Men’s Basketball Earns Preseason Recognition, Eyes Big Turnaround in 2025-26 Campaign
The Prince George's Community College men's basketball team is once again garnering national attention ahead of their upcoming season, this time at the Division II level after earning recognition in the NJCAA DII preseason rankings as one of the programs receiving votes.
The squad enters the 2025-26 season with both motivation and momentum after narrowly missing the playoffs last year despite finishing strong with a 4-game winning streak. Head Coach Terrell Harris, who returns for his fourth season leading the team shared his approach this year, "Our theme this year is the Get Back Tour. We know what it felt like to fall just short last season, and this group is ready to respond."
The Owls return four key contributors from a year ago in sophomores Willie Rivera Jr., Tyler Donald, Lynn King III, and Michael Osuji, as well as Josiah Melvin who was a member of the 2023-24 team that won the Region 20 DIII Championship before capturing the Mid-Atlantic District Title to advance to the National Tournament held in Herkimer, New York.
The returners will be joined by a strong group of newcomers including D'Yan Carter (6'5" wing/forward) and Kadon Fossett (6'1" combo guard), who both transferred from NCAA DII Frostburg State University. Local standouts Jermaine Taylor (PG County 4A Player of the Year), Isaiah Mansaray (SMAC Player of the Year), Paul Vance III, Sidy Koite (6'8" freshman from IDEA Charter), and Donnell Dorsey (6'5" wing from Oxon Hill) look to bring a balance of shooting, length, and power across all positions.
The Owls will tip off their season on Saturday, November 1, at home against Community Christian College (MI) to begin a 30-game schedule. This year's slate features 18 road games and just 12 at home, with multiple back-to-back games as the Owls aim to prepare for the demands of postseason tournament play. Prince George's will face four nationally ranked DII opponents as the rankings currently stand, including three within Region 20: Howard Community College (#10), Chesapeake College (#25), and Cecil College, who is also receiving votes. A huge midseason trip to kick off the New Year is scheduled for January 2nd at Davidson-Davie (#5), a perennial NJCAA power that will test the Owls in the second half of their season.
Despite the number of ranked opponents and heavy road schedule, Coach Harris insists that his team goals remain the same, "Win the Region, reclaim the Maryland JUCO Championship, and make the National Tournament." The Owls will get their first shot at taking a step in that direction when they host the Community Christian Lions November 1st at 4 PM inside Novak Field House. Admission to all home Prince George's Community College athletic events is $6 via the Owls GoFan page. Spectators are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance or are welcome to purchase at the point of entry. Tickets are available for purchase by credit card only, cash cannot be accepted.
