Wright College Men’s Rams Fall Short of Playoff

By: Jacob Castillo 

During the Wilbur Wright Rams Men's Basketball 2024-25 season, the players and coaches were faced with multiple challenges and adversity as a team. Finishing with a 7-22 record, the play-off contention was not within reach for the Rams. 

Freshman wing Knyle Lundy described this year for him as a “learning experience”. As a young player with NBA aspirations, facing this adversity early is useful for every player’s development moving forward. Amongst the ups and downs, the Rams camaraderie was always evident.

This season the Rams averaged 65.9 points, 34.3 rebounds and 13.1 assists while shooting 39.8% from the floor and 67.6% from the free throw line. In the City Colleges of Chicago conference, the Rams recorded a 4-6 record with wins against Truman twice, and once against Olive-Harvey and Kennedy-King.

At a typical two-year program, a defensive system that every player can fully understand is one of the many challenges faced. The Rams allowed 78.2 points per game—a 12.3 point margin from the Rams average. Returning players have the responsibility to lead by example, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Lundy was the Rams’ leading scorer with 261 points throughout the 25 games played. He also led in blocks with 21 and was second to sophomore DJ Miller (26) in steals with 25. 

Another player who has been consistent for the Rams is sophomore Don McCurdy, who tallied 245 points and 53 assists through 28 games. McCurdy mentioned his favorite player is Stephen Curry, who recently put on a 12-for-19 three-point shooting clinic against the Magic. 

McCurdy emulated his favorite player this season with 72 made three-pointers on 38.1% shooting. His season-high was six threes against Olive-Harvey, where he also dished out four assists.

Arguably, the Rams' best performance of the season came in an 85-76 win on Feb. 4 against Olive-Harvey at The Flight Center. Accumulating 23 assists on only 12 turnovers, while recording eight steals and four blocks, the Rams were playing well on both ends. A good win at home after a difficult stretch in January.

Jashawnn Bates takes a fadeaway mid-range against the Malcolm X Hawks. Photo Credit: Jacob Castillo

In their final home game of the season, the graduating sophomores—Don McCurdy, DJ Miller, Tristen DeFay, Joshua Gentry, Jashawnn Bates, and Airron Boyd were celebrated for their contributions to the program and wished the best of luck on their future endeavors.