Men’s Basketball

Action shot during a 2025 men's basketball game.

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Watch the Men’s and Women’s Basketball home games live on the SSC Athletics YouTube Channel!

Freshman Guard AJ Abrams Named Honorable Mention All-American

Congratulations to SSC’s very own AJ Abrams (#2 pictured above) for his efforts during the 2024-25 season. He was named to the NJCAA Division II Honorable Mention All-American Team. Abrams averaged 17 points, 4.9 assists, 7.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals. He is the 20th All-American coached by John Pigatti during his 19 seasons at the helm. Abrams helped the Bulldogs to a Region IV Championship game appearance and a 22-11 record in 2024-25.

About

For the first time in school history, the 2021-22 Men’s Basketball team finished a perfect 33-0 season by winning the NJCAA Division II National Championship. Coach John Pigatti and the Bulldogs entered the NJCAA National Championship Tournament as the the top men’s junior college basketball team in the nation, earning them the #1 seed. Both honors were also a first.

The Bulldogs won the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Region IV Championships. They placed 10 times at the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. The 2020 National Tournament did not take place due to COVID-19. The 2021 Men’s Basketball team finished the shortened season 20-6. They won the Midwest District Championship, and placed 8th at the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament.

The 2019-20 Men’s Basketball Team finished the season 29-4. The Bulldogs defeated Carl Sandburg College 74-63 to win the Region IV Midwest District B Championship. Coach Pigatti was named District B Coach-of-the-Year. Courtney Carter, sophomore guard, was named Spalding® NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Player of the Year after having established himself as one of the country’s most all-around players. He averaged 15.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 5.5 steals.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Pigatti was named the recipient of the 2017 Jack Bennett Man of the Year Award, named in honor of the former head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, for winning with integrity. Pigatti has also been named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Junior College Division II and Region IV Coach of the Year 10 times during his 14 seasons at the helm.

The 2015-16 team finished the season with the best record in the nation and school history (at the time) with 34 wins and 3 losses. Sophomore guard Jovan Mooring was recognized as the 2015-16 Spalding® NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Player of the Year after having established himself as one of the country’s most prolific scorers. Mooring averaged 26.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assist, and 3 steals per game during the 2015-16 season. He also played in the NJCAA National All-Star Game. He attended UNLV and was named to the 3rd team All Mountain West Conference. He was also a first-round draft pick for the Grand rapids Drive in the 2018 NDBL draft.

The team opens its practice sessions on October 1. Those interested in the participating in the Men’s Basketball program are encouraged to contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2524.