Men's Basketball 10/31/2018 10:39:00 AM

Men's Basketball Earns #11 Pre-Season National Ranking

Danville, Illinois - Coach Gouard and company are entering a new season. Coming off many successes in the 2017-2018 Season, his squad looks to build on last years foundation.

In the newest set of National Rankings, the Jaguars have earned a #11 Pre-Season Poll Ranking.

The #11 Ranking is familiar with Coach Gouard, as this is the second time his teams have been able to reach the #11 Tier. DACC vs John Wood MBSKTB

Although this honor is something to be proud of and to acknowledge,

Coach Gouard illustrated,

"I really don't pay attention to rankings, I believe we have a really solid group. We have a good core of freshman that are understanding of the system and culture. I think once all the pieces fit, we will execute and do the little things and be alright"

The #11 Jaguars are looking to hoist another Region 24 Title and garner another bid to the National Tournament, all of which were accomplished the previous year. Last season the Jaguars finished the season ranked #15 in the country and ended a magnificent run in the National Tournament. Coach Gouard and his team boasted a 27-8 record, establishing the most wins in Coach Gouard's history here in Danville.

Previewing our Jaguar's Basketball program, Coach Gouard has three key returning players who he believes are going to play a very important role in the upcoming season.

"It's huge, I am returning my whole back court, it's imperative that those guys are really teaching the young guys on how we do things around here and how we go about day-to-day operations. Lifting, Film, Homework, just everything. I think that was the key success for us last year, was everyone bought in and everybody pretty much went ALL-IN as a unit. Especially at this level, guys just sticking together and doing all as one"

Being a freshman dominated club this year, there a multiple freshman who are already beginning to play important roles and step up as leaders.

Coach Gouard stated,

"Malik Parker, hes been great for us during the pre-season," Other notable freshman, "Ty Jackson (Tyreion Jackson), prep school kid who is smart, handles the ball incredibly well, extremely good at running a basketball offense and team. Caleb Ivy, long athlete about 6'4", very long arms and has the ability to be a multi-positional threat for us. Playing multiple positions allows him be extremely versatile within our offense. Matthew Cornett, big guy, going to be huge for us this year, very smart. You're able to teach him something one day, the next he is already utilizing his newly acquired skills like hes been doing it for months. William Norman is another, hes a sharp shooter. when he is wide open on the floor, the dude just doesn't miss."

Shooting the three-ball came in clutch for Coach Gouard last season, with having the dual combo of Jake Chilton and Tyler Toopes, its great to see players of their style and nature on the new squad.

Although last years team was able to bring forth a new set of standards for the Jaguars Basketball Team, Coach G believes this year's squad has the potential to do something even more special.   DACC Park MBSKTB

"Last year we had a group of guys fully devoted to themselves, to put the program on the top. The sophomores last season had a rough freshman campaign so they worked hard over the summer and dedicated themselves to making this basketball program a national powerhouse. Our team this year has inherited all the success from last season and are wanting to improve. Our group knows it is a long road, but we are ready to grind and sacrifice to reach our goals."

You can catch Coach Gouard and his Men's Basketball Team begin play Thursday, November 1st starting at 7:30. They are slated to play Rend Lake, who finished last season with a 5-26 Overall Record, and 3-15 conference record.

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Players Mentioned

#2 Tyreion Jackson: PG; 6' 0"; Freshman

#3 Malik Parker: G; 6' 1"; Freshman

#5 Caleb Ivy: SG/SF; 6' 4"; Freshman

#14 William Norman: G; 6' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#2 Tyreion Jackson
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: PG

#3 Malik Parker
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: G

#5 Caleb Ivy
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: SG/SF

#14 William Norman
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: G