," according to
twelfth year head coach Joe Kuhn. "They understand the importance of
defending, rebounding, and taking care of the ball because they have a
year of experience at this level. Also, they are ready to compete." The
Wolves have also had another solid recruiting year.
This season's sophomores include Teray
Whisby, a pre-season first team All-American, captain and returning
point guard Lamar Williams, transfer Bruce Durham (North Park Univ.,
Lockport H.S.), Neal Hudson, Jake Sullivan, and Brandon Williams.
Between five returning players, the Wolves return 35 points and 25
rebounds a game along with a lot of minutes played. "Add a transfer like
Bruce, who was the starting point guard at North Park, and you have a
lot of game experience."
The freshman include local standout LeAaron Pierce of Joliet Township, Brandon Redmond (Lockport), Mike
Taylor (Plainfield Central), Juan Fields (Western, KY), Daniel Winston
(Thornton), Ivan Smith (Romeoville), and Charles Watson (Millwood, TN).
"This freshman class will have an impact on our season as they are a
talented group," said Coach Kuhn.
The Wolves, who are rated #2 in the NJCAA
pre-season polls, are very well respected nationally. JJC has been
consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally under Joe Kuhn.
"I am excited about the prospects of this
season," Kuhn said. "I really like our players. We have a really good
group of young men that work very hard. Many of our players are from
winning high school programs and have played for outstanding coaches.
They have been very well taught, are used to competing at a high level,
and used to winning." Look for the Wolves to be very good post team as
well as a strong rebounding team. "I think this will be one of our
better interior teams. I think our post area will be a factor that other
teams will have to be concerned with. We will be a very good defensive
team as well." Return to Basketball Home |
