Last Season the MCC Men's Basketball team finished with a 17-12 overall record while going 3-5 in conference play. A season ago, the Tigers played well at home going 11-5 in the Student Activity Center but struggled on the road with a 4-6 record. This season the Tigers look to improve and make a push to the post season. The Tigers will look to three standout sophomores for guidance this season in Juan Coffi, Berk Karadan, and Mohamed Thiam.
Sophomore guard Juan Coffi is coming off a season where he averaged 22 minutes a game and shot 47% from the field. His consistent play at guard will go a long way in determining the success of the team this year. Head Coach Brynjar Brynjarsson stated, "Juan started majority of the season last year and gained great experience from that, the work he has put in from end of last year will help us greatly."
Fellow sophomore Berk Karadan will see an expanded role from a year ago. Karadan averaged only 9 minutes a game a year ago but was an efficient scorer as he converted 48% from the field. Coach Brynjarsson commented on Karadan's offseason work stating, "Berk played limited minutes last year but he has really worked hard on his body in the off season and is working hard to play a bigger role than last year." The Tigers will need him to continue to be efficient while seeing more playing time this season.
Mohamed Thiam is the sole returning All-Region selection from a season ago. The 6'9 205-pound forward will be a fixture of the Tiger offense in 2017. A season ago Thiam average over 26 minutes a game while going 46% from the field, 31% from the three point line, and averaged over 14 points a game. "Mo (Mohamed Thiam) brings experience and size with athleticism to our team. His ability to play inside and out and rebound the ball is important to us," stated Coach Brynjarsson.
The Men's and Women's Basketball teams will have thier first ever Basketball Kickoff Night Tuesday October 17th. The event starts at 6:00 PM in the Student Activity Center. There will be free admission but donations are welcome. Fans will be able to get autographs from players and watch and judge the men's dunk contest as well as watch the men's and women's team compete in a three point contest. The event will be followed by a meet and greet with players and coaches.
The team will start the regular season at home against Graceland University at 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 2. Last season the Tigers defeated Graceland twice, 109-57 and again 104-35. The Tigers will then host Iowa Central Community College at 7:00 M on Monday, November 6. The Tigers swept the Tritons a year ago, winning all three games 76-56, 91-74, and 93-82. For more information on the Men's Basketball team, please visit mccathletics.com.