Men’s Basketball 2011-2012

As we approach the beginning of another basketball season here on the campus of Florida Christian College (FCC), I really look forward to what our team can accomplish this year. We have recently kicked off this year’s annual Parent/Player/Coach meeting on August 24th and we began with the introduction of this year’s theme, “Me vs. Me”. Our theme for this season comes from Luke 9:23 where Jesus challenges those who want to follow Him “to pick up their cross daily and follow Me”. We have used this verse to challenge ourselves to become better men, students, Christians, and basketball players on a daily basis here at FCC. Many times we have allowed our culture and life circumstances to define what success means for our sports teams; therefore, as a coaching staff we want to help our players to understand how we define success here at FCC on a day to day basis. Simply put, we ask our student athletes, did you bring your best effort today in the arena of your classes, campus community, and on the basketball court today. Ultimately, we emphasize to our players, that the only person that someone can control is themselves. I truly believe that this year, as we become better men, we in turn become better basketball players thus become a better team.

As we begin this season we are returning 10 of last year’s players that were a part of our record breaking season in 2010 - 2011 at 21-11. Much of our success over the past two seasons is the direct result of the amount of energy and dedication that our Associate Head Coach and our Assistant Coaches have displayed. This year’s associate and assistant coaching staff is comprised of Mr. Shane Smarr, Mr. Bryce Bow, and Mr. Terrence Thompson. We are equally excited about the additions of our student assistant coaches, Mr. Matt Goehner and Mr. Sean Bailey who will be working directly with recruiting, film exchange, and many day to day practice responsibilities. We have also added another 11 new and transfer players to compliment this already talented group of returning young men. This year’s basketball team will be led by Junior power forward Alex Wierda, Sophomore small forward A.J. Williams, and Sophomore point guard Montique Lynch. We are excited about the potential that this year’s basketball team possesses as we expect great things from them as we approach the beginning of the new season. Please join with our coaching staff as we pray daily for our team; for God to keep our student athletes spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy.

In closing, thank you in advance to all of our alumni and former basketball players for your support and encouragement, as we approach another great season of FCC Men’s Basketball.

Go Suns!

Jake Deer
Head Men’s Basketball Coach