By: Fabiola Cameau
York College Men’s Basketball team kicked off the season with a shaky start against the New Jersey City University Gotham Knights.
The first quarter did not start off well for the Cardinals with 13 turnovers, 27 missed shots and numerous blocks from the NJCU. This ended up hurting their chances of winning, giving the Knights the advantage to take over the first quarter scoring 41 to 20.
Student Government Association Vice President Jerome Barrett said, “I feel disgusted for the simple fact that the team doesn’t seem to understand what teamwork means,” Barrett said. “They have the ability to do better and do great things.”
During the game, returning players Sophomore Forward Ryan Smart, Senior Guard Ryan St. John, and Senior Guard Sasha Clarida, made an effort with a combined score of 26. But they could not hold the powerful offense of the NJCU Gotham Knights. While as a whole, the team shot 55.3 percent from the free throw line, it wasn’t enough to catch up with the score ending with 45 to 82, Cardinals losing by 37 points.
Some players are unable to play until next semester due to academic issues. The team has new players, coaching staff and a new head coach. This is Nolan Adams’ first year as head coach for the Cardinals Men Basketball team.
“Today’s game was a learning experience, new team, new coaching staff, and new system,” said Coach Adams. “The guys are working hard, we have a lot of work in front of us but the guys are doing a great job in the right direction.”
If some players get their academics straightened out, they will be able to join the team next semester.
“Our goal is to always try and win the championship but also have short term goals which are working on offense, defense and just to play good basketball,” said Coach Adams.
Junior Akeem George, who is playing his first year on the Cardinals men’s basketball team, thought the game was okay but they could have performed better.
“We need to probably work on giving the ball to the big men in the paint more,” said George. “I could have played better, my main goal is to play into the lineup and work hard in practice.”
Writer Tylaisha Davis was not attributed in the print version of Pandora’s Box for the quotes from Coach Adams and Akeem George she obtained. This issue would be addressed in the next issue of Pandora’s Box.
