JESSICA MILUS
The Corsair
PJC’s basketball coaches are looking forward to a great basketball season.
Head coach of the men’s basketball team, Paul Swanson, is excited for this year’s team. He has 10 new scholarship players and believes this year’s new players are the most he’s ever had at one time.
“This is going to be a tremendous challenge,” said Swanson. “We’ve got a lot of things to learn, but we’re making good progress and I’m excited about their attitude and effort.”
The men’s team has eight sophomores and seven freshmen. Two of the sophomore men, Erekle Jgerenaia and George Jgerenaia, are brothers from Georgia Republic, and one of the freshmen, Shaun Clarke, is from Australia.
This past July, PJC hosted the first NJCAA Women’s All Star Game. 40 of the best players in the nation flew into Pensacola to compete. Two Lady Pirates were able to represent PJC during this event.
PJC is now in the very beginning stages of a negotiation to get a five year contract on hosting the NJCAA Women’s All Star game at PJC. The staff at PJC believes it would have a good economic impact on our community.
“I’m super excited about this group this year,” Chanda Rigby said, coach of the woman’s basketball team. “I think it’s the best I’ve ever had.”
Last year the Lady Pirates’ season didn’t turn out quite the way they wanted, but this year they are bound and determined to make this season the best they’ve had in a long time.
However, seven of last season’s sophomores are currently playing at several major universities such as the University of Alabama, University of Miami, and Auburn University.
“We plan on bringing the championship this year to Pensacola for the first time in a long time.” said Rigby.
With lots of talent amongst the Panhandle, the “Panhandle loop” allows Rigby to hear how the other teams look in comparison to the Lady Pirates.
So far, people believe North West Florida State (NWF) has the best talent in the panhandle. PJC will open up with NWF in a conference game on Jan. 6 in the Hardsell Arena.