Sinclair Community College
Men’s Basketball
2005-06
Preview

On November 7^th, 2003, Sinclair Community College officially began a new era of college basketball.  Now under 3rd year head coach Jeff Price; Sinclair has established a program to showcase the talents of its student-athletes on the court as well as in the classroom.

Surviving a very disappointing 6-17 first season, Sinclair completed a very successful second season going 20-9. Like most new systems, change happens slowly over time. A system was put into place to provide solid academic guidance as well as strong basketball fundamentals.  This point was never as evident as to how well the team played at the end of the 2003-04 year as well as the entire 2004-05 season. 

During the first two seasons under the new coaching staff, Sinclair posted wins over Nationally Ranked Owens on the road, along with a win against Cuyahoga (2004 National Champions) and Nationally Ranked #1 and undefeated (25-0) Columbus at home during the 2003-04 season.  The following year, Sinclair earned victories again over Nationally Ranked Columbus State (#14) and Owens (#3) at home as well as a very impressive road victory at the University of North Carolina against the UNC-JV team.  Given the fact that the team finished 6-17 in year one, the coaching staff felt the pieces were in place to start making a run at the perennial OCCAC top teams.  And yes, the Tartan Pride did make a solid run at the top teams in the conference as well as in the region.  On February 1, 2005, the men’s basketball team received national votes placing them into the top 25.  Finishing the 2004-05 with a 20-9 record and a 3^rd place OCCAC conference finish, Coach Price’s staff has the program back at the 500 level and on track to continue the strong push for academic and athletic excellences.

Sinclair will rely on a top recruiting class to continue the programs’ path to success.  A mix of incoming transfers and freshmen will comprise this years recruiting class.  With our up tempo style of play, having so many new faces will force the incoming players to learn as they go.  Sometimes the court is the best teacher and with only two returning players, the court will have a lot of opportunity to instruct the 2005-05 Sinclair Men’s Basketball team!

This years’ team has the potential and size to complete at a very high level.  We have assembled a very aggressive schedule that includes three games against the regions top teams from Michigan (Mott, Glen Oaks & Oakland).  We have also scheduled a long weekend over to the east coast for a two game road trip to include games at WV Northern C.C. (Wheeling, WV) and the University of Pennsylvania JV (Philadelphia, PA).  Key points of interest for this trip; White House tour, Philly historical tour and Sunday’s game site: The Palestra, home of the Big Five. 

The game of basketball is very exciting, and we will utilize all of our talents to play at a very high level of intensity.  So come out and enjoy college level basketball from floor level!  Enjoy the season!