First Time OCC Men’s Basketball Has Qualified for National Tournament Since 1987
Oakland Community College’s Men’s Basketball team has won the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Great Lakes District A Championships and earned a spot in the NJCAA National Basketball Division II tournament. This is the first time OCC’s Men’s Basketball team has qualified for the NJCAA national tournament since 1987.
With a first-year coach and a new group of players, OCC defeated Marian University Ancilla 89-79 in the championship game of the District A Championships. The team is the #17 seed in the NJCAA Division II National tournament and will play #16 seed SUNY Niagara on Monday, March 17 at noon EST in Danville, Ill.
OCC is one of only 20 teams to qualify for the NJCAA National Division II tournament.
Coaches and Players Honored
In addition to winning the Division championship, there were several individual accolades including:
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First year OCC Men’s Basketball Coach Gjon Djokaj named Great Lakes District A Coach of the Year
Coach of the Year Gjon Djokaj and Tournament MVP Nick Speiser. - Nick Speiser named Tournament MVP
- Linden Holder and Justin Latham were named to the All-Tournament Team
The team compiled a season record of 23-8 overall, including three wins at the District Championships and a 9-5 record in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) conference.
“I am so proud of the championship season this team has achieved thanks to the leadership of Coach Gjon Djokaj and this outstanding group of student athletes, “ said OCC Athletic Director Jamie Corona. “After finishing in last place in our conference last year, Coach Djokaj and the players have accomplished an amazing turnaround.”
Djokaj, who joined OCC as the Men’s Basketball coach last summer after a successful high school coaching career at De La Salle Collegiate High School, said winning the district championship and qualifying for the national tournament is a testament to how dedicated and focused his players are.
“We are excited for the opportunity to play in the national tournament and on the biggest stage. These young men have bought into the pillars of our program and our philosophy since day one,” said Djokaj. “With so little time together in the offseason, they understood that hard work and dedication each day was the only way for us to succeed. This journey into the national tournament is their reward for all their sacrifices for our program. “
Visit OCC’s Men’s Basketball for the team roster and latest news. For more information on all OCC sports, visit OCC Owls. The game can be streamed live on the NJCAA Network.
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About OCC
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training and expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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