Men’s Basketball Season Preview

By Jacob Castillo

As the Men Ram’s prepare to begin their 2024-2025 season, returning head coach Carlos Thomas is looking forward to having a strong start to the season. The season kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Northern Iowa Classic.

Coach Thomas discussed the upcoming season and his intentions with the team. He praises the player’s job of upholding the team's core values: selflessness, toughness, empowerment, and persistence.

Save the date to catch the Ram’s first home game on Saturday, Nov.16 at 3 pm against Onley College.

The Wilbur Wright Rams practices daily in the gym. Photo Credit: Pablo Gonzalez

Q: How long have you been coaching basketball at Wilbur Wright?

A: “I have been coaching basketball for a very long time. I have been at Wright now going into my 4th year.”

Q: What is one goal you have for the team this season?

A: My one goal for this team is that we do not lose anyone to academic ineligibility this year, which will give us a really good chance to start together and finish together.

Q: How do you manage the various emotions that come and go for the team throughout the season?

A: The basketball season is very long.  We like to call it [a] rollercoaster, we try to remain as even keel as possible through the ups and downs of the proverbial "ride".  We handle emotions as they come and try to remember you are never as good as they say you are and you are never as bad.

Q: Which games do you have circled on the schedule?

A: The entire schedule is circled.  We approach every game with the same intentionality.

Q: As student-athletes, many players are seen as role models. How would you like to see them carry themselves on and off the court?

A: I am very proud of our student-athletes, they are leaders and role models both on and off the court.  I appreciate how they have embraced what comes with being a student-athlete.  It is very hard to dedicate your life and time daily to the pursuit of being the best basketball player and team.