Fast and fearless, Moraine Valley men’s basketball leans into their strengths

What they lack in roster depth and height, the Moraine Valley Community College men’s basketball team intends to make up for in speed this season.

The team is entirely new except for three returners, one of whom played significant minutes last year. It’s truly a discovery process for the coaches to see who will show up to play ball each game.

“The hardest thing is we’re undersized, so we have to play different. We’re going to have to play faster, and I think they can do it,” said Head Coach Kyle Huppe, entering his fourth season leading the men’s basketball program.

Helping lead the way is returning starter and All-Conference first team and All-Region second team 6-2 guard Reggie Strong (Orr Academy). He’s slightly older than his teammates, knows Huppe’s coaching style and is anticipated to be the leading scorer.

Some incoming transfer players should make an impact on the team as well, including 6-1 guard Markwan Adams (Victory/Bloom) and 6-2 guard Mason Minor (Curie Metropolitan). Adams will be a leader on the court while Minor will bring some edge under the basket. Freshman Darron Greer Jr. (6-4/guard/Argo) is one of the taller players on the team who will be reliable once he gets into the flow of the season.

Last year, the Cyclones just missed out on becoming Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference co-champions, and although they collected a 19-13 record, Huppe wants to do better.

“I want to eclipse 20 wins. We need to get more ball possessions and be in better physical shape to make a run in the postseason,” Huppe explained. “With this being largely a different group, we’re looking forward to seeing how it plays out and translates in games. There are a lot of unknowns, but we’re excited.”

The Cyclones open their season on the road at Bryant and Stratton College on Oct. 30 before their home opener on Thursday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m., against Harper College. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.