Cyclone men's basketball experienced a number of starts and stops since the fall but, at long last, were able to play a string of games and feel like a team again, even if briefly.
Normally, the Cyclones are wrapping up a long, intense season in March. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they started playing one of seven games on March 18. Initially, their season was postponed from a normal start in November to January. Then it was canceled, and finally they were allowed to play up to 10 games that would not count toward their record.
"COVID really set our guys back, especially versus teams like Morton that were playing their 23rd game when we started. They hadn't stopped practicing. I was initially not looking forward to playing. The five games we lost, we could've won. It didn't matter as much as giving these guys the opportunity to play. From that standpoint, it was great. I'm glad we did it," said Head Coach John Chappetto, who completed his second season leading the program.
The Cyclones faced Morton College and Milwaukee Area Technical College twice each, South Suburban College, a Cyclone alumni team and Saint Xavier University alumni. Some games were close, and they even battled into an overtime with Milwaukee.
Although it was almost like club ball, Chappetto said it made it easier to give everyone an opportunity on the court and was less pressure to win with little preparation. Even so, he was happy with his crew.
"The guys exceeded my expectations. They played hard and competed," Chappetto said. "Going forward, we have some talented guys coming back and know what we want on the court and academically."
The core is expected to return this fall – sophomores Christopher Harrison (Shepard), Trevon Jones (Richards), Jalen Levy (Rich East), Jevon Lurry (Joliet West), Nathan Purcell (Lincoln-Way Central), and freshmen Kobe Adams (Oswego), Ethan Campagna (Kennedy) and Deandre Hagan (Brother Rice) – and the coaches will be signing recruits for what they hope is a regular full season of basketball.
With all they've gone through this season, Chappetto is thankful for being able to have his guys compete and is also grateful for the people who helped make it happen.
"Moraine Valley and Athletics really stepped up to make it happen in the last month. My two assistants are great. They're very positive, great basketball coaches and help me a ton. We're very fortunate to have them. And Geoff [Davis, trainer] is fantastic, doing so many things for us and other sports. All of Athletics made my job easier, and I know it's been tough for them, too. They all deserve thanks," Chappetto said.