Delta’s men’s basketball has been warming up for their 2023-24 season. Exhibitions/scrimmages are giving the team and fans a glimpse of what to expect before the start of their official season on Nov. 3.
Their most recent exhibition game was against Skyline College. The team brought their all to the court and won 80 to 78, using the exhibition game as a learning tool for the future.
“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to learn what kind of team we have. We’re learning our strengths and weaknesses,” said Head Coach Rich Ressa. “So, in a scrimmage situation, the focus is really on process, not outcome.”
Though exhibitions can be beneficial when it comes to preparation and progress, training goes well beyond that, on and off the court. Conditioning, weight training and film review are also essential aspects of training as a team. Some players take it a step further by developing individual practice regimes along with team practice.
“So, I’m preparing individually in the weight room. I’m doing yoga. Working on my game every day,” said sophomore forward Dominic Perasso.
Athletes are not only working on their skills on the court but their skills in the classroom. As student-athletes, these men have to find a balance between their sport, their academic requirements, work and social lives.
“We have some student-athletes that are working 40 hours a week, taking 12 units and going to basketball and weights and conditioning and film. You get the point,” said Ressa. “It’s very, very stressful for a lot of people. It’s not for everyone. And that’s why it’s so special to be part of a group that’s willing to sacrifice for each other.”
Though it can be stressful, the players feel their sport is worth the sacrifice. They are also grateful for the ability to be a student-athlete.
“Not everybody has the opportunity, so with pressure, it’s privilege. So I guess you say it’s privileged pressure for us to be in this situation,” said sophomore guard Dayton Managa.
With the time commitments that come with basketball, good planning skills are necessary for physical skills, academic performance and much-needed rest time.
“I try to just make a schedule every week of when I’m going to do my school work around when I only have practice and stuff like that. And then try to give myself a little bit of free time, too,” said sophomore forward Domonick Victor.
Each year, as new players cycle through Delta’s basketball program, new opportunities are created. Though you can’t predict too much this early in the year, the 2023-24 team is looking good.
“Every year is a different journey as we work through, and that’s the exciting thing about sports. We’ll find out. I’m excited about this team. I’m excited about the potential for this team. Let’s see how we develop and see how the story goes,” said Ressa.
Expectations are high for this season. Our Mustangs are showing good dynamics on the court and will be leaving it all on the court.
“I have really high hopes for this team this year. We get along very well. We have a lot of guys that have big chips on their shoulder. They got a lot to prove and show,” said Managa.