The Phoenix College men's basketball team finished their regular season with a must win victory over Yavapai, 64-59. The Bears needed the win, coupled with a Glendale CC loss, to qualify for the Region 1 Playoffs. PC is the 4th seed and will face the #1 seed, Pima, in Tuesday night at 7pm; in Tucson. I caught up with Coach Eason, and got a chance to discuss the season, the upcoming Pima game, and ACCAC awards.
Coach Eason, congratulations on the Yavapai win, and making the playoffs.
Thank you, I appreciate it. It was a tough game, and I'm proud of how the guys pulled it together to get the win.
Let's talk about the regular season. What are your thoughts?
Making the playoffs was one of our goals, so we got that done. However, we did not perform as well as I felt we could have. Finishing 13-17 and being near the bottom of all defensive statistical areas, is not a pleasant sight. However, the resilience of the guys, and their ability to make plays on both ends of the floor, down the back stretch; is a testament to their will. We are not the team we were a month ago, and I'd say our current team is not a reflection of our record.
Heading into the Pima game, what are your expectations?
I expect us to win. I've beaten Pima and I know how to beat them. If the guys understand and execute the game plan, victory is attainable. We also can't get caught up in the playoff hype or play with nervousness. They must believe in themselves and each other, as well as the staff; and the game will be theirs. Pima likes to play at their pace, so if we can control tempo and disrupt them with physical play, we can beat them
ACCAC post season awards came out, and a couple Bears were big winners.
Absolutely. Jamar Brown was named Region Player of the Year, as well as 1st Team All-ACCAC and 1st Team All-Region (D2). Jamar led the conference in scoring at 22.9ppg and was 3rd in rebounding at 9.8rpg, while shooting 49% from the field and 44% from the 3pt line.
Mike Rogers made 2nd Team All-ACCAC and 1st Team All-Region (D2). Mike finished 2nd behind Jamar in scoring 19.7ppg.
They both had great seasons, and are a big part of the reason we're in the playoffs.
Last, but no least, you guys had your end of year luncheon on Saturday afternoon; how was that?
It was a great time. I enjoy off court time with the boys, and the luncheon was great. We honored the sophomores, and gave out end of the year awards. Duane Rogers III was chosen the Freshmen of the Year. Xavier Santacasa won the Coach's Award. Jamar was named team MVP. The parents of Jamar and Ruben did a great job decorating and preparing a funny baby pic slideshow of the boys. There was good food, music and conversations amongst the parents. Everyone had fun, which is what it's all about.
Speaking of honoring the sophomores, you had Sophomore Recognition Day on February 25th. Would you like to say anything about that?
Sophomore Recognition Day is always bitter sweet. It's the end of the sophomore's time here, but it's the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Playing Arizona Western is tough on a day like that, but it's also good, because you hope the energy of the day can carry you to victory. We fell short, but I was pleased with the effort.
Hunter (Robbins) and Jamar came in during Covid, so their freshmen seasons were spent training, and not playing games. Mike came in that spring, and joined the training in February 2021. Ruben (Cazares) came in last season, and O'Hagan (Dwayne Robinson-O'Hagan) transferred in this fall; so they each have had their own journeys starting and finishing here. Mike and Jamar are the 1st 1000 point duo I've had in my tenure. Ruben has been a solid post player, and a starter most of the time he's been here. Hunter has battled injuries, but he was a major part of the improvement late this season. O'Hagan has finally found his role, and is starring in it.
We'd like to thank Coach Eason for taking the time to speak to us. I know he has a tough prep for Tuesday night. We wish him and the Bears well in their regional playoff game against Pima.
