BASKETBALL: Chaps aim to bounce back after some lean years
Midland College men’s basketball coach Pat Rafferty knew that things had to change in the way he recruited players after a few tough years on the court.
By Oscar LeRoy
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - Midland College men's basketball coach Pat Rafferty knew that things had to change in the way he recruited players after a few tough years on the court.
The program has gone 30-74 over the last four years in Rafferty's return to Midland and the Chaparrals haven't qualified for the postseason since 2011.
"It's been hard, no bones about it," said Rafferty of the struggles. "You can make a million excuses, whether there have been injuries, academic issues or whatever else they may be. There are things you try to control, but in reality you just can't. It's been challenging. At the end of the day I just had to get back to what I know. It's about what I see in kids and guys who I think are going to buy in, not necessarily in Midland College but who will accept me and embrace the things that I want to have happen for them and the things I want for them to learn."
Rafferty believes he has finally assembled a team that fits the qualities he's been looking for and there is a renewed sense of optimism for the Chaparrals, who begin their season at 7:30 p.m. today with a home game against Loyalty College Prep.
"In the past we've had guys who have looked the part but didn't get anything done," Rafferty said. "This group collectively doesn't look the part but they're learning how to compete. I like our versatility. I like that we have guys that have a pretty good IQ."
The only returning player from last season's 1-14 squad is 6-foot-5 sophomore forward Steven Richardson, who enters his third year in the program and is someone who took advantage of the extra year of eligibility allowed by the NJCAA because of COVID-19.
"I just felt like last season wasn't right to really end it like that," said Richardson, who led the team with 12.3 points per game. "I'm real motivated. I feel like I'm way more bought in to than I was the last two years. I was bought in last year, but I feel I'm completely bought in this year."
Richardson added that the other players on the roster seem to be buying in to what Rafferty is trying to coach as well.
"I feel great about this team," he said. "I feel like these guys match the requirements of what he was asking for and what he was looking for this family.
"Everybody buying in will be key," he added. "I feel like everybody is more bought in and more focused on winning games instead of personal achievement."
Because of his experience, Richardson will be looked to provide leadership and guidance for a team that has 14 newcomers.
"I think (being a leader is) a real important role to play especially with all the new guys," Richardson said. "They have no clue of the city, what type of people they're going to see and meet. I feel like I'm going to play a bigger role this year and lead them in getting used to the environment on and off the court."
Much remains to be seen in what this team can accomplish this season, but it seems like the Chaps are off to a positive start.
"I feel like we're going to beat the odds and do things people don't expect us to do," Richardson said.
CHAPS AT A GLANCE
Head coach: Pat Rafferty, 5th year back after coaching at MC from 1994-99 (392-361 overall, 127-135 at MC)
Spring 2021 record: 1-14 overall and 0-13 in Western Junior College Athletic Conference (9th)
Key players returning: SF Steven Richardson
Key newcomers: PF Franklin Agu, G Devin Avent, SF Trent Johnson, SG Christian Villegas, SF Olver Hayward, SG Matteo Tersillo, SG Jaden Henderson, C Ashraf Tchadouwa
Coach's Quote: I'm just trying to enjoy them and help them learn and grow. As the process continues, I think they're going to be a team that can compete. That's my focus. I'm not focused on the outcome, I'm focused on the process. That's the same thing I preach to them, especially at this time of year. Let's keep growing, let's keep getting better. Let's love the grind a little bit."
Notes: Rafferty said this team should have more depth than in previous years and the players seem to have bonded well and are a close group. … Rafferty said he also likes the versatility on the roster as he has players who can play multiple positions on the court. … The Chaps have two transfers that will help with experience as Avent comes to MC from Wayland Baptist, where he was named Sooner Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, while Tchadouwa played at Laramie County CC in Wyoming last year.
2021-22 Midland College men's basketball roster
No. Name Pos. Class. Ht. Wt. Hometown
0 Nale Mulaudzi PG Fr. 6-0 160 South Africa
1 Matteo Tersillo SG Fr. 6-5 180 Arezzo, Italy
2 Christian Villegas SG Fr. 6-0 155 El Paso
3 Julius Boyd SG Fr. 6-2 170 Chicago
4 Trent Johnson SF Fr. 6-4 185 Cambridge, Ontario Canada
5 Bradley Beemon SG 6-3 175 Fishers, Ind.
10 Karim Anyogo C Fr. 6-8 190 Bobruisk, Belarus
11 Devin Avent PG Fr. 6-2 150 Fort Worth
12 Wunya Brown PG Fr. 6-2 150 St. Louis
21 Jaden Henderson SG Fr. 6-3 185 Sacramento, Calif.
23 Steven Richardson SF So. 6-5 190 Sacramento, Calif.
25 Ashraf Tchadouwa C So. 6-7 236 Durham, Ontario Canada
30 Daniel Piech-Meat PF Fr. 6-5 240 Melbourne, Australia
33 Franklin Agu PF Fr. 6-6 220 London, England
42 Oliver Hayward SF Fr. 6-4 205 Auckland, New Zealand
Head Coach: Pat Rafferty
Assistant Coach: Kevin Rice
2021-22 Midland College men's basketball schedule
Date Opponent Time
Nov. 5 Loyalty College Prep 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 6 Strength N' Motion 3 p.m.
Nov. 11 Taylor Prep 7 p.m.
Nov. 12 Sunrise Christian Academy 7 p.m.
Nov. 13 Ranger College 5 p.m.
Nov. 17 a-Salt Lake Community College 4 p.m.
Nov. 18 a-Trinity Valley CC 1 p.m.
Nov. 19 a-Ranger College 4 p.m.
Nov. 24 at Ranger College 2 p.m.
Nov. 26 b-Hill College 3 p.m.
Nov. 27 Dallas College-North Lake 5 p.m.
Dec. 1 Howard College* 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Frank Phillips College* 3:45 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Mesa, Ariz., Tournament TBA
Dec. 28 at Mesa, Ariz., Tournament TBA
Dec. 29 at Mesa, Ariz., Tournament TBA
Jan. 6 New Mexico JC* 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 8 at Clarendon College* 4 p.m.
Jan. 10 Western Texas College* 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13 at Odessa College* 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 17 at New Mexico Military* 8 p.m.
Jan. 24 South Plains College* 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 Howard College* 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 31 Frank Phillips College* 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 at New Mexico JC* 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 Clarendon College* 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 at Western Texas College* 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 14 Odessa College* 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 17 New Mexico Military* 6 p.m.
Feb. 24 at South Plains College* 7:30 p.m.
a-Odessa Classic
b-Collin Thanksgiving Classic, Plano
*Denotes Western Junior College Athletic Conference opponent