Navajo Technical University’s Men’s Basketball Team Prepares for Challenging Season
Excitement is building for the upcoming season of the Navajo Technical University (NTU) men’s basketball team. With six returning players from last year’s successful inaugural season, the team is gearing up for what promises to be an action-packed and competitive season.
One of the key players to watch is Brady Ramon, NTU’s returning point guard and a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. With his expertise on the court and the talent of his teammates, Ramon is confident that this season will showcase exceptional athleticism and bring excitement to the game. The team prides itself on having a majority of Native American players, representing tribes such as Navajo, Comanche, Pueblo, Cherokee, Tohono O’odham, and Ak Chin.
Head coach Rob Floco, now in his second year with NTU, has focused on blending in a dozen freshmen with the veteran players to create a cohesive and strong team. He emphasizes the importance of unity, stating that the team’s success hinges on the collective effort and the ability to share the ball and defend as a cohesive unit.
In preparation for the challenging season, the team has added some local talent to its roster. Players like Albrandon Byjoe, Quinn Atazhoon, Dontrelle Denetso, and Lars Yazzie bring their skills and experience from prestigious high schools such as Monument Valley, Gallup, Navajo Prep, and Newcomb.
Coach Floco also sought out talent from the Albuquerque and Phoenix areas, resulting in a team with more size and physicality compared to last year. This new dynamic will bring a different tempo to their gameplay, and their intense practices have only added to the team’s confidence and unity.
The NTU Skyhawks will kick off the season with a pair of exhibition games against Hillcrest Prep at Gallup High School. Hillcrest Prep, a reputable prep academy from Gilbert, Arizona, poses a significant challenge for the Skyhawks. With their roster consisting of Division I level players and impressive height in their lineup, it will undoubtedly be an intense game for NTU.
Looking beyond the start of the season, Coach Floco has made it a priority to showcase the team’s talent beyond Crownpoint. The schedule includes games in Chinle, Window Rock, and either Newcomb or Shiprock, allowing more fans from the Navajo Nation and other communities to experience NTU’s brand of basketball.
In the pursuit of expanding their outreach, the team has also scheduled games with programs like Northern New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico, and even Weber State University, a Division I program. This cross-cultural exchange is not only exciting for the NTU team but also for their non-Native players who are experiencing a new and diverse basketball environment.
In conclusion, the Navajo Technical University men’s basketball team is prepared for an exhilarating and challenging season. With a mix of returning players and fresh talent, they are set to bring a higher level of athleticism to the court. Coach Floco’s emphasis on unity and teamwork will be instrumental in their success, as they continue to bond and develop as a family. Furthermore, the team’s efforts to expand their outreach and showcase their skills to a wider audience highlight their commitment to enriching the basketball community within Crownpoint and beyond.
