It doesn't take long before new Chabot men's basketball coach Keenan McMiller mentions the 'D' word -- as in defense.
"We're definitely going to defend at a high level," McMiller says.
Clearly, he intends to bring the program back to the level of its glory years, including in 1999-2000 when he helped Chabot make the state playoffs as a player under head coach Tony Costello.
"I consider Chabot College to be one of the best coaching positions in Northern California," McMiller says. "Elevation back to the top begins with the foundation of retention, graduation and transfer of our student athletes."
The Gladiators, ranked No. 11 in the state preseason poll, will open the McMiller era with three games in the San Jose City TipOff tourney this week, beginning against Cosumnes River on Nov. 1.
McMiller, who had a 160-130 overall record and earned two state Final Four appearances during 10 years at Merritt, cites length, versatility and athleticism as Chabot strengths this season. He wants to turn tough defense into efficient transition offense.
The Gladiators boast shooting guard Akili Daniels (Sacramento HS), powerful point guard Kolby Charles (Castro Valley), Kyle Brown (Dublin), and another tough guy in Jordan McGlory, a transfer from Cal State East Bay who plays blanket defense, can shoot the three and finish above the rim. Jordan Cineus (Legacy HS-North Las Vegas), an Oakland native who has returned from Las Vegas, will also be a key contributor.
Charles was a standout in the NorCal Jamboree. Also in the mix are promising Travon Cotton-Taylor (Hug HS) and Jabari Sweet (Sacramento HS).
The team's lone returner, Isaiah Ali, averaged 9.0 ppg last season, and his experience can help a talented young cast of young guards come along.
Chabot, which finished 3-24 last season and 1-11 Coast Conference-North, will use a challenging nonconference schedule to prepare for what is considered the toughest conference in Northern California, paced by reigning CCCAA State Champion CCSF and perennial playoff qualifier Las Positas, guided by James Giacomazzi.
Chabot's projected emergence this season will only make the Coast-North stronger.