College of Marin Men’s Basketball tips off the 2022-23 season on November 1st and there is a feeling of excitement around Head Coach LyRyan Russell’s “sophomore” season. Last year’s squad featured an all-freshmen line-up for Coach Russell, who took over the program in summer of 2021. Last year, the Mariners were competitive in every game, but finished with a 4-22 record. So, what’s the difference this year? Coach Russel highlighted, “There is a balance of Sophomores and Freshmen. I’m excited about Daniel Fagan and Lukas Prongos. They really improved over the summer and we have good sophomore leadership all around.” 

The other sophomores include returners Blake Murray and Luke Vercelj, along with transfers AJ Gilbert and Kori McCoy.  

What is Coach Russell most excited about? Versatility. “We have a nice blend of skill, athleticism, and toughness with this team. Our fans can expect some entertaining games. Our calling card will be our defense. We are very versatile and can expect to be one of the top defensive teams in our conference and in the state,” said Coach Russell. 

Similar to his days playing at USF, along with assistant Coach Hakeem Ward, Coach Russell says that spectators can expect “a team that plays extremely hard every game. We are a team that will share the ball and put up a lot of points.” 

Added to the coaching staff this year is John Hammond, who was a standout player at Santa Rosa Junior College. 

The Mariners open up the season against Skyline College on Tuesday, November 1st and then face the number 1 ranked team in the state, City College of San Francisco at 5pm on Friday, November 4th in the CCSF Tip Off Classic.