Thomas expects Jackson College hoops team to get better as the season progresses
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson – The season started with a 30-point loss on the road.
Two days later, a six-point loss.
Since then three wins in four games.
And that’s exactly the progression Jackson College men’s basketball coach Carl Thomas expects from his 2015-16 team.
Better with time.
“We’re expecting a very competitive year,” Thomas said. “We have some very talented guys, even if they are guys that a lot of people haven’t heard of. The last two years we’ve lost some kids at the break, but that won’t be the case this year. We have some student-athletes here who plan on being around for a while. We’ve targeted some kids who can play the game and keep with it.”
After a 104-86 victory against Marygrove College Nov. 20, the Jets were 3-3 on the season.
Thomas said one of the main things he likes about this year’s group is the work ethic.
Practicing too hard is never a fear.
Putting in a little extra effort isn’t something that’s questioned.
“These guys play hard, they practice hard,” Thomas said. “They compete hard. They’ve bonded pretty quickly. We’re still figuring some spots out, but I think we’re coming together a little quicker than we have in the past. With 11 new guys on the roster, all of whom haven’t played college basketball before, we knew it would take some time. But the fact they work so hard is going to make up for some of that.”
With such an entirely new lineup, patience will be required.
Thomas said the only focus right now is improvement, from one game to the next.
Then the Jets can peek ahead to Jan. 4 when division play begins.
“Everybody on paper, especially early, wants to talk championships,” Thomas said. “For us, it’s a focus on getting better. From the first game to the next, we have to find ways to improve. … But I really like this group. No team is easy to coach, but these guys have that trait because of how they compete every single day. I don’t have to pull teeth to practice hard and play hard. It’s a group headed in the right direction.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.