Hoops are High for the Men’s Poet Basketball Team
Last year, the Whittier Men’s Basketball team posted a (4–12) conference record and a (7–18) overall record. After losing five seniors, the team looks to retool and bounce back this year with a new identity. Including transfers Jake Estep, Tyler Watters, Morgan Cox, Ignacio Bettinelli, Roy Kalu, Aamari Smith, and lone freshman Sean Cervantes. Returner Nick Manor-Hall, along with recently named Captains Tanner Thompson (Junior), Kevin Dobson (Senior), and Kunal Bagga (Senior), bring leadership from their experience playing in the SCIAC conference in past seasons.
The Poets kicked off their season with a home opener against UC Santa Cruz. They met last season and were hoping to rewrite the story this time around. The game started at 7 pm on Friday, November 10th. Students, faculty, and members of the community filled the Graham Athletic Center with anticipation right before tip-off. The first game was underway as Aamari Smith flashed his skills early, gliding down the court. He showed a determination to score, putting up 22 points by creating space for jump shots and attacking the rim when necessary. This had the crowd Invested, and the gym got louder with each ‘swish.’ His competitive spirit also showed on the defensive end, finishing with three steals and one block. This set the tone for the game, and his teammates followed. They’d race back to defend and get into position after every possession, putting the team’s focus and unity on display for everyone in the gym to see. The game went back and forth, with the Banana Slugs resisting to give up their 10-point lead. The Poets continued to put up a fight, with others stepping up to contribute. Kevin Dobson had an impressive 13-point 6, assist night, Jake Estep showed off his range, landing 4 of 8 three-pointers attempted, and Nick Manor-Hall caught fire with 16 points. Even though the Poets eventually lost by 11, It felt like they were in it the entire time. Their hustle and grit ensured the game was at least competitive and close as the team’s chemistry continued to develop, and their playing styles further grew more congruently in the meantime.
Captain Tanner Thompson has high hopes and expectations for the upcoming season. Describing a sense of optimism felt in the locker room, “So we got a brand new team full of new faces, which is actually quite nice. Everyone’s got a clean slate, everyone’s ready to go. They’re in a new place, a new area; there’s a little bit of excitement to that.” Speaking from experience, Thompson entered Whittier as a freshman and is playing in his third year as a Junior. He was enthusiastic about the team’s future, giving insight into what they can expect this season. “We’ll be very fun to watch. We like to press teams, get up on them, use our length and our size. We try to push the pace, meaning more shots during a game, which will mean numerous positions, more threes, more fast breaks; it will just be fun to watch, similar to an NBA style,” Stated Thompson confidently and with strong conviction.
Despite the opening loss to UC Santa Cruz, Thompson isn’t worried. They’re in the process of becoming fully accustomed and comfortable with playing together. “We’re a brand new team. These are the first games we’ve ever played with each other. So I’m not surprised It’s going the way it is. We’re not losing by much. We’re right there.” Establishing a connection takes time, but the team is certainly up for the challenge. He also mentioned they could Improve upon staying calm, cool, and collected towards the end of games. Going on to express the importance of this: “It’s in those high energy, big moments that we need to capitalize.”
Thompson believes every player should get a chance to shine, especially with the team’s roster down to 12 players from their usual 15. Playing time for all team members would allow every player to earn a role as the team looks for reliable scorers. Thompson also had high praise for all of his teammates, highlighting their strengths by revealing, “Some of our key players are Nick and Aamari for their athleticism. They’re exciting to watch, fast, and they’ll get our energy going. Kunal is one of our main leaders, and so is Kevin. Kunal will keep our heads straight during the game. But you’ll want to watch Jake and his shooting ability. Roy has amazing Iso moves. Morgan and Ignacio are going to bring the energy, and they’re going to do what they can to win. And Tylers is a 6 ‘9 “ player who will dunk everything, so he’s exciting to watch.” The team is just getting started and has a ton of potential as they work on combining these unique skill sets to close out games.
Tanner Thompson has grown over the years, changing how he approaches life and the game of basketball. He’s done this with the help of Coach Mark Jensen, who has given him valuable advice and life lessons. Conveying what he’s learned so far, “What he’s taught me is basketball isn’t life. It’s a teacher for life…Always making sure to remind you to keep pushing forward and never live in those negative thoughts. If you have a positive mentality, your outlook on life will be exactly what it needs to be,” States Thompson, showing great respect for his coach.
Photo Courtesy of @WCPOETS
