SEASON ONE: CULTURE BUILT, STANDARD SET

By Coach Anton

When Sport Sense teamed up with Suffolk New College to launch the basketball academy last September, we set out with more than just wins in mind. The goal was to create a space where young men could grow as athletes, but more importantly, as people.

No external recruitment. No shortcuts. Just Suffolk lads, real graft, and a programme rooted in growth, accountability, and the love of the game.

Looking back, I don’t think the boys really knew what they were signing up for. Not fully.

But from day one, we made it clear this wasn’t just about winning games. This was about becoming better basketball players, and more importantly, better young men. That meant showing up consistently, being accountable, pushing through the uncomfortable stuff, and trusting the process.

We set a few incentives to keep things lively, but the focus was always on who we were becoming, not just what we were chasing.

There were growing pains. Missed shots. Missed lessons. Cold mornings. A few tough conversations. But also, breakthroughs. Lightbulb moments. Small wins that meant something bigger. The biggest success? We built a culture. A foundation. A sense of purpose and pride in being part of something.

On the Court – Progress in Motion

We finished 4th in our division of the AOC League with a record of 5–6. While the record provides some insight, the real story is in the progress we’ve made from the beginning. We earned some gritty wins, took top teams to the wire, and learned to play under pressure. Our offence matured, our defence tightened, and players began understanding not just the how, but the why.

At times, we had 25 players on the books — a sign of the growing interest and excitement around the programme. It was amazing to see that level of enthusiasm, but it also made selecting 12 each week a tough task. With players rotating in and out, we often fielded different line-ups throughout the year. That meant we had to build chemistry on the fly. We dropped some close games where inexperience cost us, but every loss came with a lesson. As the season progressed, we found our identity — gritty defence, unselfish offence, and a team-first mindset.

The Oaklands Tournament was a defining moment of the season. After a tough loss in the Cup bracket, the team showed tremendous resilience by regrouping and winning the Plate Championship. This victory wasn’t just about taking home silverware — it demonstrated the character, determination, and togetherness that defined the squad. The lads didn’t fold under pressure; instead, they dug deep and came out on top.

Another standout moment came against our local rivals Sigma Academy. We handed them their only loss of the season, ending their undefeated run up to that point. After nearly pulling it off in our first meeting, the team was determined to get it done the second time around—and they did.

Some players stepped up with big-time performances. Others found their role in the grind — making hustle plays, defending with intent, showing leadership in the quiet moments. A few had never played in a structured system before, so seeing them buy in, improve, and trust the process was special.

Off the Court – The Bigger Picture

But the biggest wins this season? They weren’t measured by the scoreboard.

They showed up in the form of renewed purpose, accountability, and real personal growth. We had players who were close to walking away from college but ended up re-engaging. Some started making better choices, not just with what they ate or how they trained, but with how they approached life. Basketball gave them structure, confidence, and a reason to keep turning up.

This group became more than just a team; it became a brotherhood. A place where standards were raised, where boys stepped into young manhood, and where friendships were forged under pressure. One of our guys even took that growth global, heading out to Thailand to continue chasing his basketball dream.

It’s that transformation off the court the mindset shift, the resilience, the way they carry themselves now that makes Season One unforgettable.

Looking Ahead – Year Two

The foundation’s set. And now we build.

Recruitment for next season is live. But we’re not looking for hype or ego. We’re looking for student-athletes who are ready to work. Ready to grow. Ready to represent Suffolk New College with pride — on and off the court.

We’re building more than just a team — we’re building a culture. If you’re serious about the journey and want to represent the Rams the right way, see you in August!

The marathon continues...

— Coach Anton