The Cerritos College men’s basketball team has begun its season with several preseason tournaments and its current record stands at 4-5 with only the Imperial Valley tournament left to be played.

Head coach Russ May has inherited a brand new roster of players to the team, except sophomores Addaryll Thomas and Willie Edwards, and freshman Jeff Hoilday. Holiday was a redshirt last season.

“Coach May has a winning formula,” Thomas said.

May said the biggest two concerns for the team are not having a gym, in addition to the team not having very much experience.

He says the good thing about not having any experience is that the players are more eagar to learn along with being enthusiastic and very energetic.

Only four of the team’s 17 players are not freshmen.

 Their team captain, Nick Sanchez, says,” I believe we can go deep into the playoffs if we get our mindset together.

“It’s a learning process right now. A lot of the freshmen are just having a hard time executing plays, but as the season goes on, everything will come together.

Kyli Crooms,  a sophomore that came from Vanguard University, said, “I think it’s about maturing more than anything.”

He left that school because “things weren’t working out,” such as some of the coaching decisions and playing time.

 “I think everybody is going to be giving us their best. I feel we have to be prepared for each opponent equally,” Crooms added.