(Gilbert, AZ) Unexpected (adj.) – not expected or regarded as likely to happen.
Sleeper, underdog, unlikely winners, unexpected, ready to shock the world. These are some of the words that crossed the minds of the Park Buccaneers men’s basketball team as their eyes first glanced at the California Pacific Conference’s preseason poll. Eleventh of eleven, the bottom of the barrel, ignored.
But for head coach Gordon Stubblefield‘s Bucs, this was simply nothing more than fuel on the motivational fire for a team ready to win.
The Bucs come into the ’22-23 season with opportunity amidst. With few returning from the ’21-22 season, the new blood gets its opportunity to shine beside those who have put on the maroon and gold already in their college careers. Third year Buccaneer Kylan Shorts and second year Buccaneer Zrebric Humphrey Jr. highlight the roster at the guard and forward positions, respectively, and have a brand new chance to lead this fresh Bucs squad. Humphrey has shown his scoring ability early in the season, putting up 13 against Western New Mexico, while Shorts’ passing ability will lead the Bucs offense.
The transfer ship of new Buccaneers that has landed in Gilbert includes 7-0 center Olgierd Dmochewicz and 6-4 Illinois Central College transfer Zach Lewkowski. The big man Dmochewicz has already shown bright flashes of talent in the non-conference beginning of this season, with two double-doubles in the Bucs final three games ahead of their conference opener. Lewkowski has also shown his offensive ability early, pouring a combined 38 points over the last two non-conference games.
Coach Stubblefield’s recruiting raid didn’t stop there, however. A new guard tandem has arrived in Gilbert in LC Ballard and Jaylen Solich, who both wasted no time making their presence felt in non-conference play. Ballard, a transfer from Langston University, has averaged 11 points per game and 4 rebounds per game in four non-conference appearances so far. Solich, a Folsom Lake College transfer, is currently week-to-week with an upper body injury, but has put up double-digit points in each of his three appearances so far.
Two other transfers, Vincent Cooke and Aidan Moreno, will also see solid minutes for the Bucs this season. Cooke has lights-out shooting ability with strong defensive skills, while Moreno will likely see plenty of starting minutes from the small forward position.
The Bucs open up their conference schedule December 1st at Simpson University. They then return home for their home opener at the Legacy Sports Complex on December 8th against Antelope Valley, with tip-off set for 7:30 pm.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
Click on Logo
