Going into his second season at Palm Beach State College, Coach Rich Grant is looking to cement his mark in program history. During his first season at PBSC, (2019-2020 season) Coach Grant's Panthers went 13-17 and 4-8 in Southern Conference play, coaching one 1st Team All-Conference selection in Tim Holland and three 2nd Team All-Conference selections in Nick Edwards, Tyrus Johnson, and Emanuel Hylton. Look for the Palm Beach State Panthers to make some noise in Region 8 this upcoming season.
2019-2020 Palm Beach State Signees:
A List of Newcomers and Returners:
Returners:
-6’6 Redshirt Sophomore Wing David Begic- Academic All American. Transfer from Maine
-6’7 Redshirt Sophomore SG Phil Smith- Redshirted with us last year but is a transfer from FIU
-6’1 Redshirt Sophomore PG Dato Aphkhazava- Redshirted this past year but is a transfer from Southern Utah
-6’6 Redshirt Sophomore Wing Matthew Allman- Redshirted this past year with us.
-6’2 Redshirt Freshman Guard Jordyn Lilley- Redshirted this past year with us.
Newcomers:
-6’7 Sophomore PG Khalil Turner- Transfer from Rider
-6’5 Sophomore Combo Guard- Javonni Quince- Transfer from Webber International. Led them in Rebounds, Steals, Assists and Charges as a freshman
-6’6 Freshman Wing Carl Bigord- from Central Pointe Post Grad
-6’7 Redshirt Freshman Point Forward Bakari Simmons- Transfer from Texas A&M
-6’9 Redshirt Freshman Wing Peyton Williams
What are your expectations for PBSC this coming year?
My goal is for my athletes to exceed expectations in the classroom and on the court. I always preach, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” We pride ourselves on keeping their dorms pristine, striving for the most optimal performance in the classroom, and giving your best effort on the practice field. We put the onus on everything leading up the game because that is the easiest part. The pressure is never on you to perform, the pressure is on you to prepare.
How do you feel about NJCAA decision to move basketball to a spring session?
I feel like that is the most well weighted decision that could’ve been made. The uncertainty of our economy, health system and sports is all in question. The pushback gives us all an opportunity to observe, prepare and strategize to keep our kids and families safe vs. putting everyone in our society at risk.
What players will you miss the most from last season? Who are you most excited to coach next year?
What changes do you expect to see in all of college basketball this coming season due to COVID-19? (Non-NJCAA how it effects 4-year schools recruiting calendar)
Will you be open to playing more geographically located prep schools this year?
How does the new law in the state of Florida allowing college athletes to accept endorsements affect the junior college student athlete?
Who would be your all time-starting 5? (Of the guys you coached at all schools)
-Donovan Mitchell- Coached him while I was with the aau program The City
-Tremont Waters- played for my program in NJ that I Co Founded with my brother Trevor Harris. North East Basketball Club
-Trevelin Queen- Played for me at New Mexico Military Institute from 2017-18. Led all of juco in scoring and picked up 75 offers. Currently a 2020 NBA draft prospect
-Cormac Ryan- Redshirt Sophomore at Notre Dame
-Michael Carey- Coached him while I was coaching at Wagner College from 2015-16. Led us to a NEC regular season championship