2022-23 Season Preview: Men's Basketball

Erik Holth, CBC Sports Information Director

            Conway, Ark. – With shorter practice time and a returning head coach, the season for Central Baptist College men's basketball begins tomorrow afternoon inside the friendly confines of A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. against Louisiana Christian and links to coverage can be found on cbcmustangs.com.

            "The team has looked pretty solid so far," said Sam Kohnke, who begins his second full season at the helm after a 15-15 season last year and a trip to the AMC semifinals. "Last year I got hired late and it was a scramble to get everything together. This year, having a full offseason to prepare and plan how we want to do things, I'm feeling good and it's been a solid couple months so far."

            CBC returns seven players from last season's squad, including all-conference selections Brevin Brimble (second team) and James Moore (honorable mention and all-defensive team). Gone is defending American Midwest Conference player of the year and NAIA honorable mention All-American Kelvin Robinson, but the other returning newcomers, Jalen Adams, Braylon Steen, Blake Bradshaw, Bryan Maxey, Victor Chukwueke, Jarvis Leigh and Rashad Allen will look to pick up the slack. "Brev and James have been great," added Kohnke. They have kind of embraced the leadership role leading by example and setting the tone in practice. They are the most improved two and have expanded their game a little bit. Jalen is a lights out shooter, experienced scorer and a savvy veteran. Braylon is a tough, versatile defender. Blake has really taken a big step forward and is one of our highest IQ players. Bryan is probably the most improved of anyone. We have a really good group."

            The eight newcomers are Deshawn Corprew, Dante Adams, Tonje Durham, Gabe Johnson, Nate Duda, Tomas Mikyska, Devin Foster and Devon Jefferson. "We wanted to bring in depth this year," said Kohnke. "We have a bunch of guys who all bring something different to the table. Deshawn is an elite defender amongst many other things. Nate is very versatile with a high IQ and plays hard. Gabe is a shot maker and is very quick and a very good defender. Donte is very athletic and can be a very good defender. Devon is long, athletic and a good defender. Tomas is long and athletic. Devin has taken a huge step forward. We just have a lot of guys that are very good defenders."

            Defense has really been a big emphasis in practice according to Kohnke, whose team was picked to finish fourth in the AMC by the coaches. The season begins with three straight at home before an exhibition game against Louisiana Monroe. Be sure to come out and support the Mustangs all season long!