Senior Guard Jordan Chatman celebrating after a big play vs. Arkansas Pine Bluff. (Kyah Storniolo/FAMU Athletics)
The Florida A&M University men’s basketball team finds itself at a defining point of the season.
The Rattlers, 8-12 overall and 5-4 in SWAC play, are still very much in the mix for a spot in the SWAC tournament. However, recent losses have added urgency for the players and coaching staff to turn things around.
FAMU played encouraging basketball during the first stretch of the season. However, they are continuing to fight through growing pains as they sit in the middle of the SWAC table.
The coaching staff’s focus, according to FAMU assistant coach Rob Lewis, is reinforcing habits that transfer to winning in the second half of the season.
“We just need to continue our process and focus on what it takes to win,” Lewis said. “Along with all the little things that go into the game, such as rebounding, sharing the ball, and executing.”
As the season has gone on, the coaches have put a major emphasis on building sustainability within the program. Lewis emphasized that this team is built on a foundation that can lead to long-term success.
“We are trying to bring back a brand of winning basketball and make sure we are doing things right on and off the court,” Lewis said. “The number one thing is bringing back that winning culture to FAMU.”
Chatman lining up to take a three-point shot. (Kyah Storniolo/FAMU Athletics)
That message has traveled into the locker room. The handful of veterans on the roster are keeping the group focused on the task at hand despite the recent losses.
With the possibility of being able to fight for a SWAC championship still alive, senior guard Jordan Chatman says maintaining a positive attitude is just as important as executing on the court.
“The motivation for our team is the SWAC championship,” Chatman said. “We have an older and more mature team that knows what it takes to win.”
Chatman says players are leaning on one another and keeping morale high while reminding each other that every game gives them a chance to push ahead and fight for a spot in the tournament.
“The message in the locker room is really just to stay connected,” Chatman said. “We know the season is full of ups and downs, so we just have to stay together. We could lose now and then win the next 10 games, so we are just going to continue working hard.”
The team will host two crucial home games over the next few days. FAMU takes on Texas Southern on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. and they host Prairie View A&M on Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.
Both games are at the Al Lawson Center. A couple of wins could give the Rattlers the kickstart they need to hop back on track in hopes of a SWAC championship.
Assistant Coach Lewis roaming the sidelines. (Kyah Storniolo/FAMU Athletics)