The JV program provides our freshman basketball players an opportunity to transition to the Occidental environment by giving freshmen a longer winter break and by requiring a smaller time commitment. The three biggest differences to which freshmen players must adjust are the increased physicality and intensity of the college game, the intensity of the academic programs, and the adjustment to the college environment. Click here to learn more about the Junior Varsity program. This year we have been forced to play slightly more zone than in past seasons. Playing man defense reinforces sound defensive fundamentals and forces our players to play together on the court.
Defense is all about effort, hard work, and heart.
Offensively, we look to push the ball up the court. We also want to involve our post players in the offense, especially in our transition game. All five of our current starters received athletic accolades. First, I want to point out that most high school student-athletes do not understand how truly difficult it is to procure a college athletic scholarship. Every high school basketball player wants to play Division I basketball, but most players fail to realize exactly how selective Division I coaches are.