With sports and activities slowly being reintroduced at the College of Lake County, the men’s basketball team is ready to start the season.

Tryouts took place on September 16 and 17. The coaches were faced with the challenge of finding the best suited athletes for the program and team. All the while, coaches and players alike had to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions and mandates.

Tim Bowen, head coach of the CLC men’s basketball team, discussed the differences he expected at tryouts among the pandemic.

“The tryouts are different due to the fact that many players are new and spent last season not playing due to pandemic restrictions and mandates,” Bowen said.

According to Next College Student Athlete, over 90 different sports programs across the country were cut or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both players and coaches are finding their way back after a long hiatus. 

Regardless of these circumstances, Bowen aimed to find certain important values in his potential players. 

“Hard work with a dedication to academics and the program is important,” Bowen said. “I look for a player’s ability to be coached, and they must put the team before themselves.”

With the season starting right around the corner, the coach also has certain expectations for his team.

“We look forward to establishing program philosophy and team concepts. We also want players to learn how to work hard and be proud of this program,” Bowen added.

The team can follow through with these expectations in their first game on November 4 against Triton College.

The men’s basketball team also finished their last 2019-20 season with a winning 19-12 record. The coach and team has hopes to perform even better this year amidst the pandemic.