ATLANTA, GA | The Morehouse College basketball team had their first home games of the 2024-2025 season this past weekend. Following their games against Valdosta and Clayton State I spoke with the players as well as head Coach Whittler for an inside scoop on the Maroon Tiger's well anticipated upcoming season.
 
Despite two losses this past weekend one thing that was apparent to any viewer of these games was the harmonious synergy that was present between the players on the court. With only five returning players from last season senior Amahn Decker says, "we're a whole new team".  Decker went on to say, "We're still building our bond and learning each other". Decker went on to echo the importance of working hard both on and off the court to operate as a successful team at a prestigious institution like Morehouse College.
 
Matthew Coffey, a transfer from Wayne State, says support from a community as vibrant as Spel-House makes all the difference in the game.

Sophomore Cedric Taylor also touched on the importance of the Spel-House community, after being asked what the support from the community means to him, stating, "That's huge! I can't express that enough!" Taylor also said that the canned food drive organized by Morehouse athletics, Morehouse Student Engagement Committee, and Lythouse was "Amazing" and hopes that those efforts help get fans involved and active in the maroon tiger community!
 
Coach Douglas Whittler, head coach for four years, says that the "ultimate goal is for the guys to win the championship...it is going to have to be a lot of sacrifice". He aims to help his players hit their personal goals through "skills training", but says he doesn't let them lose sight of their goal as a team. Following the game against Valdosta state I asked Whittler what performances demonstrated growth in the face of adversity. Whittler says "I was proud that Cedric Taylor stepped up…he was able to stay in the game and play extended minutes, because he had a really good game without picking up that third foul." Taylor got two fouls in the front end of the game, but still put on a good performance being the highest scorer of the game with 18 points and 7 rebounds.
 
Ultimately, the players anticipate getting "in the lab" to put in the work for a different outcome in the games to come this season. Senior Omar Rowe says the team has to put in the work to avoid complacency and keep their energy consistent no matter what factors may be trying to deter them.
 
The Maroon Tigers will be traveling to Lakeland, Florida over the Thanksgiving weekend to face St. Leo on Friday and Florida Southern on Saturday.  The Maroon Tiger will return to McAfee Court at Forbes Arena on December 14 and 16 to face Kentucky State and Central State.  For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.