The Portland Community College Men's Basketball team is debuting a fresh lineup on Killingsworth Street, featuring ten newcomers and just one returner from last year's impressive 25-5 season. After clinching the NWAC South Region title and advancing to the NWAC Final Four, the Panthers are eager to continue their success with a blend of strong local and international talent. "We are very excited about our group this year," said Head Coach Cameron Mitchell. "With a great mix of size, speed, and shooting, we expect to be one of the top offenses in the NWAC once again."
Mitchell has once again secured a strong recruiting class, highlighted by Daniel James, a 6'8 forward from Bologna, Italy. "Daniel has tremendous upside. He's long, athletic, and a formidable presence on the defensive end. He has the potential to be one of the top players in the South Region," exclaimed Mitchell.
The Panthers are also adding a dynamic back court of JahAllah Van and Jackson Leach. Leach was an Oregon 6A All-State performer from West Salem High School. "Jackson is a crafty point guard who loves to create opportunities and make plays for his teammates. He set the all-time record for assists at his high school and will help push our pace," said Mitchell. Van helped his Lincoln High team advance to the Oregon 6A basketball championships and is an outstanding playmaker and shooter.
The team features a solid lineup of wings, including Jason Amens, Vashon Hardges, and Po'okela Aiu. "Jason, Vashon, and Po'o are outstanding defenders who provide great size and shooting on the wing," said Mitchell. Aiu, a transfer from Porterville College in California, hails from Maui, while Hardges was an All-PIL performer last season at Grant High School, one of Oregon's top high school programs. Amens is an outstanding athlete, shoots the ball well from 3pt range, and is a pesky defender.
PCC's roster is rounded out by returning guard Jamie McGrail, international guard Solvi Olason, wing Charles Manigo, and bigs Peter Oguama and Samuel Malm. "We have an abundance of talented guards and have added some size to strengthen our defense and rebounding," Mitchell said. Last season the Panthers led the NWAC in points per game, field goal percentage and defensive rebounding, "We will continue to push the pace, shoot highly efficient shots and crash the offensive and defensive glass", added Mitchell, who was named NWAC South Region Coach of the Year in 2023-2024.
The Panthers begin the 2024-2025 campaign on Nov 16 against Blue Mountain CC.
