About the Program

CCRI Knights Men’s Basketball 2009-10 Preview

Following three straight Region XXI Championships and one National Tournament appearance in his first three seasons as head coach of the CCRI men’s basketball program, Rick Harris has his sights set on more accomplishments.

“We will work each day to improve individually and as a team. We want to put ourselves in a position to win the region, the Northeast district, and a chance to play against the nation’s best,” he said.

The team plays one of the strongest junior college schedules in the country and is returning seven key sophomores. Starting guard Dave Storti (Exeter, R.I.) averaged 10.0 points per game last year and will be joined by point guard Pat Sturdahl (Exeter, R.I.). Other returning players Colin Burns (Chepachet), Esaie Touze (Providence, R.I.), Apollos Wade (Taunton, Mass.), Mason Kenny (Topeka, Kan.) and Jason Collier (Killingly, Conn.) will be counted on to provide experience and leadership.

Doran Mitchell (New Britain, Conn.), a transfer from the University of Maine, and Tyler Patch (North Attleboro, Mass.), a transfer from Keene State, are expected to bolster the Knights’ attack.

During the off season, Harris sought to recruit student-athletes with size, speed and talent. Terrence “TJ” McKiver (New Haven, Conn.), a 6-foot-6-inch center, and Johnny Stovall (Bridgeport, Conn.), a 6-foot-4-inch forward, are expected to man the frontcourt. Jordan McDonald (Providence, R.I.) should contribute at forward/center. Harris also recruited guard Mike Rivera, a Boston native, and Rhode Islanders Matt Chiccarelli (North Smithfield, R.I.) and Cranston, R.I. natives Kevin Cabrera, Ricky Fuller, Mike Juarez and Gian Papa.

Harris and his assistant coaches, Andy Jackson and Sam Hajinian, expect this team to have plenty of depth and they are encouraged by their work ethic and positive attitude as they strive for an appearance at the NJCAA Division II National Basketball Championship in March 2010.