By: Dlal Elssaid
On Nov. 2, Brooklyn College (BC) Men’s Basketball team players reflected on their preparations for the upcoming season, sharing their individual goals, expectations, and motivations. With returning players, new additions, and unfinished business from the previous season, the Bulldogs entered the season determined to build on their experience and take another step toward a championship.
Freshman Mohammed Kadel shared how the transition from high school to collegiate basketball came with a few unexpected challenges. Even though he was familiar with the game itself, Kadel quickly realized that college basketball demanded a different level of preparation and mindset.
“The conditioning definitely stood out to me, and also the IQ you have to have to play the game. It’s not like high school how you get away with a lot of stuff. You have to be on certain positioning on defense that were not taught in high school or on the offensive end, if you don’t execute it, it can lead to a run from the other team.” Kadel continued, “Trying my hardest in practice, trying to rebound, play defense, and let the game come to me.”
As a freshman entering a team with established players, Kadel understood that earning his place required patience and consistent effort rather than trying to force his way into the spotlight. He also focused on contributing as much as possible during held practices.
While Kadel worked to establish himself, Sophomore Jeremiah Otasowie, who previously attended CUNY Hunter College and transferred to BC viewed joining the Bulldogs as an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to many fans.
“I feel like I got something to prove to myself. Definitely because I’m a transfer. I came from another CUNY, which is Hunter, and over there, we had a pretty bad season, but this time being a transfer, I just feel like I definitely have something to prove because a lot of people said I wouldn’t even make this team.”
As Jeremiah Otasowie focused on proving himself, juniors Jordany Martinez and Joe Charles brought experience and leadership to the Bulldogs. Junior guard Jordany “J.O.” Martinez had his mind set on two major accomplishments before his basketball career came to an end – reaching the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament and winning the CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) championships. Reflecting on lessons from the previous season, Martinez demonstrated that patience had changed the way he approached each game.
“A lesson from my last season would be to be patient, focus on the ‘now’, don’t worry about past mistakes, and just take it one day at a time.”
Beyond just individual performance, Martinez believed that maintaining a positive atmosphere was very important when the team faced difficulties. He viewed keeping his teammates motivated and focused as part of his responsibility as a leader.
Junior Joe Charles shared a similar perspective on leadership. After earning an All-Met honorable mention during his sophomore year, Charles looked to carry that confidence into the new season. The recognition highlighted his previous accomplishments while remaining focused on improving alongside his teammates.
“Just the confidence coming from last year. Continue to trust my team, the coaches, and just continue throughout this year.”
Charles also had individual and team accomplishments in mind. Along with wanting to win a championship, he hoped to reach 1,000 career points before completing his college basketball journey, and he mentioned he is more than halfway through his goal.
For senior D’aze Hunter, the season carried a different meaning. With his final months of college basketball approaching quickly, the opportunity to compete alongside his teammates became even more meaningful.
Hunter described the team as something that meant more than just teammates, especially as he looked forward to finishing his college career with a championship.
“This team means a lot. I love these guys. And I can’t wait to go out there and win a chip with them. I feel good. I mean our team put a lot of work in, and were ready to just go out there and win.” Aside from the expectations surrounding his final season, Hunter did not allow the pressure to affect his approach to the game.
‘To be honest, ain’t really no pressure, I’m just going out there hooping, doing what I can do.”
While players brought their individual goals and experiences into the season, Head Coach Jeffrey Jean Baptiste had a broader perspective on what made this year’s team stand out. When asked to describe the Bulldogs in three words, he chose experience, conditioning, and motivated.
“Experience, we got players returning that obviously know what’s going on. Condition, since these guys been working over the summer in the weight room, on the court conditioning themselves. And motivated, obviously because of the fact that the way we lost last year, they motivated to win a championship this year.”
The previous season’s ending remained a major source of motivation for the team. The Bulldogs had it rough in the semifinals after a double overtime play which left players disappointed after believing they had the opportunity to compete for the championship.
With a combination of returning experience, summer preparation, and championship motivation, the Men’s Basketball team looked to turn the disappointment of previous seasons into something memorable this season.
They are collectively working toward bringing a championship back to BC. As Hunter said, “I can’t wait to go out there and win a chip”!