GC men’s basketball is nearing its return, as the 2023-2024 season starts Nov. 11 against Limestone University.
GC looks to bounce back after a disappointing 9-18 record last year. In the 2022-2023 season, their offense was ranked No. 9 in the Peach Belt Conference, scoring 69.2 points per game and a total of 1,869 points for the season. Their defense was ranked No. 8, as they allowed an average of 74.5 points per game and 2,012 points throughout the season.
GC looks to get some non-conference reps at a tournament in Dahlonega, Georgia, where they are set to face Limestone University at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, and North Greenville University at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12.
“I think preseason tournaments are a real test for the team,” said head coach Ryan Aquino. “We can implement different lineups and strategies leading up to the season ahead of us. It’s a chance for our team to be able to build chemistry on the road and embody who we are as a unit.”
Preseason tournaments are especially important for this team, as the team is very young going into the 2023-2024 season. There are seven freshmen on the roster, so the team is looking to get these players as much experience as possible before conference play starts on Jan. 3 against Columbus State University.
Freshman guard Conyer Smith talked about his transition from high school basketball to college basketball.
“There is a pretty big difference between the two,” Smith said. “I would say the most noticeable difference is the intensity and speed of the game that I have had to adjust to in practice.”
GC is in for a big adjustment this year, as they lost four seniors due to them graduating. It is going to be a big test for the younger guys to step up and replace the production that these former players brought to the floor. This year, only one senior and five juniors are on the roster.
Adrian Cohen, a senior guard, explained his role for the upcoming year.
“I see my role as a leader for the younger guys,” Cohen said. “Leading by example is my focus, whether it is throughout practice, games or even encouraging guys with their schedules outside of basketball.”
A lot of work has been put in during the off-season to prepare for the regular season outside of preseason tournaments. Many hours have been put in to be ready for the beginning of the season.
“Training and conditioning is key when it comes to the off-season,” Aquino said. “We want to ensure that the team is physically and mentally prepared for the season. You can see the guys are eager to get out there and play by the way they carry themselves in the weight room and practice.”
The hungry GC men’s basketball team is anxious for their season to begin next month.
