Rams Finding Their Footing to Begin the Season

By Jacob Castillo

The Wilbur Wright’s Men’s Basketball team opens the season with a 3-6 statistic and plenty of basketball left to play. 

Under the leadership of Head Coach Carlos Thomas and Assistant Coach Jason Bowden the Rams have averaged 76.1 points, 37 rebounds, and 14.8 assists on 44% shooting from the field per contest. Second-year shooting guard Don McCurdy has knocked down 24 three-pointers this season on 39% shooting.

“I think our record doesn’t show how good we really are. We lost a lot of close games to good teams…with the losses we take lessons, even with the wins we take lessons. We’re trying to get the freshman up to date, and I think they’re doing a pretty good job of being thrown into the fire. It’s been fun," McCurdy said.

Don McCurdy scans the floor with an isolation matchup at Malcolm X. Photo Credits: Jacob Castillo

“Steph [Curry] is actually my favorite player, so I try to play like Steph and do what he does, even though I can’t really do everything he does,” McCurdy said.

The Ram’s leading scorer is second-year point guard Javaris Stfort averaging 14.3 points per game on a steady 48.8% field goal shooting. Stfort has dished out a team-high 32 assists so far with 3.6 per game.

The battle on the glass has been led by second-year forward Jamajae Garner (5.2), first-year wing Knyle Lundy (5.1), and second-year wing Jashawnn Bates (4.6).

In an interview with coach Thomas before the season opener, he mentioned the team's core values are selflessness, toughness, empowerment, and persistence. Values that create strong trust and bond among teammates and coaches, as well as set an example for how to be student-athletes.

McCurdy balances the responsibilities of basketball and school by taking advantage of study hall before practice, on Sundays to prepare for the week, and even working on bus rides with the team.

On Nov. 21 the Rams went up against Malcolm X College, winning 108-102. Upcoming games are on Dec. 5 against Kishwaukee College as an away game and a home game on Dec 7th against Black Hawk College-Moline. 

With a few days’ break for Thanksgiving, the players and coaches will use the time to sharpen their schemes, regroup any players who have fallen ill during ever-changing Chicago weather, and continue their 2024-25 campaign.